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Understanding the World
hello to all travelers with their eyes wide open to the desert...
I’ve always wondered what I was "doing" on this earth. And why my father, who died a few months after I was born—a former youngest French resistance fighter—joined the First Saharan Motorized Company in Atar and spent the rest of his life repairing army engines in Algeria, Mauritania, Senegal, Mali (which didn’t exist under that name back then), Morocco, and finally Algeria, where my mother was born and raised. (Believe me, it’s not "cool" being the child of a soldier in a country occupied by France, and even less so the child of a "pied-noir.") Of course, I never got an answer: the dead don’t talk, and the army doesn’t either. But here’s the thing—I had photos... So naturally, one day I hit the road. I wanted to see, to understand. It’s thanks to VF that I was able to do a little research on crossing the Morocco-Mauritania border, and I’m grateful to its members, just as I’m grateful to all those who welcomed me on the road for 14 years. For the past few weeks, I’ve been wondering if I should talk about this or not... It turns out the Mauritanians changed my life by asking for my help... And that started as early as February 2012... (Did I owe them something? No answer to that question.) Ah, the irony—they saw me coming. But when you’re handed sick children and begged to do something, what would you have done? I’d worked in a hospital, so I knew a bit about the rules to follow. I didn’t hesitate. And well, over all these years, I met doctors, surgeons, and together we organized care, evacuations of children, training for surgeons—even trying to stop children from having to travel outside their country. It was never easy. I’d like to thank those who supported us, as well as *La Chaîne de l’Espoir*, *La Fondation Face au Monde*, and everyone who built bridges between our two countries. Unfortunately, despite the constant efforts of Mauritanian doctors and surgeons, some children couldn’t be helped in time. Today, I want to talk about four siblings—orphans of their mother—suffering from congenital glaucoma causing irreversible blindness. Their case was entrusted to me in 2020, just weeks before the big lockdown. We couldn’t do anything for them then, but when their father asked me for a gift, I rushed to my computer and wrote a story. Through a tale, the children take a great journey, explore their country, and fulfill a dream. I never thought this book would be published—it was, in 2023. This book pays tribute to Mauritania. It’s a message for those who know nothing about the hardships of life there, carrying both the harshness and beauty of an immense desert where you can travel by 4x4, bike, on foot, or by camel in complete safety. It bears witness to the kindness of Mauritanians toward travelers. As a woman traveling alone in my vehicle—a now-rusted old Mercedes that no longer runs—I had the most beautiful encounters of my life there (I’ve seen other parts of the world...). The blind children of Choum, Atar, Nouadhibou, and Nouakchott will forever be in my heart. Volunteer readers transcribed the book into a free audio version for the visually impaired. It’s available in sound libraries in France, the *Fondation Valentin Haüy*, and the Swiss Romande library. I made my last trip to Mauritania in my old 4x4 to distribute the book everywhere, especially to its heroes and the school for the visually impaired in Nouakchott. After that, I thought it was time to close the chapter because I no longer have the means or the strength to travel. My publishers chose this title for it: *The Blue Eyes of the Desert*. This publication helped a mission of Swiss volunteer ophthalmologists come to operate on glaucomas in Mauritania. I’m thrilled because they come back every year! This adventure is ending, yes—everything must come to an end—but ultimately, it was born here, on the VF site!! So yes, I had to say it: THANK YOU!!!!!
