I'm currently exploring how to create a travel itinerary using AI, specifically ChatGPT.

Question: Bike route from Bordeaux to Paris.

Rough response:

A bike route between Bordeaux and Paris is an incredible adventure, typically around 600 to 650 km depending on the chosen path. Here’s an example of an itinerary with key points:Main Option: La Scandibérique (EuroVelo 3) La Scandibérique is the French section of EuroVelo 3, connecting Bordeaux to Paris through stunning landscapes. This route is well-marked and takes you through small roads and greenways.Main Stages

Bordeaux → Libourne (about 40 km)

Follow the Garonne River, cross the vineyards of Entre-deux-Mers, and reach Libourne, a charming wine town. Greenways available.

Libourne → Périgueux (about 100 km)

Cross the Dordogne with stops in villages like Montpon-Ménestérol. Mix of quiet small roads and trails.

Périgueux → Châteauroux (about 160 km, in several stages)

Through the Parc Naturel Régional de la Brenne. This stage is longer but rich in nature and heritage.

Châteauroux → Orléans (about 110 km)

Reach the banks of the Loire to enjoy the famous Loire à Vélo, a beautiful section with châteaux.

Orléans → Paris (about 140 km)

Pass through the Forêt de Fontainebleau before joining the bike paths along the Seine all the way to Paris.

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!

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

What’s the maximum weight of gear I can carry in my panniers: - For a woman on an e-bike - And for a man on a muscle-powered bike 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.

Who among you has explored northern Italy along the Mediterranean, in Liguria? I’m dreaming of cycling there from Nice, crossing through villages like Menton, Ventimiglia, Dolceacqua, Apricale, Monte Ceppo, Triora, Ponte di Nava, Ormea, Garessio, Ceva, Mondovì, and Cuneo.

Beyond that, it’s the route toward Queyras in France via the Col dell’Agnello, on the slopes of Monte Viso.

A few questions for those who know the area: Is it interesting by bike? Is the road surface decent? Is car traffic low, or at least manageable?

We had this plan back in 2009 as part of a Nice-Rome crossing, but we ended up doing it differently. I might get to revisit it this summer (solo this time, not on a tandem like we usually do).

Looking forward to your thoughts and comments!

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 everyone,

This summer, we’re planning to cycle along the EV 19 that follows the Meuse River from Langres all the way to Rotterdam. My question is about getting back to Nantes. Do any of you know what the best return option might be? I’d love to hear about your experiences. I saw that FlixBus doesn’t take bikes. By train, I think it’s possible but would involve multiple local trains. We were also wondering if there’s a boat from Rotterdam to Saint-Nazaire that could take passengers with bikes.

Any tips or experiences you can share would be really helpful—thanks in advance! Have a great evening

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! 🚴

Hi there,

I’m planning to cycle from Morlaix to Brest (via Roscoff and the V45 coastal route). We’ll start riding on August 16th for 13 days (with stops for island visits, surfing, etc.). Is there a lot of traffic at this time of year? I’ve got two kids, 11 and 13, and we don’t like riding in the middle of cars (we’ve already done the Vélomaritime—Caen to Cherbourg—the Loire route from Orléans to Saumur, the Vélodyssée from Nantes to Royans, and the canals like the Nivernais and Bourgogne, where there were plenty of bike-only lanes, which isn’t the case on this route).

Thanks for your help if you’ve already done this route in late August! Virginie

I’m leaving from Munich in May to reach Bran (Dracula’s Castle in Romania). The plan: crossing Austria, Hungary (via Lake Balaton), and Romania (through the Carpathians). The idea is to avoid following the EuroVelo 6 route.

Do you have any route ideas in Austria to get to Hungary? I get the feeling there aren’t many options for taking secondary networks, and most routes follow valleys carved out by major road axes.

Thanks for your ideas and experiences biking in Austria!

