It's a custom build based on a Surly LHT 26-inch frame with a Shimano XT Deore groupset (10-speed). Mavic rims. Tubus Cargo rear rack. All classic components.
This bike is really easy to handle, but it has the downside of being way too heavy on rough terrain.
Just arrived, about 400 km on the odometer, haven't taken it on a trip yet.
Gravel Origine Trail Road aluminum, just over 9 kg on the scale. GRX groupset with a 46/30 crankset and 11/34 cassette.
It replaces a Trek 520 that, in my opinion, was 4 kg too heavy.
Tires changed to 32mm tubeless road tires since—pure bliss.
Rear rack mounts included, otherwise fully bikepacking-ready. No photos uploaded yet.
It’ll change your life! (in the mountain passes)
Not for heavy bike-camping with a table and chairs, but if you keep your luggage to 10/12 kg, it’s perfect.
How’s that GRX (600?) working out? I chose this groupset for my future bike—crankset and derailleurs—with the rest in 105 because the bleeding is easier and the shifters are more comfortable (in my opinion).
Just two more months to wait....
Yeah, for now I’m not planning to go for more than 15 days, no table or chairs but with a tent and sleeping bag 😉
It’s definitely the 600 (with Ultegra cassette).
Actually, the GRX shifters are a dream (I’ve got 105s on the Wilier). They’re bigger, better grip—especially on rough terrain—and the fact that the pivot is raised by 18mm is a real advantage for me since I’ve got small hands. Braking is more effective (more leverage).
Speaking of braking, hydraulic discs are pure bliss—smooth as velvet but still powerful and progressive.
So far, I’ve only done road rides with it; it’s still really smooth and responsive. I’m heading out for the Velocio at Easter.
What did you go for?
hey denis,
I’m having a custom bike built by Fabien Bonnet (Cycles Cattin) in Grenoble.
Here’s the spec:
- sporty gravel bike vibe
- capable of going far for long trips but not too loaded
- disc brakes
- ability to fit tires up to 45mm on 700c wheels
- carbon fork with inserts so I can add a low rider when needed
- self-sufficient power (I’m sick of juggling recharges and extra batteries)
- powerful lighting—it’s not just for night riding, but tunnels, cities, and that twilight time between dog and wolf make it really useful. Plus, I sometimes set off super early during heatwaves (leave at 4 AM, ride till 10 AM, then another session from 5 PM to 8 PM—this rhythm works great for me)
Tech specs:
- frame is Dedacciai Zero (lightweight 5/10ths with thru-axle)
- Fyxation carbon fork
- GRX600/105 groupset, 30/46 chainrings, and 11/34 cassette
- DT Swiss wheels: DT Swiss hub at the rear, Shuster Precision at the front
- Busch & Müller lighting with USB output on the headlight
I’m treating myself, and yeah, it’s pricier than an off-the-shelf bike, but I also love supporting an artisan who doesn’t count the hours (for example, the measuring and project discussions took nearly 5 hours—that’s fair to pay for).
The bike will have a lifetime warranty, be perfectly fitted to my size, weight, and goals, and made locally—those are things that matter to me.
The downside? I’ve got to wait until the end of April...
You're absolutely right—we should treat ourselves!
We’ve talked about this before: heavy bikes at 14-15 kg or more are a no-go. These days, you can get really great gear under 10 kg, and it makes all the difference!
For lighting, I’m still sticking with removable setups. I got a B&M with rechargeable batteries, and I’ll grab a second set for the velocio where we’ll be riding all night.
Later on, if the need arises, I’ll switch to a dynamo hub, but honestly, there’s not much night riding when traveling.
For the fork, I went with a pair of Topeak VersaCage—haven’t tested them yet, but they seem solid for forks without inserts. They’re guaranteed to be carbon-fork compatible.
Add a front bag, a frame bag, and a large saddle bag, and I should be good to go for a 15-day summer trip. I hate overpacking!
You're absolutely right—we should treat ourselves!
We’ve talked about this before: heavy bikes at 14–15 kg or more are a no-go. These days, you can get really great gear under 10 kg, and it makes all the difference!
With a front pannier, a frame bag, and a large saddle bag, that should do the trick for a 15-day summer trip. I don’t like overpacking.