I’ve always wondered what I was "doing" on this earth. And why my father, who died a few months after I was born—a former youngest French resistance fighter—joined the First Saharan Motorized Company in Atar and spent the rest of his life repairing army engines in Algeria, Mauritania, Senegal, Mali (which didn’t exist under that name back then), Morocco, and finally Algeria, where my mother was born and raised. (Believe me, it’s not "cool" being the child of a soldier in a country occupied by France, and even less so the child of a "pied-noir.") Of course, I never got an answer: the dead don’t talk, and the army doesn’t either. But here’s the thing—I had photos... So naturally, one day I hit the road. I wanted to see, to understand. It’s thanks to VF that I was able to do a little research on crossing the Morocco-Mauritania border, and I’m grateful to its members, just as I’m grateful to all those who welcomed me on the road for 14 years. For the past few weeks, I’ve been wondering if I should talk about this or not... It turns out the Mauritanians changed my life by asking for my help... And that started as early as February 2012... (Did I owe them something? No answer to that question.) Ah, the irony—they saw me coming. But when you’re handed sick children and begged to do something, what would you have done? I’d worked in a hospital, so I knew a bit about the rules to follow. I didn’t hesitate. And well, over all these years, I met doctors, surgeons, and together we organized care, evacuations of children, training for surgeons—even trying to stop children from having to travel outside their country. It was never easy. I’d like to thank those who supported us, as well as *La Chaîne de l’Espoir*, *La Fondation Face au Monde*, and everyone who built bridges between our two countries. Unfortunately, despite the constant efforts of Mauritanian doctors and surgeons, some children couldn’t be helped in time. Today, I want to talk about four siblings—orphans of their mother—suffering from congenital glaucoma causing irreversible blindness. Their case was entrusted to me in 2020, just weeks before the big lockdown. We couldn’t do anything for them then, but when their father asked me for a gift, I rushed to my computer and wrote a story. Through a tale, the children take a great journey, explore their country, and fulfill a dream. I never thought this book would be published—it was, in 2023. This book pays tribute to Mauritania. It’s a message for those who know nothing about the hardships of life there, carrying both the harshness and beauty of an immense desert where you can travel by 4x4, bike, on foot, or by camel in complete safety. It bears witness to the kindness of Mauritanians toward travelers. As a woman traveling alone in my vehicle—a now-rusted old Mercedes that no longer runs—I had the most beautiful encounters of my life there (I’ve seen other parts of the world...). The blind children of Choum, Atar, Nouadhibou, and Nouakchott will forever be in my heart. Volunteer readers transcribed the book into a free audio version for the visually impaired. It’s available in sound libraries in France, the *Fondation Valentin Haüy*, and the Swiss Romande library. I made my last trip to Mauritania in my old 4x4 to distribute the book everywhere, especially to its heroes and the school for the visually impaired in Nouakchott. After that, I thought it was time to close the chapter because I no longer have the means or the strength to travel. My publishers chose this title for it: *The Blue Eyes of the Desert*. This publication helped a mission of Swiss volunteer ophthalmologists come to operate on glaucomas in Mauritania. I’m thrilled because they come back every year! This adventure is ending, yes—everything must come to an end—but ultimately, it was born here, on the VF site!! So yes, I had to say it: THANK YOU!!!!!
Travel writer in Cambodia. 100 days in India and a new book in the works.
Hi everyone,
I’m Loulou, a French expat who’s been living in Southeast Asia for about fifteen years, currently in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A passionate walker at heart, I’ve trekked in Nepal (Thorung La, Mardi Himal), India, Vietnam, and I’m still planning new hikes (Char Dham, Langtang, Annapurna).
I’ve just published my first travel journal, recounting three months of walking and encounters across India. A portion of the sales goes to an educational center I support in Kep, for children whose parents work in the salt marshes.
I’m also working on a second book about Nepal with a musician friend, focusing on the Mardi Himal trek—two independent perspectives on the same journey.
Happy to swap stories with you about the Himalayas, India, Southeast Asia, or just the urge to hit the road and walk far from home.
Safe travels,
Loulou
Cycling Tour of Rhône-Alpes
hello fellow cycling enthusiasts
here’s a travel journal of the cycling tour through the Rhône-Alpes Auvergne region by Claudio
zouli
it was the plan
http://cbandiera.free.fr/parcours/auvergne-Ralpes/
the trip was completed story being posted online soon 1100 km in 11 days beautiful and varied regions
claudio
the trip was completed story being posted online soon 1100 km in 11 days beautiful and varied regions
claudio
Societal Evolution
Hello everyone,
It’s something we often notice in this forum—and many others—this behavioral shift.
