First off, you should know that the 250 km south of Chiang Mai are on national highways and aren’t very fun. It’s certainly beautiful because it’s mountainous, but it’s borderline dangerous. Taking the train is a great alternative. The best way to get to Chiang Mai—if you’re not afraid of mountains and have the time—is via Mae Hong Son. It’s tough, but unforgettable.
In the first one, which I did in 2009, you’ll find the climb via Mae Hong Son, passing through Kanchanaburi, and the direct descent minus the dangerous section I took by bus.
In the second, there’s the climb I did in 2013, which also goes through Kanchanaburi.
If I had to choose between the three routes, my preferences are:
1) 2009 climb (via Mae Hong Son)
2) 2013 climb
3) 2009 descent
I much prefer the first over the second, and the second over the third. While routes 2 and 3 are easily doable for most touring cyclists, that’s not the case for the first. You should know that between Mae Hong Son and Wat Chan (Bat Chan), there’s 4,000 m of positive elevation gain and 3,000 m of negative over 80 km, with climbs and descents of 20% to 30%. Plan for two days or more, with a stop in a Karen village. If there’s one place you *have* to go in Thailand, it’s here—but like all unforgettable spots, it’s also hard to reach. Also, be mindful of Thai and Karen customs and etiquette. People in these remote areas don’t see tourists often, and it’s important not to leave a bad impression, which unfortunately happens too much in the rest of the country and touristy regions.
One more thing: I ride with a mountain bike and Continental Travel Contact tires. My routes aren’t always paved—there can be rocks or dirt paths. A touring bike with Marathon tires will handle it fine, but racing tires won’t.
We’re heading out this winter for a 3-month bike trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, then a quick hop to Mandalay, Pagan, and Inle Lake, followed by Laos.
If you’ve got any tips, we’d love to hear them!
For bikes, we’re on 26-inch wheels with 45mm Marathon tires. The catch is my wife can’t handle 20% gradients, so we end up pushing the bikes.
Thanks again for the routes—think we might be neighbors since we work in Geneva and my wife is Swiss.
I don’t know how much time you’ve planned after Chiang Mai, but with three months, I’d go through Mae Hong Son. If your bike—weighing 30 kg—can climb La Croisette without a hitch, it’ll handle the hills there, even if you have to redistribute the load. You could also reach Chiang Mai via Pai, but that’d be a real shame. The weight you’re carrying is still one of the key factors for climbing hills.
The climbs aren’t ever too long—about 2–3 km—then it’s downhill and back up again, and so on. For me, there were one or two climbs where I had to push halfway. There are quite a few villages along the way, and people I know, but communication isn’t easy since few speak English.
I completed the loop in under a month—fast, too fast—but work commitments didn’t leave me much choice. Doing half in a month is more relaxed; it lets you shorten the distances and enjoy the places you like even more.
hi the route follows the via Route 11, 721 km via road number 1
that makes 698 km maybe easier in my opinion
anyway, you have to leave Bangkok via the n 11
then at Tha Ngam go through Tak
if you want something else, don’t hesitate—happy travels!
The purpose of GPS tracks is to avoid the national highways, which quickly become nightmarish and very dangerous in Thailand, and often lack any real interest.
My tracks only go through small villages and rural roads (four-digit roads or even unnumbered ones), except when it’s not possible or I had to make a connection. Even leaving Bangkok can be done while avoiding the big boulevards.
I have a fantastic route with GPS tracks and KML files for Google Earth that goes through Kanchanaburi, Tha BKradan, Ban Tin Tok, Ban Rai, Mae Wong, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Mae Sot, Tha Song Yang, Mae Sariang, Khun Yuam, Mae Hong Son, Ban Chan, Samoeng, and Chiang Mai.
And for the return trip, by bus to Sukhothai, then by bike back to Bangkok in three days.
There are few national roads, and lots of trails and small roads. However, this route is very demanding physically, and you need to travel light. It’s about 2,150 km with over 21,000 meters of elevation gain. It took me a month with a bike under 30 kg. The return from Chiang Mai can be done by bus or train, which shortens the distance quite a bit, but doesn’t reduce the elevation gain since it’s practically flat.
Biking through the Karen villages is just amazing. The people are welcoming and even kinder than the Thais (which is saying something), and it more than makes up for the effort it takes to get there.
If you want the KML files, send me your email via PM.
Serge
Hi Serge,
It’s been a while since you did this, but I’d love to do more or less the same route! Do you still have those files? Thanks a lot!
