Hey fellow cyclists,
Cyclists on trails, paths, or greenways—why do so few (if any) of you use your bells to warn walkers, runners, and other pedestrians when they’re moving in the same direction as you?
I exercise every day (brisk walking) among you in France and abroad, and it’s something I’ve noticed—often with a few scares (and I’m guessing some accidents between cyclists or with pedestrians).
Personally, I always stick to the rules, walking on the left (facing traffic) so I can see you coming, but not everyone does that—neither pedestrians nor cyclists, and let’s be honest, it’s a bit of a free-for-all. 🤪
Your bikes make little to no noise, so why take risks and put others at risk too?
A quick, light *ding-ding* would be enough to warn people—what do you think? 😅
Hi there,
We’re leaving from Montreal and planning to bike the Petit Train du Nord route.
Any ideas for loops so we don’t have to return the same way?
We’re thinking of a one-week trip.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Rachel
Hi there! Every year, we go on a cycling trip abroad with panniers, lasting about two weeks. We stay in step lodgings, guesthouses, and the like. We mostly take small roads and really enjoyed northern Montenegro and Albania last year.
We’d love to hear from anyone who’s cycled in these countries before: tips on finding quiet roads, highlights of the regions we’ll pass through, how welcoming the locals are, and so on. Thanks in advance for any replies or exchanges!
We’d love to hear from anyone who’s cycled in these countries before: tips on finding quiet roads, highlights of the regions we’ll pass through, how welcoming the locals are, and so on. Thanks in advance for any replies or exchanges!
Hi there,
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?
Nath
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?
Nath
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a cycling trip in Algeria and looking for concrete firsthand accounts from cyclists who’ve recently traveled there (or residents who know the terrain well). My goal is to map out a realistic 2–4 week itinerary that prioritizes discovery, safety, and solid water/bivouac management.
My profile and gear
Semi-bivouac autonomous cyclist (light tent + sleeping bag + stove), with the option of simple accommodations in towns.
All-road/gravel bike with a rear rack, 40–45 mm tires (I can go up to 47–50 mm if needed).
Compact drivetrain with a small gear range for climbing while loaded.
Modular water capacity of 4–7 liters (soft flasks + bottles), plus a filter and purification tablets as backup.
Navigation via offline maps + GPS, GPX tracks if available.
Planned period
Late winter/early spring (timing to be refined based on your feedback about weather, wind, and day/night temperature swings). I’d love a seasonal breakdown: which areas are more pleasant/rideable during this time? Are there zones to avoid while others become ideal?
Preferred itinerary style
High plateaus and accessible Saharan fringes for a loaded bike, alternating between secondary roads and rideable tracks.
Moderate pace (60–90 km/day depending on terrain and wind), with stops in resource towns to restock, shower, and rest.
Safety and logistics (water/supplies) take priority over pure athletic performance.
My specific questions for those who’ve cycled in Algeria 1) Routes and areas
Which roads/tracks did you enjoy for their scenery and interest without being too rough for a loaded gravel bike?
If you’ve ridden the high plateaus: which connections do you recommend to avoid traffic and stick to small roads?
Saharan fringes: which sections are realistic for partial autonomy (reasonably spaced water points, rideable tracks, not too much soft sand)?
Areas to avoid by bike (recently) due to security, road conditions, katabatic winds, construction, etc.?
2) Water and supplies
How frequent were water points on your routes: reliable wells? taps? sources in towns/villages?
In “desert” sections, how many liters did you carry between secure points? Does a 6–7 L capacity seem comfortable, or should I aim for more on certain stretches?
Food: small shops, markets, availability of basics (semolina, sardines, dates, biscuits, powdered milk, etc.) — how often can you reasonably restock?
Filtration: did a filter + tablets suffice? Are there areas where you’d advise against filtering from unprotected wells?
3) Bivouacking and accommodations
Tolerance for discreet bivouacking (far from dwellings, leave-no-trace): recent experiences?
Simple alternatives: guesthouses, small hotels/hostels, campgrounds (if any), municipal lodgings?
Practical stopover towns for restocking, resting, and securing your bike overnight: reliable spots or neighborhoods to prioritize/avoid?
4) Roads, tracks, and weather
Road surface quality on secondary routes: generally decent or highly variable?
Tracks: rideable (compact gravel, laterite) or sometimes sand/washboard? At what tire width would you recommend switching (45 vs. 50 mm)?
Prevailing winds this season: direction, strength, most exposed hours; do you adjust your departures to ride “before the wind” in the morning?
Temperatures: day/night range; sun protection (long gloves, buff, sunscreen, sunglasses), managing nighttime cold at altitude or in the open desert.
5) Safety, formalities, and connectivity
Recently discouraged zones (please note the date if possible).
Roadside checks: which documents to keep handy; are there specific registrations or declarations required upon arrival or when moving between wilayas?
Local SIM/data: which operators work well on the routes you took; tips for recharging/buying credit.
Useful apps/maps on the ground (and reliable offline maps) for locating water, grocery stores, garages, accommodations, rideable segments, etc.
Bike security: how did you handle anti-theft and parking during errands/overnight stays?