A long-time member, or even a new one, asks a question. They get one or more answers, some brief, some detailed, and then... nothing???
Not even a simple thank you!!!
From what I’ve gathered, if the answers don’t align with what they wanted to hear, it seems natural for the asker to just disappear!! 😕 Unless—(and I fear this is the case)—basic politeness is no longer part of our society????
Please forgive my little rant.
Wishing everyone all the best. Cheers,
Puma2A
...
It’s something we often notice in this forum—and many others—this behavioral shift.
A long-time member, or even a new one, asks a question. They get one or more answers, some brief, some detailed, and then... nothing???
Not even a simple thank you!!!
From what I’ve gathered, if the answers don’t align with what they wanted to hear, it seems natural for the asker to just disappear!! 😕 Unless—(and I fear this is the case)—basic politeness is no longer part of our society????
Please forgive my little rant.
Wishing everyone all the best. Cheers,
Puma2A
...
Itinérance Festival 2026 – April 24–26, 2026
Itinérance Festival in Cornimont, Vosges, will return from April 24 to 26, 2026. The success of the 2025 edition confirmed the desire to continue the adventure.
Dedicated to human-powered travel, this year’s festival will feature a smaller but highly complementary lineup of speakers. A single guest may discuss bike or foot journeys, long-distance trekking across major European or remote mountain ranges, or even mountaineering. The sea will also be a key theme.
Most speakers are travel writers, and storytelling will take center stage—especially with Pierre Herant, a sought-after author among publishers. Among the standout topics, resilience in the face of illness will be explored through Alexandra Husta’s epic cycling journeys. Extreme travel will also be highlighted, driven by Blandine Dupuis’s physical and moral commitment. Hugo Faivre is biking across France to meet bears in the Pyrenees. Luc Devors will delve into the bonds formed with companions during demanding projects, while Julien Humbert will discuss the challenges of leaving home and being away for years. Sailors Gilles Jaulet will share his sailing experiences, and Guy Lecointre will recount his solo sea-kayak expedition to Cape Horn with total autonomy. All speakers will also share their solo travel experiences.
A special family session on Friday afternoon will let kids ask questions and chat freely with the speakers. Photographic exhibitions will round out the program, including one on Vosges mountain wildlife by a Cornimont native, whose close connection with wild animals is striking.
True to the 2025 edition, sunrise hikes will return on Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, to the town’s high points. These unique moments will combine landscape discovery—guided by a local expert—with readings from works by attending travel writers.
Cornimont’s town hall will provide its spacious polyactivity center, and admission will remain free, as in 2025. The association Cook’ Events Services, led by Nadège Perrier, will run the bar and catering, with proceeds supporting initiatives for people with disabilities.
Whether scaling rock faces, thriving on trails, hitting the road, or sailing the seas, the festival’s celebration of travel reminds us that age is never a barrier to exploring our world.
Dedicated to human-powered travel, this year’s festival will feature a smaller but highly complementary lineup of speakers. A single guest may discuss bike or foot journeys, long-distance trekking across major European or remote mountain ranges, or even mountaineering. The sea will also be a key theme.
Most speakers are travel writers, and storytelling will take center stage—especially with Pierre Herant, a sought-after author among publishers. Among the standout topics, resilience in the face of illness will be explored through Alexandra Husta’s epic cycling journeys. Extreme travel will also be highlighted, driven by Blandine Dupuis’s physical and moral commitment. Hugo Faivre is biking across France to meet bears in the Pyrenees. Luc Devors will delve into the bonds formed with companions during demanding projects, while Julien Humbert will discuss the challenges of leaving home and being away for years. Sailors Gilles Jaulet will share his sailing experiences, and Guy Lecointre will recount his solo sea-kayak expedition to Cape Horn with total autonomy. All speakers will also share their solo travel experiences.