Corentin
Or here are all the tracks, which you can edit and export as GPX if you have a Bikemap subscription. Just a heads-up—I don’t have any affiliation with Bikemap, but it’s super handy for creating routes. You can also use OpenCycleMap with a subscription.
https://web.bikemap.net/c/256316
I’d recommend preparing your routes before you leave and sticking to them. Avoid the main roads. Thailand has tons of small, beautiful, and pleasant roads, but improvising on the spot is really tough because the alphabet is unreadable on maps and signs, there are so many intersections, and people will always direct you toward a main road instead of showing you the back roads.
The most interesting stretch is from Mae Hong Son to Chiang Mai. But watch out—it climbs steeply, so you’ll want really low gears.
Regarding the route 105 from Mae Sot to Mae Sariang, I see that some of you mention Tha Song Yang, but it turns out there are actually two separate places about 70 km apart with the same name along this road:
- The first is a small town with a few accommodations: 17°13'35.81"N 98°13'43.55"E
- The other is a village with no accommodations, which locals distinguish from the first by adding the prefix "ban" (village), so Ban Tha Song Yang: 17°33'48.23"N 97°54'50.60"E.
Many maps mix the two up.
Also:
- The entire road is now paved. However, there’s very little traffic (and almost no trucks), especially between Tha Song Yang and Mae Sariang, and even less from Ban Tha Song Yang to Mae Sariang.
- The pass between Ban Tha Song Yang and Mae Sariang is often in the clouds (with visibility around twenty meters) and chilly.
Or here are all the tracks, which you can edit and export as GPX if you have a Bikemap subscription. Just a heads-up—I don’t have any affiliation with Bikemap, but it’s super handy for creating routes. You can also use OpenCycleMap with a subscription.
https://web.bikemap.net/c/256316
I’d recommend preparing your routes before you leave and sticking to them. Avoid the main roads. Thailand has tons of small, beautiful, and pleasant backroads, but improvising on the spot is tough because the alphabet is unreadable on maps and signs, there are so many intersections, and people will always direct you toward a main road instead of showing you the smaller paths.
The most interesting stretch is from Mae Hong Son to Chiang Mai. But be warned—it’s steep, so you’ll want really low gears.
Have a great trip!
Serge
Hey Serge, thanks a million for this goldmine! I can access the KML files, but if you happen to have the GPX files ready and it’s not too much trouble, that’d be awesome for my GPS device!
The backroads *are* so much nicer...
Can’t wait to tackle those mountains—it’s my favorite part!
I’d recommend planning your route carefully before you leave and sticking to it. Avoid the main roads. Thailand has tons of small roads that are really beautiful and pleasant, but it’s super hard to improvise once you’re there—because the alphabet is unreadable on maps and signs, there are so many intersections, and people will always direct you toward a main road instead of showing you the small paths.
Hi there,
In Thailand, where I cycle regularly, there’s indeed a pretty well-developed secondary road network. But that’s mostly true in the plains. In the mountains, secondary roads are limited or even nonexistent, so your route choices are pretty much made for you. To avoid getting lost, the best thing is an offline smartphone app like Maps.me, OsmAnd, or Mapy.cz. These apps can sometimes have errors, though. Last winter, I upgraded my setup with a 5G SIM card and started using Google Maps. Now it’s impossible to get lost, but the sense of adventure is gone 😅. The mobile network with the best coverage is AIS. Otherwise, I can confirm that the Mae Hong Son loop is really tough, with steep climbs of 20% or more. For cycling in Northern Thailand, I wrote a trip report here: https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9945930#9945930
Hi there,
I’m planning to cycle around Taiwan in 2026 and I’d love to know if it’s possible to do the whole island on bike paths, how many kilometers that would be, whether wild camping is easy, and so on…
I’m planning a 15-day cycling trip in Taiwan.
I’m torn between March and April.
Which way would you go?
Do I need to book accommodations in advance?
Do you have any bike-rental places to recommend?
Thanks for all your tips and first-hand experience!
Last bike trek 2026 for Claudio from La Faverges
Pretty but pricey!
Tough due to Z-route errors: damn GPS!
Here’s the deal: claudio finally did the bike trek he’d been planning for N+1 years, heading toward the Northeastern Region of France.
A few highlights: Jura Vesoul Épinal Arbois VéloRoute 50; Northeastern Canals (Saar Canal); Sarrebourg Saarbrücken Alsace Bossue Lorraine Vosges Jura Switzerland
Story and photos coming soon...