6) Gear and adjustments
Recommended minimum gearing for loaded climbs on local roads/tracks.
Ideal tire width and casing (puncture resistance on gravel and rocks).
“Sweet spot” water capacity based on your experience (and tips: frame bags, extra bottles on the fork, bladders in frame bags, etc.).
Maintenance: dust/sand — greases/seals, drivetrain cleaning frequency, breathable filters, protective socks for zipped panniers.
Sample itinerary outline (to validate with your feedback)
Week 1: Arrival, adjustments, high plateaus, linking resource towns to get into the rhythm, test supplies and water.
Week 2: Accessible Saharan fringes, alternating road/track, nights in discreet bivouac when possible + simple accommodations every 3–4 days.
Week 3–4 (optional): Extend toward a second Saharan area or head back to a more temperate zone depending on weather/wind, prioritizing routes known to cyclists.
If you have GPX tracks (even partial), waypoints (water, grocery stores, accommodations), or a travel journal with dates, I’d love to see them. Dated info (year/month) will help me weigh what may have changed recently.
What I can share in return
After the trip, I’ll publish a detailed report with:
Final itinerary + cleaned GPX tracks,
List of confirmed water points and open supply spots,
Gear review (tires, gearing, water capacity),
Notes on bivouacking/accommodations and safety,
Budget and daily distances, to help future travelers.
Thanks in advance for your tips, warnings, good addresses, and updated feedback. Your experience is invaluable for planning a safe, smooth, and enjoyable cycling route in Algeria. Happy trails! 🚴
I’m planning a cycling trip in Algeria and looking for concrete firsthand accounts from cyclists who’ve recently traveled there (or residents who know the terrain well). My goal is to map out a realistic 2–4 week itinerary that prioritizes discovery, safety, and solid water/bivouac management.
My profile and gear
Semi-bivouac autonomous cyclist (light tent + sleeping bag + stove), with the option of simple accommodations in towns.
All-road/gravel bike with a rear rack, 40–45 mm tires (I can go up to 47–50 mm if needed).
Compact drivetrain with a small gear range for climbing while loaded.
Modular water capacity of 4–7 liters (soft flasks + bottles), plus a filter and purification tablets as backup.
Navigation via offline maps + GPS, GPX tracks if available.
Planned period
Late winter/early spring (timing to be refined based on your feedback about weather, wind, and day/night temperature swings). I’d love a seasonal breakdown: which areas are more pleasant/rideable during this time? Are there zones to avoid while others become ideal?
Preferred itinerary style
High plateaus and accessible Saharan fringes for a loaded bike, alternating between secondary roads and rideable tracks.
Moderate pace (60–90 km/day depending on terrain and wind), with stops in resource towns to restock, shower, and rest.
Safety and logistics (water/supplies) take priority over pure athletic performance.
My specific questions for those who’ve cycled in Algeria 1) Routes and areas
Which roads/tracks did you enjoy for their scenery and interest without being too rough for a loaded gravel bike?
If you’ve ridden the high plateaus: which connections do you recommend to avoid traffic and stick to small roads?
Saharan fringes: which sections are realistic for partial autonomy (reasonably spaced water points, rideable tracks, not too much soft sand)?
Areas to avoid by bike (recently) due to security, road conditions, katabatic winds, construction, etc.?
2) Water and supplies
How frequent were water points on your routes: reliable wells? taps? sources in towns/villages?
In “desert” sections, how many liters did you carry between secure points? Does a 6–7 L capacity seem comfortable, or should I aim for more on certain stretches?
Food: small shops, markets, availability of basics (semolina, sardines, dates, biscuits, powdered milk, etc.) — how often can you reasonably restock?
Filtration: did a filter + tablets suffice? Are there areas where you’d advise against filtering from unprotected wells?
3) Bivouacking and accommodations
Tolerance for discreet bivouacking (far from dwellings, leave-no-trace): recent experiences?
Simple alternatives: guesthouses, small hotels/hostels, campgrounds (if any), municipal lodgings?
Practical stopover towns for restocking, resting, and securing your bike overnight: reliable spots or neighborhoods to prioritize/avoid?
4) Roads, tracks, and weather
Road surface quality on secondary routes: generally decent or highly variable?
Tracks: rideable (compact gravel, laterite) or sometimes sand/washboard? At what tire width would you recommend switching (45 vs. 50 mm)?
Prevailing winds this season: direction, strength, most exposed hours; do you adjust your departures to ride “before the wind” in the morning?
Temperatures: day/night range; sun protection (long gloves, buff, sunscreen, sunglasses), managing nighttime cold at altitude or in the open desert.
5) Safety, formalities, and connectivity
Recently discouraged zones (please note the date if possible).
Roadside checks: which documents to keep handy; are there specific registrations or declarations required upon arrival or when moving between wilayas?
Local SIM/data: which operators work well on the routes you took; tips for recharging/buying credit.
Useful apps/maps on the ground (and reliable offline maps) for locating water, grocery stores, garages, accommodations, rideable segments, etc.
Bike security: how did you handle anti-theft and parking during errands/overnight stays?
6) Gear and adjustments
Recommended minimum gearing for loaded climbs on local roads/tracks.