Cheers,

Hi, Like every summer, I’m looking for a (not too distant) destination to cycle with my family for about 3 weeks. I’m drawn to the EuroVelo 1 route in Portugal. Do any of you have information to share? Are there sections that are more or less difficult? Routes that are more or less safe? I’ve heard that Portuguese drivers aren’t very cautious on the road, especially around cyclists. Thanks for your feedback and experiences!

Hi everyone, We’re planning a trip to Cambodia from November 30 to December 21, 2025. We haven’t decided yet whether we’ll land in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. We’re thinking of covering between 800 and 1,000 km by bike, but we’d rather not bring our trusty rides all that way. Has anyone here already tried buying bikes locally? Do you know if it’s easy to pick one up once we’re there? We’d love to hear about your experiences and any tips you might have. Thanks so much, everyone!

Hi everyone, I’m seriously considering going bikepacking with my Brompton (6-speed model) on a mixed route of roads and bike paths for a trip lasting a few days or even a week. I know the Brompton isn’t the typical touring bike, but its compactness and practicality really appeal to me for combining train + bike travel and staying super mobile. I’ve got a few questions, and I’d love to hear your experiences or tips:

What panniers or luggage setup do you recommend for a Brompton in travel mode? Have you run into any specific limitations (comfort, carrying capacity, elevation gain, etc.)? Should I adjust any components (tires, gearing, saddle) to make it more durable for multi-day trips? Do you prefer wild camping or lightweight accommodations (hostels, campsites, etc.) with this kind of setup? Finally: what types of routes do you think a Brompton handles well? (And what should I absolutely avoid?)

I’d love to chat with others who’ve tried (or are considering) the Brompton bikepacking adventure. Thanks in advance for your insights! 🚴‍♂️ Happy riding,

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

Hi there, Has anyone here cycled in the Canary Islands in August? Is it not too hot? Not too crowded on the roads? Thanks

Hi fellow travelers! I’m planning a trip to Japan from March 22 to April 12 and really want to bike the Shimanami Kaido starting from Onomichi, but I don’t cycle regularly. Has anyone here done it and could share their experience or tips? Is the weather in March-April favorable? Should I plan for 2 or 3 days? Electric or regular bike? What’s better—having my luggage forwarded along the route or leaving it in a locker? Any recommendations for accommodations or bike rentals? Thanks in advance for your replies!

Good evening, I’m planning a solo bike road trip along the EuroVelo 6, starting from Orléans all the way to Budapest, beginning May 1st, 2026! Question: Have any of you used the Warmshowers site, and if so, I’d love to hear your thoughts on using this app—whether responses to hosting requests are generally satisfying, especially for the different countries I’ll be crossing! Thanks in advance for your tips! Philippe

Hi everyone,

With summer just around the corner, I’m looking for ideas for organized bike trips in France or Italy. I’m pretty used to traveling independently, but this time I’d like to try something more structured—either in a small group or with minimal logistics (accommodations booked, luggage transport, etc.).

I’m open to different difficulty levels, as long as the setting is pleasant (countryside, seaside, well-known routes, or even a bit more off-the-beaten-path). If you’ve already tried this kind of trip or have good recommendations for agencies or providers, I’d love to hear them!

Thanks in advance for your tips! 🚴‍♂️☀️

Hi everyone,

I don’t bike much, but I live on the VéloRoute 6, and I dream of adventure. I’m 51 and my old hybrid bike from 20 years ago no longer suits me.

I’d like to get a new bike at a reasonable price, but I don’t know where to look besides Decathlon and Intersport. I’m not after a racing bike—I want something a bit comfortable in terms of riding position (not recumbent) and with a luggage rack. 🙂

All your tips are welcome, with a budget of... let’s say 800 € max.

Looking forward to reading your suggestions!

Richard

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 After covering thousands of kilometers over the years with front and rear panniers, I’m now facing a problem: broken spokes on the rear wheel. Once, twice—imagine the hassle of fixing it when you're in the middle of nowhere in the Cévennes! So, drastic times call for drastic measures! I switched to a reinforced wheel and, following my bike mechanic’s advice, fitted a tire that’s a "tad" wider than the front one.