Story in progress...
Setting off from Geneva, a bit grumpy, toward the shores of Lake Geneva, we weave through the crowds of wild commuters, but calmly via Versoix, Tannay, Commugny, Founex, Céligny, and finally Genolier, where the real fun begins.
Indeed, while the road from Arzier to St-Cergue and La Givrine offers stunning views of the Lake Geneva basin, the climb is challenging.
But after atoning for a few sins, the village of La Cure is reached as easily as pie.
To avoid the main road and prolong the fun, we opt for the route to Prémanon and Morez via unlikely backroads.
Phew: Lons-le-Saunier at last! Still, quite a bit of meandering to find our campsite.
We lose not only our bearings but also our Michelin map, but eventually stumble upon the hostel—a bit spartan, but at least we’re sheltered.
I’m planning to bike around the Mediterranean.
I’m supposed to go through North Africa, but it seems a bit complicated.
Visas and travel in Algeria and Egypt only work if you book a hotel (no nights spent outside?).
Libya is generally very unclear, and it seems you can only travel there with a local guide (which doesn’t exist for bike trips).
If necessary, I’d skip Libya, but neither a bus ride nor a boat detour seems possible to enter Egypt.
Does anyone have tips on how to get around these issues and secure a visa?
Hi everyone, especially to fellow cycle tourists! I’ve just finished a 25-day bike trip from Tamatave to Diego along the east coast—about 1,300 km, including 850 km of pure dirt tracks and bush. I kept a travel journal, so I’ve got plenty of tips for anyone interested.
See you soon
Hello fellow cycle tourists,
Are there any campsites along the Somme cycle route?
Let’s say every 50/60 km starting from Tergnier.
Thanks for your help!
I’m considering applying for the next edition of the Silk Road (Let’s go crazy 😜). Nothing’s certain, of course—I think there’s a lottery for anonymous applicants.
I’m 67, and my goal is to take part and go as far as possible, without necessarily finishing, let alone making it within the time limits.
I already know Kyrgyzstan from cycling there before. The area’s tough, but the landscapes and vibe are stunning.
I’m open to any advice or suggestions. Also up for a race partner (as a duo or solo).
I live in the Monts du Lyonnais and train daily.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Thierry
When you think of traveling in Tanzania, you often picture high-altitude treks and 4x4 safaris. However, for those who prefer exploring on two wheels, the country’s vast network of dirt tracks, volcanic terrain, and diverse ecosystems make it one of Africa’s most rewarding cycling destinations.
Whether you prefer challenging alpine climbs, fast gravel trails, or coastal rides, here’s a look at what makes cycling in northern Tanzania so exceptional, along with some of the region’s best routes:
1. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro by bike (Kilema route)
Terrain: Singletracks through humid rainforest, gravel paths in the moorland zone, and alpine desert scree.
* The experience: For experienced mountain bikers seeking a high-altitude challenge, the Kilema route is the official bike-accessible path on Kilimanjaro. The trail winds through lush rainforest before reaching the open heathlands near Horombo. Higher up, crossing the alpine desert toward Kibo demands endless bike carries and pushes, but descending through the forest canopy remains an unforgettable experience.
2. The full 360° loop around Kilimanjaro’s base
Terrain: Red clay earth, two-track trails, rolling gravel, and volcanic paths (total loop of about 360 km).
The experience: Circling Kilimanjaro lets you admire its landscapes from every angle. The route meanders through Chagga farmlands, coffee plantations, dense forests, and the open Maasai plains of the western side (like the West Kili area). It offers stunning views of Kibo and Mount Meru while passing through local villages.
3. From Kilimanjaro to Lake Natron (descent into the Great Rift Valley)
Terrain: Technical gravel, dry riverbeds (wadis), unstable volcanic rock, and acacia scrub.
The experience: This route takes cyclists from the fertile high slopes of Kilimanjaro to the dramatic, arid scenery of the Great Rift Valley. As you approach Lake Natron, the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai (“Mountain of God”) dominates the horizon. The final stretch across the Rift floor leads to the saline, serene shores of Lake Natron, a prime breeding ground for large colonies of lesser flamingos.
4. Wildlife zones and corridors
Terrain: Packed dirt tracks, animal trails, and undulating bush paths.
The experience: Pedaling through the northern circuit’s wild buffer zones and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) offers an authentic off-the-beaten-path cycling safari. Riding through acacia woodlands often provides sightings of savanna wildlife like giraffes, zebras, and antelopes in their natural habitat.