Ideal tire width and casing (puncture resistance on gravel and rocks).
“Sweet spot” water capacity based on your experience (and tips: frame bags, extra bottles on the fork, bladders in frame bags, etc.).
Maintenance: dust/sand — greases/seals, drivetrain cleaning frequency, breathable filters, protective socks for zipped panniers.
Sample itinerary outline (to validate with your feedback)
Week 1: Arrival, adjustments, high plateaus, linking resource towns to get into the rhythm, test supplies and water.
Week 2: Accessible Saharan fringes, alternating road/track, nights in discreet bivouac when possible + simple accommodations every 3–4 days.
Week 3–4 (optional): Extend toward a second Saharan area or head back to a more temperate zone depending on weather/wind, prioritizing routes known to cyclists.
If you have GPX tracks (even partial), waypoints (water, grocery stores, accommodations), or a travel journal with dates, I’d love to see them. Dated info (year/month) will help me weigh what may have changed recently.
What I can share in return
After the trip, I’ll publish a detailed report with:
Final itinerary + cleaned GPX tracks,
List of confirmed water points and open supply spots,
Gear review (tires, gearing, water capacity),
Notes on bivouacking/accommodations and safety,
Budget and daily distances, to help future travelers.
Thanks in advance for your tips, warnings, good addresses, and updated feedback. Your experience is invaluable for planning a safe, smooth, and enjoyable cycling route in Algeria. Happy trails! 🚴
Hi there,
Last spring, I set off from Villeréal (47) on a road bike and reached the North Cape after 6 weeks of cycling.
I had a particular concept: I’d cycle each stage (averaging 140 km) and then return to the starting point either by carpooling, hitchhiking (not often), bus, or train. I’d meet up with my van (a Trafic) and then drive the same stage to eat and sleep there.
This approach let me choose where I stayed for the night and, most importantly, ride the distance I wanted—my longest stage was 217 km—without carrying any weight, since I can’t imagine doing a fully self-supported bike trip.
I did a first 3-week stretch that took me to the top of Denmark using this method. Then I drove back to Hamburg in my van, left it there, and flew back to Bordeaux.
I spent two weeks at home because my autistic son was staying with me, then my wife and I flew to Hamburg. We picked up the van and drove back to the top of Denmark to catch a ferry to Oslo.
For this second leg, my wife drove the Trafic, and we met up along the stages, which allowed me to focus solely on my ride.
I chose to go through Sweden—it would’ve been much more complicated going up through Norway because of all the tunnels, frequent small ferries to cross the fjords, and a lot more elevation gain.
I had favorable winds most of the time, a few hiccups, but overall everything went smoothly, and I stuck to my route and schedule.
I kept a travel journal on My Atlas—here’s the link: https://www.myatlas.com/danielcramay/du-47-au-cap-nord
Hi there!
I’m making an exception and creating a separate post this time, since it’s all about France. In May, we spent a week in Provence, specifically in the Luberon, exploring the cycling routes *Autour du Luberon à Vélo*, the *Véloroute du Calavon* (part of EuroVelo 8), and the shorter *Les Ocres à Vélo* route. Together, they gave us an amazing journey through rolling hills, vineyards, lavender fields still green in spring, and some of the most stunning landscapes in southern France.

It was, of course, the perched villages that impressed us the most. We visited Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Lourmarin, Ménerbes, Oppède-le-Vieux, Cucuron, and Lauris. Many of them are among the most beautiful villages in Provence, and it’s hard not to agree with that reputation.




One interesting point is the route of EuroVelo 8 in this part of the region. The official path mainly follows the old railway line of the *Véloroute du Calavon*, which is very comfortable and safe. But in our opinion, cyclists traveling EuroVelo 8 around the Mediterranean would discover even more treasures if the route passed through villages like Bonnieux, Lacoste, or Oppède-le-Vieux.


We were also pleasantly surprised by how safe cycling felt. Most of the route takes small local roads, but traffic is light, drivers are respectful, and road design really takes cyclists into account. It’s one of those places where you can ride peacefully even without separated bike lanes.



Our full story:
Around Luberon by bicycle - the most beautiful villages of Provence
You can also find all our cycling travel stories on the forum:
Cycling Thread - Europe’s most beautiful bike routes
S.
I’m making an exception and creating a separate post this time, since it’s all about France. In May, we spent a week in Provence, specifically in the Luberon, exploring the cycling routes *Autour du Luberon à Vélo*, the *Véloroute du Calavon* (part of EuroVelo 8), and the shorter *Les Ocres à Vélo* route. Together, they gave us an amazing journey through rolling hills, vineyards, lavender fields still green in spring, and some of the most stunning landscapes in southern France.

It was, of course, the perched villages that impressed us the most. We visited Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Lourmarin, Ménerbes, Oppède-le-Vieux, Cucuron, and Lauris. Many of them are among the most beautiful villages in Provence, and it’s hard not to agree with that reputation.