There are quite a few of us on this forum who "advocate" for lightweight travel. Of course, I’m not saying you can do the TDM with an 18 kg bike (including luggage)—though some people do…—but let’s be honest: the vast majority of cyclists don’t go for more than a month, usually in the summer and mostly in Europe.
Under those conditions, setting off with a bike fitted with Schwalbe Marathons or similar, weighing 16–17 kg, really isn’t the best choice. But what can you do? Clichés, myths, and urban legends die hard...
Just arrived, about 400 km on the odometer, haven't taken it on a trip yet.
Gravel Origine Trail Road aluminum frame, just over 9 kg on the scale. GRX groupset with a 46/30 crankset and 11/34 cassette at the back.
It replaces a Trek 520 that, in my opinion, was about 4 kg too heavy.
Switched the tires to 32mm tubeless road tires—pure bliss.
Rear rack mounts installed, otherwise all bikepacking. No photos uploaded yet.
Besides, with this type of bike, what can you still criticize about road bikes (handlebars, position, lightweight)? The usual complaints just disappear. There’s enough clearance for tires other than 23 or 25 mm, a low gear under 2 meters, mounts for a rack, and even disc brakes for those who can’t do without them. And this type of bike comes in aluminum, steel, and carbon, and can even be custom-built by a framebuilder.
The real question now is why anyone would still buy, for road or trail touring, bikes that offer nothing more for the same price and are much heavier—sometimes available in only 4 or even 3 sizes.
Fun detail: it’s great to see a real photo of the bike because on the 3D render from the manufacturer’s site (if it’s the Trail 36), they just forgot the cassette (and the valves)—it looks like a bike with a magic chain!
On the 3D render from the manufacturer’s site, they just forgot the cassette (and the valves), so it looks like a bike with a magic chain.
Back when I used to browse manufacturer catalogs, I was struck by how the valves were always in the same position in bike photos—aligned right at the bottom of the wheel. The latest trend might be to hide them behind the fork and chainstays.
In our family, we have 4 Vagabondes and are really satisfied. I know Meg2 had some issues, but personally, I'm happy with mine.
Actually, the bike itself wasn't bad, but it wasn't properly adapted to my measurements, which is pretty ironic for a custom bike! The postural study was rushed—what a shame...
On top of that, a few months ago, when I wanted to retrieve the rear Rohloff wheel that originally came with this bike to equip my new touring bike, I found out that Vagabonde had installed a Rohloff hub that wasn't disc brake compatible, even though I had explicitly written in the specifications "disc brake compatible" to allow for future upgrades. When I contacted Vagabonde to ask for some commercial goodwill for this additional issue (since modifying the Rohloff hub to make it disc compatible costs me nearly 140 €), the craftsman replied by email that he had listed the hub reference on the quote, so he had no reason to compensate me—end of story. As if it were my job to know the specifics of every single one of the N variants in the Rohloff catalog just by reading the reference code... That’s pretty bold, if you ask me!
My new touring bike isn’t assembled yet, but the frame is ready, and it’ll look like this:
It’s an Alpentourer from Wolf & Wolf. I test-rode one of their demo bikes at the craftsman’s shop last December—I’m going to love it! It’s both super comfortable and efficient—mind-blowing.
Of course, it’s ridiculously expensive, but I’ve got some savings (no car helps), and I should soon receive compensation from my 2017 accident. I made a strong case for the "vehicle adaptation" line due to my minor disability.
Before that, before and after the failed Vagabonde, I happily rode two custom Cattin bikes. Custom bikes significantly increase the price, and it’s not always necessary, but for my build, I’ve never found an off-the-shelf frame that fits me well—I don’t regret that choice! For more details on my Cattin bike, check here: blog.zamir.fr/pages/Mon_velo_trek
Note: This blog might be temporarily unavailable soon while I move it due to a technical update from my hosting provider. But it’ll be back!
More recently, I’ve also traveled on an AZUB Ti-Fly recumbent trike after an accident left me unable to ride an upright bike for more than 15-20 minutes. The trike is cool, very comfortable, and great for travel, but it’s a tank—hence my switch to a recumbent bike. And before all that, I started with a trusty Peugeot "semi-racer" that only had a rear rack.