5. Coast to coast: From Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar
Terrain: Varied surfaces—from highland dirt tracks to coastal asphalt and sandy island trails.
The experience: Combining the cool mountain air of Kilimanjaro with the tropical Indian Ocean coastline, this long-distance route transitions from mountainous foothills to rural towns before ending at the coast for a boat crossing to Zanzibar. There, you can cycle along white-sand beaches lined with palm trees and through the historic heart of Stone Town.
Practical tips for cycling in Tanzania
Bike choice: A sturdy hardtail MTB, full-suspension MTB, or gravel bike with ample clearance (tires at least 2.0 inches) is ideal for tackling loose rocks, sandy patches, and corrugated tracks. Mid-drive e-MTBs are also popular for handling steep climbs.
Navigation: Using offline mapping apps (like Maps.me) alongside pre-downloaded GPX route files is essential for navigating rural tracks where mobile signal may be nonexistent.
Best time to go: The dry seasons—June to October and December to March—offer the best trail conditions, firmer ground, and clear mountain views.
Tanzania delivers the perfect mix of technical riding, impressive elevation, and cultural immersion right alongside local communities. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have questions about trail conditions or gear to bring!
Hi there,
who has already done the EURO VELO 1 in Norway from the south to the North Cape, and what are the main difficulties:
elevation gain, etc.......
Otherwise, who has already done the EURO VELO 7 from south to north, crossing Sweden up to the North Cape? If so, what are the difficulties, elevation gain, and does it pass through villages for supplies, etc.......
I’ve got my flight ticket sorted—departing in mid-November and returning in mid-March. I’ll arrive in Santiago and leave from Buenos Aires.
I’ve already been to southern Argentina, specifically Torres del Paine National Park, and I’d love to go back to do the full W trek (I only did the shorter version last time).
I also want to do some hiking and maybe even tackle a summit. I climb and occasionally do some mountaineering, so I’ll definitely be going with a guide.
I plan to start around Temuco in Chile, with the idea of heading toward the lakes, then taking the Carretera Austral.
I’m not sure if I’ll go all the way to Ushuaia—it’s supposed to not be *that* worth it, except for the bragging rights of saying you’ve been to the end of the world.
I saw there are lakes in Argentina too.
I don’t have a precise itinerary, but what I’d love is, once I reach the southernmost point of my trip, to take a mini-cruise to see some wildlife. Any tips for that?
What kind of sleeping bag did you take? Is a 0°C (32°F) one enough?
And one last question: white gas stove or can I get by with my gas stove?
I’m landing in Madagascar with a buddy before the end of April 2026. We’re planning to bike around for about twenty days or so. We don’t have a specific goal other than exploring the country and meeting the locals.
Ideally, we’d prefer a loop route starting from Antananarivo with a good chunk of it along the coast. On the bike side, we’re used to riding 6 to 8 hours a day, depending on the needs, encounters, and mood 😉 Any feedback or tips from trips around this length?
Hi everyone,
I’m heading to Madagascar in early October to cycle from Tana to Diego along the east coast.
I really want to visit the Masoala Peninsula and its primary forest. If anyone’s interested, I’m open to company.
Maybe see you soon!
I’d been watching this ultra-light travel movement or trend for a while.
So I gave it a try—goodbye to the 5 panniers and rear racks.
A 15L saddle bag for clothes and a stove cookset.
Two cages on the fork blades: 2x5L—mattress on one side, tent on the other.
A 5L frame bag for miscellaneous items: battery, camera, small bits and pieces.
And one on the handlebar for the sleeping bag.
I tested it this summer on a crossing from Valence to Perpignan via the Massif Central.
My conclusions:
The obvious advantage is the reduced weight. In total, I had 12 kg on the bike, which makes climbing in the mountains much easier.
Another benefit I hadn’t considered is the significantly lower wind resistance compared to a traditional setup—you really feel it when the wind’s against you.
Of course, it’s not all perfect...
For example, it’s impossible to carry a food stock. You buy just enough before each meal or go to a restaurant!
You also have to accept a more spartan comfort level at stops.
In conclusion, I think for summer trips in regions where resupplying is easy, it’s an interesting option—especially if there’s significant elevation gain.
On the other hand, it doesn’t allow for enough autonomy, so some trips are off the table.
On the bike side, I swapped my Shimano 11/34 cassette for an 11/40. Even though Shimano doesn’t recommend it with a 105 derailleur and a 46/30 double chainring, it works really well.