One interesting point is the route of EuroVelo 8 in this part of the region. The official path mainly follows the old railway line of the *Véloroute du Calavon*, which is very comfortable and safe. But in our opinion, cyclists traveling EuroVelo 8 around the Mediterranean would discover even more treasures if the route passed through villages like Bonnieux, Lacoste, or Oppède-le-Vieux.


We were also pleasantly surprised by how safe cycling felt. Most of the route takes small local roads, but traffic is light, drivers are respectful, and road design really takes cyclists into account. It’s one of those places where you can ride peacefully even without separated bike lanes.



Our full story:
Around Luberon by bicycle - the most beautiful villages of Provence
You can also find all our cycling travel stories on the forum:
Cycling Thread - Europe’s most beautiful bike routes
S.
Hi everyone,
After a break of a few years, I’m heading back to Madagascar this October. I’d like to travel from Diego to Maroantsetra via Cap Masoala as much as possible by bike—it’s my favorite way to travel. My questions: for the return trip to Diego once I’m in Maroantsetra, is there a possibility to take a flight, since the road option only starts much further south than Tamatave? Or where can I rent or buy a decent bike between Diego and Cap Masoala? For this bike trip, I’m open to any info—I love traveling rough. Someone might even want to join me on this adventure.
After that, I’d also like info on the northeast part (Mozambique Channel side) of Diego, which I’d like to explore by bike as well.
Thanks, and feel free to share any tips—just skip the paternalistic safety advice. Laurent
After that, I’d also like info on the northeast part (Mozambique Channel side) of Diego, which I’d like to explore by bike as well.
Thanks, and feel free to share any tips—just skip the paternalistic safety advice. Laurent
Good evening everyone,
Since the forum came back, it's been a bit quiet—no one's sharing their adventures yet. I know it's the start of the season, so let's hope it picks up!
Last Saturday, my buddy Jean Paul (who’ll be 84 next month) and I rode through the cedar forest between Cavaillon and Bonnieux—I highly recommend it! I already knew the area. We started from Pont Royal: me on my latest women’s FUN RIDE SOLO mountain bike (kept it as simple as possible), and him on a road bike with gravel tires. The road starting near Cheval Blanc, called the Vidauque route, is paved but completely wrecked—full of potholes, abandoned for ages, and technically off-limits to cars (though 4x4s still use it). The views over the Cavaillon plain are stunning, but we had to push our bikes a few times. After that, we did 10 km through the gorgeous cedar forest, followed by all downhill and flat terrain through the Lourmarin valley, then Cadenet, before heading toward La Roque-d'Anthéron. From there, we tackled the dirt paths of Provence by bike—beautiful trails—and made our way back to Mallemort and Pont Royal. A great loop: 81.51 km with 908 m of elevation gain. And Jean Paul? Fresh as a daisy at the finish—what an impressive guy!
Now, the real reason for this post: At the start, we followed the Carpentras Canal, which runs from Mallemort to Travaillan (69 km total). I’ve seen some photos on Komoot, and it looks amazing—apparently, there’s always a towpath.
**HAS ANYONE DONE THIS BY BIKE BEFORE? COULD YOU SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE? THANKS IN ADVANCE!** Serge
Since the forum came back, it's been a bit quiet—no one's sharing their adventures yet. I know it's the start of the season, so let's hope it picks up!
Last Saturday, my buddy Jean Paul (who’ll be 84 next month) and I rode through the cedar forest between Cavaillon and Bonnieux—I highly recommend it! I already knew the area. We started from Pont Royal: me on my latest women’s FUN RIDE SOLO mountain bike (kept it as simple as possible), and him on a road bike with gravel tires. The road starting near Cheval Blanc, called the Vidauque route, is paved but completely wrecked—full of potholes, abandoned for ages, and technically off-limits to cars (though 4x4s still use it). The views over the Cavaillon plain are stunning, but we had to push our bikes a few times. After that, we did 10 km through the gorgeous cedar forest, followed by all downhill and flat terrain through the Lourmarin valley, then Cadenet, before heading toward La Roque-d'Anthéron. From there, we tackled the dirt paths of Provence by bike—beautiful trails—and made our way back to Mallemort and Pont Royal. A great loop: 81.51 km with 908 m of elevation gain. And Jean Paul? Fresh as a daisy at the finish—what an impressive guy!
Now, the real reason for this post: At the start, we followed the Carpentras Canal, which runs from Mallemort to Travaillan (69 km total). I’ve seen some photos on Komoot, and it looks amazing—apparently, there’s always a towpath.
**HAS ANYONE DONE THIS BY BIKE BEFORE? COULD YOU SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE? THANKS IN ADVANCE!** Serge
hey everyone,
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?
Thanks in advance, Jérôme
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?
Thanks in advance, Jérôme
Hi there,
I’d like to cycle around Guadeloupe during the Christmas holidays. I was wondering if it’s dangerous, if it’s easy to rent a bike, and to find accommodation along the way? Thanks!
Hi everyone,
First post here to share a quick recap of our west-to-east bike trip along Algeria’s coast in January 2025. It was just the two of us—my partner and I—with French passports and not a word of Arabic. No friends or welcoming hosts in the country.
Under those conditions, we’d strongly advise against going.