We set off on our summer adventure feeling confident, and guess what—"BAM"—a broken spoke after just 200 km. Seriously?! Not even that heavily loaded—just around 30 kg, plus my 80 kg. Even with the sturdier wheel, I still ended up with a broken spoke after 300 km! Back to the bike mechanic, and the only explanation: "It’s your pedaling style..." Not convinced at all! So here’s the idea: a Bob trailer! I’m done with this sword of Damocles hanging over my head—it’s a real buzzkill. Has anyone here tried a Bob trailer? Could you share your experiences—pros, cons, etc.? Thanks!!!

Hi there,

I’m planning to build a new touring bike. I want to prioritize lightness. That said, I’m tempted by a suspension fork that could offer some comfort on rougher roads. The recent appearance of gravel suspension forks on the market might meet my needs—at least on paper. I’m particularly considering the RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR fork. Unlike MTB forks, its travel is short: either 30 mm or 40 mm. It weighs 1400 g, which is 400/500 g more than a steel fork.

Any thoughts or real-world feedback on this?

I’m also wondering about the durability of magnesium (lower leg) for long-distance bike touring. And what’s the impact of skipping the manufacturer-recommended maintenance every 50 and 200 hours? That’s bound to happen on a long trip unless you carry extra gear. More generally, how reliable are these kinds of forks?

Thanks in advance

Hi there,

I’m planning to cycle the Vélodyssée from Hendaye to Saint-Brevin in July 2026. My issue: how do I get to Hendaye with my bike? FlixBus doesn’t take bikes, and SNCF is complicated. Any ideas? Has anyone got a solution to suggest? Thanks in advance! Cheers, Patrig

Hi everyone,

I’m heading to Chile this coming November and I’d love to spend a few days cycling from Santiago (Chile) to Mendoza (Argentina).

Has anyone done this route before? If so, do you have any tips (stages, gear, accommodation spots, etc.)?

Also, to avoid carrying too much stuff, I’d like to rent a bike in Santiago. Any recommendations for a good rental shop?

Thanks so much in advance for your help :)

Clément

Hi there,

We’re a family of bike-travelers. Our long journey came to a halt in March 2020 in Ho Chi Minh City due to Covid. We’d been on the road for 8 months—2 in Thailand, 1 in Cambodia, and 1 in Vietnam (from the Mekong Delta up to Ho Chi Minh, where we got stopped). We’re heading back to Vietnam in July-August for 5 weeks to finish what we couldn’t in 2020 (introducing my kids to the country of my roots). We’d originally planned to backpack, figuring it’d be tough to cover the country by bike in such a short time... But the urge to pedal is strong for both parents and kids alike.

We’re thinking of keeping 10 days to explore the North by backpack (since the elevation changes are steep) and saving 3 solid weeks for biking—but we’re not sure where (ideally with minimal elevation gain). We’d love to return to Tam Coc (we visited in 2009 without the kids, thanks to Larsay’s great tips—still so grateful for all the valuable advice!). Logistically, we shipped our bikes 5 years ago, but that seems less doable now. We’re considering either renting (though 5 bikes for 3 weeks would get pricey fast) or buying locally to resell or donate afterward.

Is biking in August unrealistic? Thanks in advance for your insights! !

Hi! I’m planning to visit the Stockholm Archipelago by bike in early April. Do you know if the boats will be running between the different islands at that time of year? For those who’ve already been, all your tips and recommendations are welcome—accommodation, etc. Also, do you know where I can rent a bike in Stockholm? Thanks so much in advance for your help!

Hi everyone, I’d love to bike from Lyon to Marrakech or Agadir. I’m looking for someone around my age (23) to join me. I’m also after some tips on routes, things to know, etc. This road trip is planned for September 2026. Looking forward to your replies and advice!

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 fellow travelers,

I’m an old-school cycle tourist, traveling by bike... and I’ll be heading to England, Scotland, and Ireland in September. I was wondering if cash is still used in supermarkets, grocery stores, and generally—do people still use cash in the UK?

Thanks for your replies, happy travels!