The only limit is avoiding the 46/40 gear ratio.
Hi,
what are the easiest ways to get back from Nordkapp without pedaling—
train, boat, or plane?
Has anyone already done this?
Thanks for sharing your tips!
I’m planning to leave Nice for Toulouse around 10/15 and I’m looking for tips / great deals regarding:
- The route: I was thinking of taking Nice - Grasse - Draguignan - Salernes - Cadarache - Cavaillon - Arles, then the Camargue, Sète, and the Canal du Midi to Toulouse. The idea is to avoid high-traffic roads and too many steep climbs. Are there any spots to avoid or must-see stops? Since it’s been a while since I’ve been on the road, I was thinking that sleeping indoors might be preferable. If you have any budget-friendly accommodation suggestions along part of the route, don’t hesitate!
Thanks in advance, and if you’re in the area around that time, we could ride together... Ciao.
Hi,
I need to arrive in Thessaloniki by bike at the end of September and I plan to head to Istanbul along the coast.
Could anyone help me pick the best route? Safety, difficulty.
Thanks in advance.
Marc
Hi everyone! Thanks for welcoming me to the forum :)
I’m preparing for a long trip heading to Nepal, with stops along the way depending on my mood, work needs, and the season. I cycle a lot, but this will be my first big touring adventure. I’d like to camp regularly to keep costs down, so I’ll be riding on all kinds of surfaces: smooth and rough roads, main highways and rocky paths to find my camping spots, flat terrain and the occasional steep slopes.
For my bike model, I’m prioritizing durability, versatility, and repairability. From that perspective, I prefer a steel frame and fork with rim brakes since I’m used to them. I’ve narrowed my choices down to four models:
- The VSF Fahrradmanufaktur T-700 LTD (1400 €): steel frame, aluminum fork, hydraulic rim brakes, 28" wheels, 40mm tires, 36 spokes (2 mm), lightweight rear rack (max 20 kg), no front rack included, smallest gear ratio of 0.72, weight of 13.9 kg.
- The VSF Fahrradmanufaktur TX-400 (2200 €): steel frame and fork, hydraulic rim brakes, 26" wheels, 50mm tires, 36 spokes (2.34 mm), front and rear racks included (40+18 kg), smallest gear ratio of 0.71, weight of 15.9 kg.
- The Genesis Tour de Fer 30 (2150 €): steel frame and fork, mechanical disc brakes, 28" wheels, 36 spokes, 40mm tires, front and rear racks included (27+10 kg), smallest gear ratio of 0.77, weight of 15.9 kg.
- The Rockrider ADTV 900 from Decathlon (1700 €): aluminum frame and fork, mechanical disc brakes, USB port, 28" wheels, 47mm tires, 28 spokes, front and rear racks included (40+20 kg), smallest gear ratio of 0.71, weight of 17.1 kg. This is the successor to the Riverside Touring 900, which was a hit.
I’ve got a few questions:
1/ Should I go for 26" or 28" wheels for my trip? 26" wheels seem better for rough terrain, but 28" wheels feel more comfortable on roads. I’ve also read that 26" tires/tubes are easier to find.
2/ Do you recommend a steel frame and fork over aluminum? I’m guessing a high-quality aluminum frame and fork would be better than a low-quality steel one, right?
3/ Regarding the smallest gear ratio, is 0.71 a good number for a loaded bike in the mountains?
4/ Finally, what do you think of these four models for my project? My heart leans toward the TX-400—it seems to combine the versatility and robustness I’m looking for. But the price difference with the T-700 LTD is making me think twice!
Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts!
17 days, 1,400 km, and 17,500 m of elevation gain cycling in northern Vietnam! 🇻🇳 🚴🇻🇳
From the misty Fansipan to the breathtaking landscapes of the Ha Giang Loop, from remote villages to vibrant markets...
I cycled through the north of the country, getting up close with its people—through mud, heat, endless mountain passes, and unforgettable encounters.
Most importantly, I discovered a Vietnam far different from the usual tourist circuits.
Join me on this adventure through a video that captures these 17 days of travel. :)
If Vietnam calls to you, come ride a stretch with me!
Hi,
can anyone give us some tips on how to get to North Cape from Lyon Gerland?
What’s the best route to join the EuroVelo 7?
How many kilometers is it from Lyon to North Cape via EuroVelo 7?
The best month to leave—we’re thinking early May.
Thanks for any advice!