Our original plan was to follow the coast from Algiers to Tunis. We ended up cycling from Algiers to Béjaia, then took the train from Béjaia to Annaba (with a stop in Constantine), and finally biked to the border. We were tailed by police the whole way—whether on our bikes, on the train, or even on foot while exploring towns. On top of that, we couldn’t wild camp and were limited to the few state-approved hotels that accept foreigners. Under those circumstances, connecting with locals was especially tough.
With such an omnipresent and intrusive police presence, we’d definitely recommend against this destination for bike touring. A really sad situation that completely cuts you off from the local population...
We’d been warned, we went to check it out, and we weren’t disappointed!
You’ve been warned.
First post here to share a quick recap of our west-to-east bike trip along Algeria’s coast in January 2025. It was just the two of us—my partner and I—with French passports and not a word of Arabic. No friends or welcoming hosts in the country.
Under those conditions, we’d strongly advise against going.
Our original plan was to follow the coast from Algiers to Tunis. We ended up cycling from Algiers to Béjaia, then took the train from Béjaia to Annaba (with a stop in Constantine), and finally biked to the border. We were tailed by police the whole way—whether on our bikes, on the train, or even on foot while exploring towns. On top of that, we couldn’t wild camp and were limited to the few state-approved hotels that accept foreigners. Under those circumstances, connecting with locals was especially tough.
With such an omnipresent and intrusive police presence, we’d definitely recommend against this destination for bike touring. A really sad situation that completely cuts you off from the local population...
We’d been warned, we went to check it out, and we weren’t disappointed!
You’ve been warned.
Hi there,
I’m planning the route to cycle from Lille to Nordkapp with my partner.
Duration: 3 months, from May 1st to July 31st, 2026.
In the attached details below, I need to add some "non-riding" days (rest days, basically).
So I’m looking to "shorten" the trip by taking ferries or trains for some stretches. Which areas could I skip?
Thanks in advance for your great tips.
Have a good evening.
https://www.komoot.com/fr-fr/collection/4023980/-lille-cap-nord-1er-mai-au-31-juillet-2026?ref=collection
Hi there,
I’m currently looking for a bike to do my first bike trip across France, with the ultimate goal of cycling through Latin America. I’ve got a lot of questions and I’d love to hear if you have any answers or advice to share. First off, I’ve been through this before with hiking. I want to get top-quality gear right away. When I started hiking, I ended up buying everything three times—first beginner gear, then intermediate, then expert, etc. For biking, I’d prefer to skip that process and invest right now in a bike that could ideally handle Latin America. I’ve set a total max budget of around 5000 € (roughly 4000–4500 € for the bike and the rest for accessories: panniers, helmet, cycling shorts, etc.).
So, I’ve got quite a few questions:
* I’ve read in several places that some people recommend buying the bike directly in Latin America. Since I need a first bike to train in Europe, would it be better to buy an entry-level bike in France (and sell it before the big departure)? Or is it preferable to start right away with my final bike to get used to it? Is buying it there just to save a bit of money?
* For a long-term trip (around six months) in Latin America, is it better to go for a gravel bike or a mountain bike?
* Should I buy a new bike or a refurbished one? Even more so given that I’m planning a long trip—could a refurbished bike end up causing more breakdowns?
If you have any advice on models, technical features to prioritize, or recommended sellers or resellers, I’d love to hear it. I’m a total beginner—I’ve only just started watching videos and reading up on the subject, and all the technical specs are new to me!
Thanks in advance for your help!
I’m currently looking for a bike to do my first bike trip across France, with the ultimate goal of cycling through Latin America. I’ve got a lot of questions and I’d love to hear if you have any answers or advice to share. First off, I’ve been through this before with hiking. I want to get top-quality gear right away. When I started hiking, I ended up buying everything three times—first beginner gear, then intermediate, then expert, etc. For biking, I’d prefer to skip that process and invest right now in a bike that could ideally handle Latin America. I’ve set a total max budget of around 5000 € (roughly 4000–4500 € for the bike and the rest for accessories: panniers, helmet, cycling shorts, etc.).
So, I’ve got quite a few questions:
* I’ve read in several places that some people recommend buying the bike directly in Latin America. Since I need a first bike to train in Europe, would it be better to buy an entry-level bike in France (and sell it before the big departure)? Or is it preferable to start right away with my final bike to get used to it? Is buying it there just to save a bit of money?
* For a long-term trip (around six months) in Latin America, is it better to go for a gravel bike or a mountain bike?
* Should I buy a new bike or a refurbished one? Even more so given that I’m planning a long trip—could a refurbished bike end up causing more breakdowns?
If you have any advice on models, technical features to prioritize, or recommended sellers or resellers, I’d love to hear it. I’m a total beginner—I’ve only just started watching videos and reading up on the subject, and all the technical specs are new to me!
Thanks in advance for your help!
Hello young cycling enthusiasts,
I’m starting a thread about the bike route known as venaissia.
Claudio took advantage of this February 2026’s mild weather to check out what it looks like.