Thanks in advance. The Surly LHT remains a great bike for long-distance travel, highly praised by round-the-world cyclists. Maybe that will change over time with the rise of lightweight and versatile bikes... though they still have to prove themselves in the toughest conditions.
I’m sharing the detailed build of the parts I chose for my Surly because before ordering my bike, I spent a long time browsing voyageforum.com. I want to thank you for being such an amazing forum with an extraordinary community and professional-quality answers. Without you, I definitely would’ve made mistakes in choosing my bike. In my daily life, I have a visual impairment and I’m a bit strapped for cash, so for me, a touring bike means adding a little—or a lot—of freedom to my otherwise dreary life.
I wanted a super sturdy bike that could be loaded like a pack mule and repaired anywhere, capable of riding on farm tracks, forest trails, sand, gravel, and branches. After quite a few rides in the woods, the test is positive—I realized I’d built myself a steppes bike. I chose parts for good road comfort and a groupset that could handle changes in gradient and terrain. I love being surprised by the terrain and having to battle the road. I’ll keep saving to move to the south of France, and once I’ve got my camping gear, I’ll go bivouacking in the mountains near a lake—bye-bye civilization!
In terms of weight, the Surly racks and Marathon Mondial tires add 4 kg, bringing the total bike weight to 17.4 kg, but I don’t care—I’ll save weight on my gear and go on a diet. To replace the Long Haul Trucker’s long haul, a manufacturer would have to make the same bike with lighter parts, because I don’t think Shimano, Surly, or Ergotec are chasing weight savings on their components—they’d rather guarantee robust parts.
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!
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 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
😎Fellow traveling cyclists or not, all of you who love travel, the pleasure of physical effort, nature, beautiful machines, people with true passions they seek to fulfill, and who also enjoy reading great literature about all this—the *200* magazine is for you just as it is for me. I should mention I have no financial or other interest in this (in an era where we accuse our politicians of all sorts of vile interests, I prefer to take precautions). I’ve been subscribed since the beginning, and every three months, I get my 130 pages of dreams (the magazine just went from 110 to 130 pages).
It covers everything from the trans-America route to the TCR (Trans Continental Race) from Belgium to a small town in Turkey, with mind-blowing averages—4,000 km and 80,000 m of elevation gain in 8 days and 15 hours for the winner. Let that sink in, and all of it without assistance—accepting a patch could penalize you. There’s also a story about crossing Iran, encountering one of the world’s most welcoming populations, following in the footsteps of Nicolas Bouvier, as well as retirees leisurely traversing France. The common thread in all these stories? Beautiful writing. Take, for example, a stunning article: *"Passengers of the Cold: From Edinburgh to Thurso, at the very north of Scotland, 550 km of moors, coasts, and icy wind. In Thurso, the road ends at a quay, facing the Orkney Islands. We wanted a November trip, off-season. We wanted to surprise winter. Just before the snow."* A sublime piece on the experience of facing adversity and the chance encounters along the road and in the elements.
Before I embarked on my own bike trips, I dreamed a lot about them—from the Atacama to the Gobi, along the Mekong, and not forgetting France. And now, these 130 pages every quarter keep those dreamy vibes alive through stories written in the most beautiful prose.
I’ll stop here because it might sound like I’m advertising, but if you don’t know *200*, I invite you to discover it. It’ll give you wings for the most incredible challenges or simply reinforce your desire for slow rides with your eyes open to others and nature.
A little news to wrap up: Axel Carion and a friend just broke the record for crossing South America from Colombia to Ushuaia in 59 days. On its own, that doesn’t mean much, but I can’t help it—it makes me dream. You should see how he talks about it, the flashes of that wild nature he’s stored away: a snowstorm at Paso Jama and the surreal sight of the suddenly snow-covered Licancabur!
Luc
PS: The magazine is called *200* because a day’s ride starts at 200 km—well, I’ve never done a ride like that since my longest was 167 km (with 18 kg of luggage, mind you), but why not one day? The magazine will explain how to tackle your first 200, and then the question in conclusion: when will you do your first 300?😏
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CARIBBEAN: The island of SAINT-MARTIN, a different perspective
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Summer 2026 - 3 weeks in the Azores
The Pearl of Africa - July-August 2026