Looking for a female travel companion for a cycling trip (arriving by plane in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and cycling toward Montevideo, Uruguay, returning by plane to France from Buenos Aires, Argentina) – 1,500 km
Hello everyone!
I’m planning a cycling trip across Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, with a departure set for late October, November, or December. I’m looking for a travel companion to share this long-distance adventure with.
Experience:
I already have solid experience in bicycle touring in Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Currently, I maintain excellent physical condition by cycling an average of 250 km over 3 days per week (4 hours a day at 20 km/h).
The trip & the pace:
Daily pace: Between 50 and 80 km per day, to make steady progress while taking time to explore.
Accommodation: Flexible and authentic. We’ll alternate between wild camping, campsites, Warmshowers, small guesthouses, and budget hotels depending on opportunities and the weather.
Looking forward to reading your message and planning this amazing journey together!
Another long-time dream of Claudio’s: the Petit Mont Cenis pass and the dam at the eponymous lake.
A place where many Italians, including my father, worked in the 1950s–60s.
Faverges → St-Michel-de-Maurienne → Lanslebourg → Petit Mont Cenis → return. 315 km, 3 days. Bivouac at St-Michel-de-M.
Brouter link
Leg One: Faverges → St-Michel-de-Maurienne
Leg Two: St-Michel → Lanslebourg → Mont Cenis Lake → St-Michel
Leg Three: St-Michel → Faverges
And it finally happened in August 2026: in the Maurienne Valley about the famous cycle route known as the V67
🇷🇼 Cycling in Rwanda: 4 episodes, an off-the-beaten-path adventure
After 3 weeks and nearly 1,200 km by bike across Rwanda, I made 4 videos to share this adventure in a different way: the landscapes, the encounters, the villages… but above all, all those incredible scenes of everyday life.
The 4 episodes are available here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGnfbxjccWAg
The 4th episode focuses on rural Rwandan life: simple, authentic, and sometimes surprising scenes that you only truly discover when you take the time to travel by bike.
If you have a few minutes, let yourself be transported to Rwanda…
Hi,
We bought the MSR bike tent model (2-person + large awning that can fit 2 bikes) back in 2005. It’s served us really well, especially during a year-long trip in Africa. Now, one of the poles is broken, and we’d love to replace it since that’s the only issue with the tent—we still love it! The poles are 9.35 mm in diameter, with 8 sections of 49 cm and 2 sections of 28 cm. Total length when assembled: 416 cm. Actually, two large sections are broken: one straight and one curved. It’s a pain to find replacements since this model is no longer sold anywhere.
Would anyone have this model lying around unused and be willing to sell me a pole?
Hi everyone,
In early April, I’m redoing the Vélo Francette (La Rochelle to Ouistreham), and then I’d like to cycle along the Cotentin Peninsula (which I don’t know at all), follow the coast up to Cherbourg, and then head back down to at least Saint-Malo. I’d love to know if it’s pleasant for cycling—are the roads nice? Not too windy? What are the must-see spots? Any great campsites? All your tips and advice are more than welcome, and I thank you in advance.
After testing it for three years across various modes of transport, I’m sharing this video of a bike packing case. It’s made from recycled cardboard and shrink-wrapped, with adjustable thickness and added bubble wrap depending on the level of protection you want.
Installing spacers at the fork and chainstays makes the packaging compact. With the fifteen-odd euros for shrink-wrapping at the airport, this case travels really well.
https://youtu.be/_GDJi-GqmkM
- Low bulk (1.10m x 0.70m x 0.25m for a large frame), it fits vertically in train luggage compartments and the total dimensions (x+y+z) don’t exceed 2.40m.
- Two carrying solutions for public transport and easy handling by airport staff (no more tears in the cardboard from openings).
- Discreet packaging when dealing with bus drivers and train conductors, as it looks like an ordinary parcel.
- No need to return to the starting point to retrieve the case from your outbound trip, which you’d otherwise have to store somewhere, or deal with a bulky cover to pack in your panniers.
- You can still check tire pressure through the plastic film without damaging the packaging too much.
Drawbacks: Around 3 hours for this lengthy and meticulous process—removing the wheels, pedals, handlebars, and derailleur without misaligning them, then securing all components to the frame.
If you get a chance to test it, send me your feedback for future improvements.
I just took a trip in Tunisia from Tozeur to Douz, skirting Chott el Jerid to the south. I’m back with the urge to keep going further south via the 4x4 tracks to connect Douz to Ksar Ghilane. Has anyone driven this route recently or explored southern Tunisia?
Thanks for your tips!
fix