Here we go—story and photos coming soon: http://cbandiera.free.fr/recits/2026-venaissia/
The plan was to go from Faverges to Cavaillon and explore the Via Venaissia a bit. A crazy idea? Maybe, but don’t forget that the month of February—"februare" in Latin—means "to purify," so it’s the Month of the Lupercalia, a Roman festival that was a purification rite. So, to purify himself after the feasts of the Saturnalia, Claudio set off (from an oak tree, no less) to pedal south.
He returned a little soaked but alive: The stages were as follows: (to be continued)
overall impression:
good signage, but Claudio still managed to get lost in cities like Orange and Carpentras...
Cavaillon... got lost several times, but thanks to the map and GPS, he got back on track...
Nice route, sometimes a bit boring, quiet, deserted (normal given the weather), threatening skies, but he escaped the rain.

Claudio took advantage of this February 2026’s mild weather to check out what it looks like.
Here we go—story and photos coming soon: http://cbandiera.free.fr/recits/2026-venaissia/
The plan was to go from Faverges to Cavaillon and explore the Via Venaissia a bit. A crazy idea? Maybe, but don’t forget that the month of February—"februare" in Latin—means "to purify," so it’s the Month of the Lupercalia, a Roman festival that was a purification rite. So, to purify himself after the feasts of the Saturnalia, Claudio set off (from an oak tree, no less) to pedal south.
He returned a little soaked but alive: The stages were as follows: (to be continued)
overall impression:
good signage, but Claudio still managed to get lost in cities like Orange and Carpentras...
Cavaillon... got lost several times, but thanks to the map and GPS, he got back on track...
Nice route, sometimes a bit boring, quiet, deserted (normal given the weather), threatening skies, but he escaped the rain.
Hi there,
My friend and I are planning to bike down to Tierra del Fuego starting from Santiago, Chile, in early February. The big question is: "Is it possible to find decent and reasonably priced bikes in Santiago?" Are there local resale sites like Leboncoin, or any second-hand spots worth knowing about there? If anyone’s done this before, I’d love to hear your tips! ;)
Thanks! !
Hi, I'd like to know if anyone has done this route recently or has reliable info.
Does the track exist, and most importantly, is there sand (for biking)?
Any info is welcome.
Cheers,
diego ambilobe: mangaoka, manondro, ramena vohemar sambava: masondrono, tanambao
diego ambilobe: mangaoka, manondro, ramena vohemar sambava: masondrono, tanambao
Hi everyone, I’m new to the forum!
I’d like to buy some panniers for bike travel made of Cordura. I initially went for the Ortlieb Back Roller Plus, but while browsing the cylo-randonnée website, I came across the Extrawheel Wayfarer Premium panniers. They’re also made of Cordura, manufactured in Poland with German materials, and each has a 25-liter capacity—10 liters more than the Ortliebs.
Has anyone here tried them or knows this brand? I know Ortlieb is super reputable, but I figured there might be other brands that are just as good.
🙂 Gabriele
Hello fellow cycle-tourers!
First post on this site for our first big family cycling adventure with our two teens (12 and 16 years old) over 2 months. We're preparing to leave in June/July from Erdeven by bike, then take the train from Auray to Paris, followed by a FlixBus from Paris to Copenhagen with our 4 bikes. After that, we're looking to refine our route: Should we go to Sweden via Helsingborg and then head up to Stockholm along the west or east coast? Maybe passing through the Gotland islands, then via the Åland Islands, why not Turku? Then off to Estonia to Tallinn, ride a bit along the coast, and return by bus if we can find one that takes 4 bikes. :))
Could you share any tips on routes in Sweden: west coast or east coast to prioritize in the south? We’ve heard it’s a shame not to go up to Norway, but we’re worried about the elevation and don’t see how to make a loop work in our 2 months / 1500 km. Any ideas? And the southern Finnish coast: should we go all the way to Helsinki or not? Maybe at the expense of Estonia?
In short, we know choosing means giving something up, but if we can do it with advice from fellow cyclists, that would be amazing! Thanks in advance for your tips! Anne-Sophie and the whole Breton family: David, Axel, and Maude
Could you share any tips on routes in Sweden: west coast or east coast to prioritize in the south? We’ve heard it’s a shame not to go up to Norway, but we’re worried about the elevation and don’t see how to make a loop work in our 2 months / 1500 km. Any ideas? And the southern Finnish coast: should we go all the way to Helsinki or not? Maybe at the expense of Estonia?
In short, we know choosing means giving something up, but if we can do it with advice from fellow cyclists, that would be amazing! Thanks in advance for your tips! Anne-Sophie and the whole Breton family: David, Axel, and Maude
I’m planning a journey of about 2500 km starting from San Pedro de Atacama (duration: max. 2 months). This trip, almost entirely on remote trails, promises to be an extraordinary adventure.
Highlights of the trip - Crossing the Florido Desert (during the blooming season: October 15–30) - Hiking ascents of legendary volcanoes: - Ojos del Salado (6879 m) - Llullaillaco (6739 m) - Uturuncu (6008 m, with 5820 m reachable by mountain bike!) - A 300 km stage through the heart of the desert, with no resupply or habitation: the ultimate experience of solitude and self-transcendence.
Practical details - Daily distance: max. 100 km and 1000 m elevation gain per day - Average altitude: 4000 m (between 3500 and 5000 m) - Temperatures: ~15 °C during the day, down to -25 °C at night (in a tent) - Accommodation: ~50% in villages (with locals or small hostels), ~50% camping
Estimated budget - 1400 € for the flight ticket (including bike supplement) - 1000 € for on-the-ground expenses
Required equipment - Fatbike (essential for deep sand) - -25 °C comfort sleeping bag - Single-wheel trailer (indispensable for these tough terrains)
My experience In 2022, I completed a similar 1200 km trip north of San Pedro de Atacama: - Full crossing of the Salar de Uyuni (170 km) - Ascents of the Ollague (5868 m) and Aucanquilcha (6176 m) volcanoes - Two 200 km stages with no resupply or human presence Videos available for a glimpse of the adventure: - Atacama Crossing 2022 - Part 1 - Atacama Crossing 2022 - Part 2
Next steps If this adventure interests you, I suggest: 1. A first phone call to get to know each other 2. A meet-up over a drink or a test ride in the Bardenas Reales (similar terrain, and I live 100 km away)
Don’t hesitate to contact me for more info or to discuss the details!
Highlights of the trip - Crossing the Florido Desert (during the blooming season: October 15–30) - Hiking ascents of legendary volcanoes: - Ojos del Salado (6879 m) - Llullaillaco (6739 m) - Uturuncu (6008 m, with 5820 m reachable by mountain bike!) - A 300 km stage through the heart of the desert, with no resupply or habitation: the ultimate experience of solitude and self-transcendence.
Practical details - Daily distance: max. 100 km and 1000 m elevation gain per day - Average altitude: 4000 m (between 3500 and 5000 m) - Temperatures: ~15 °C during the day, down to -25 °C at night (in a tent) - Accommodation: ~50% in villages (with locals or small hostels), ~50% camping
Estimated budget - 1400 € for the flight ticket (including bike supplement) - 1000 € for on-the-ground expenses
Required equipment - Fatbike (essential for deep sand) - -25 °C comfort sleeping bag - Single-wheel trailer (indispensable for these tough terrains)
My experience In 2022, I completed a similar 1200 km trip north of San Pedro de Atacama: - Full crossing of the Salar de Uyuni (170 km) - Ascents of the Ollague (5868 m) and Aucanquilcha (6176 m) volcanoes - Two 200 km stages with no resupply or human presence Videos available for a glimpse of the adventure: - Atacama Crossing 2022 - Part 1 - Atacama Crossing 2022 - Part 2
Next steps If this adventure interests you, I suggest: 1. A first phone call to get to know each other 2. A meet-up over a drink or a test ride in the Bardenas Reales (similar terrain, and I live 100 km away)
Don’t hesitate to contact me for more info or to discuss the details!
Does anyone know an easy way to get from Bilbao to Nantes by bus or train with a bike that isn’t disassembled?
Nothing on DB.DE, nothing on FlixBus...
Thanks.
Hi,
We’re traveling as a couple in mid-April for 7 days in the Netherlands. We want to see Amsterdam, the tulips, and the windmills. We’d like to bike through the tulip fields. We’re not athletes, but physical ability probably won’t be an issue. How many days should we devote to each part? (Amsterdam-windmills-tulips) Is it better to stay outside Amsterdam for the windmill-tulip portion? (like 2 nights in Leiden?) Is renting bikes a problem? Should we rent a car, or is public transport efficient?
Thanks so much in advance for taking the time to answer!
Mélanie
Hi everyone,
We’re planning to spend 5 months cycling as a family in Central Asia. To align with the weather, we’re thinking of arriving in Uzbekistan in April, heading toward the Ferghana Valley in late April/early May, and wrapping up with a long stretch in Kyrgyzstan from mid-May to early August.
I haven’t really dug into the third part (Kyrgyzstan) yet, but from what I’ve seen on the forum and online, cycling across Uzbekistan doesn’t seem all that appealing: long, straight desert stretches with lots of trucks.
Has anyone come across any "hidden gem" routes they’d be willing to share? I’ve already noted that it’s best to avoid riding toward Tashkent. I’m looking for routes between Bukhara and Samarkand, and any nearby areas that are nice for cycling.
I’d love to fly into Dushanbe to reach Samarkand, but we all agree that it’s not a good fit for the season (early April) if we’re cycling, right?
Thanks for your feedback! Ludo
I haven’t really dug into the third part (Kyrgyzstan) yet, but from what I’ve seen on the forum and online, cycling across Uzbekistan doesn’t seem all that appealing: long, straight desert stretches with lots of trucks.
Has anyone come across any "hidden gem" routes they’d be willing to share? I’ve already noted that it’s best to avoid riding toward Tashkent. I’m looking for routes between Bukhara and Samarkand, and any nearby areas that are nice for cycling.
I’d love to fly into Dushanbe to reach Samarkand, but we all agree that it’s not a good fit for the season (early April) if we’re cycling, right?
Thanks for your feedback! Ludo
The RandoCamping site is free for users and hosts.
Its goal is to help trekkers find accommodations (usually by the night) all across France and to promote hosts who welcome trekkers satisfactorily.
Check it out here: https://randocamping.touteslatitudes.fr
The site is collaborative and supported by associations like Cyclo-Camping International or AF3V.
It lets you plan a trip or trek (on foot or by bike) by searching for accommodations along a route. The accommodations come from the DataTourisme platform (which aggregates information from Tourist Offices) and from users (trekkers & hosts).
Train lines and passenger stations are also listed. Clicking on a station can show you (if the data is available) how accessible the platforms are with a non-dismantled bike. Bike and hiking routes come from Waymarked Trails (which is based on OpenStreetMap).
You can find more details about the site’s features on this page (version 1.0): https://randovelo.touteslatitudes.fr/randocamping-v1/




Its goal is to help trekkers find accommodations (usually by the night) all across France and to promote hosts who welcome trekkers satisfactorily.
Check it out here: https://randocamping.touteslatitudes.fr
The site is collaborative and supported by associations like Cyclo-Camping International or AF3V.
It lets you plan a trip or trek (on foot or by bike) by searching for accommodations along a route. The accommodations come from the DataTourisme platform (which aggregates information from Tourist Offices) and from users (trekkers & hosts).
Train lines and passenger stations are also listed. Clicking on a station can show you (if the data is available) how accessible the platforms are with a non-dismantled bike. Bike and hiking routes come from Waymarked Trails (which is based on OpenStreetMap).
You can find more details about the site’s features on this page (version 1.0): https://randovelo.touteslatitudes.fr/randocamping-v1/




Hi there,
I’m planning to cycle the EuroVelo 8 route from Nice to Izmir in Turkey (about 2,500 km), but I’m not finding much info or tips for this itinerary.
I’d like to leave at the end of September and complete the route in a max of 2 months, as self-sufficiently as possible (I have a tent, sleeping bag, and camping cookware).
Is this a good idea (will it be too cold starting in October)?
Are there any precautions I should take? Any areas to avoid? Since multiple countries are involved.
And are there any places worth visiting that aren’t on the main route?
I’m used to cycle touring in France but not abroad, so I’d appreciate any tips!
Thanks in advance.
I’d like to leave at the end of September and complete the route in a max of 2 months, as self-sufficiently as possible (I have a tent, sleeping bag, and camping cookware).
Is this a good idea (will it be too cold starting in October)?
Are there any precautions I should take? Any areas to avoid? Since multiple countries are involved.
And are there any places worth visiting that aren’t on the main route?
I’m used to cycle touring in France but not abroad, so I’d appreciate any tips!
Thanks in advance.
Hi there,
The full route from Burgos to (just before) Murcia is 1,300 km.
If you’ve done the whole thing, do you think the entire route is worth the trip, or can some sections be skipped?
Thanks.

The full route from Burgos to (just before) Murcia is 1,300 km.
If you’ve done the whole thing, do you think the entire route is worth the trip, or can some sections be skipped?
Thanks.

Hello, I'm looking for a small town where we can eat and stay near the canals of Brittany to do short bike rides of about 50 km round trip. Ideally, it would be a town at a junction of several canals, but I'm not sure if that exists. Otherwise, a town like Redon with the Nantes-Brest canal and, on the other side, the Vilaine River. But I don’t know if there are paths that can be used along these canals.
Thanks for replying if you have any ideas.
Cheers, Néo.
Thanks for replying if you have any ideas.
Cheers, Néo.
Hi, I’m looking for info on doing a solo bike trip from Chelyabinsk to northern China via Omsk. What’s the best time of year to go? Can I do it staying only in hotels and restaurants—without having to haul a tent, stove, etc.? Also, is there a border crossing point in northern China, because I can’t find anything on Google Maps? What’s the road condition like? Thanks
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…
Good evening,
We’re planning a cycling tour in Denmark and I’m figuring out how to get there. We have electric mountain bikes (and since I’m really happy with mine, I’d prefer not to rent bikes there). We have 9 days.
- I looked into trains, but the prices aren’t great, and I’m worried we won’t always be able to take our bikes. Packing them in a bag and disassembling them seems overwhelming, especially given how big mine is.
- The Flexibus: we’d have to go through Paris from Lyon, which would waste a lot of time.
- Flying? It might not be more expensive than the train.
- We have a camper van, and I’m wondering if that’s an option. Do you know if you can park your vehicle for a week in a parking lot? I get the impression that parking time is limited. Thanks for your advice! Have a great evening,
Sandrine
We’re planning a cycling tour in Denmark and I’m figuring out how to get there. We have electric mountain bikes (and since I’m really happy with mine, I’d prefer not to rent bikes there). We have 9 days.
- I looked into trains, but the prices aren’t great, and I’m worried we won’t always be able to take our bikes. Packing them in a bag and disassembling them seems overwhelming, especially given how big mine is.
- The Flexibus: we’d have to go through Paris from Lyon, which would waste a lot of time.
- Flying? It might not be more expensive than the train.
- We have a camper van, and I’m wondering if that’s an option. Do you know if you can park your vehicle for a week in a parking lot? I get the impression that parking time is limited. Thanks for your advice! Have a great evening,
Sandrine