A special family session on Friday afternoon will let kids ask questions and chat freely with the speakers. Photographic exhibitions will round out the program, including one on Vosges mountain wildlife by a Cornimont native, whose close connection with wild animals is striking.
True to the 2025 edition, sunrise hikes will return on Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, to the town’s high points. These unique moments will combine landscape discovery—guided by a local expert—with readings from works by attending travel writers.
Cornimont’s town hall will provide its spacious polyactivity center, and admission will remain free, as in 2025. The association Cook’ Events Services, led by Nadège Perrier, will run the bar and catering, with proceeds supporting initiatives for people with disabilities.
Whether scaling rock faces, thriving on trails, hitting the road, or sailing the seas, the festival’s celebration of travel reminds us that age is never a barrier to exploring our world.
The Foam of Days
Now that the curtain has fallen on the past year, it’s time to see what’s happening around here.
It seems pretty quiet, but I’ll read more in detail later.
First, I need to tell you all an anecdote.
My eldest little girl, in her third year of law school, was really scared she wouldn’t pass the year. I told her: “Trust yourself, you’ve worked so hard, and worst case, if you fail, you’ll just redo the year.” “But I don’t think I’ll make it—they changed the rules, and if I mess up even one unit, I have to start all over.” I knew her grades weren’t exactly stellar, and with what I was about to say, I wasn’t taking much of a risk. “Here’s the deal, sweetheart: if you pass, I promise I’ll take you to India, just the two of us.” I have to admit, India is a country I’ve talked about so much to all my grandchildren that in their minds, it’s become a magical, mythical place (hmm).
July had barely begun when my phone rang, her name flashing on the screen. “Mamido, I did it!” My promise came rushing back—oh no, oh no, oh no! “Congratulations, sweetheart!” A little shyly, she said: “Is the India trip still on?”
And me, replying: “Of course it is!”
And that’s that—a promise is a promise, or you risk losing that precious trust that keeps hearts warm and at peace.
We’re leaving in February. Only 8 days—yikes, the carbon footprint! But we can’t miss her tutorials, or she’ll be kicked out. Personally, that works just fine for me.
Going to India has become a challenge for me. It’s far, it’s exhausting, I sweat, I hate mosquitoes, the spices bother my mouth when I used to love them. There’s noise all the time—at night, the dogs bark nonstop, and we almost get run over. I’ll get lost in the streets because my sense of direction has vanished. I don’t like rice anymore. All that chaos and those cultural differences that once enchanted me now just overwhelm me. But I promised.
The upside—and it’s a big one—Raman, the same driver I’ve had forever, will be at the airport with a sign with our names. We’ll stop at the same little shop for chai (or tea, plain and simple) with that aroma that intoxicates me, halfway through the trip.
It’ll be a tiny trip—staying with friends, I’ll show her a few places I love: Chidambaram, Mamallapuram, and the clinic where I worked. Then we’ll head back. My little girl will go home to her parents.
As for me, I’ll leave right away for our Scottish island with Homme for our chilly winter.
How can you love a country so much you want to live there, then suddenly reject it, no longer able to appreciate what once made it special? That’s the mystery of love, I guess.
First, I need to tell you all an anecdote.
My eldest little girl, in her third year of law school, was really scared she wouldn’t pass the year. I told her: “Trust yourself, you’ve worked so hard, and worst case, if you fail, you’ll just redo the year.” “But I don’t think I’ll make it—they changed the rules, and if I mess up even one unit, I have to start all over.” I knew her grades weren’t exactly stellar, and with what I was about to say, I wasn’t taking much of a risk. “Here’s the deal, sweetheart: if you pass, I promise I’ll take you to India, just the two of us.” I have to admit, India is a country I’ve talked about so much to all my grandchildren that in their minds, it’s become a magical, mythical place (hmm).
July had barely begun when my phone rang, her name flashing on the screen. “Mamido, I did it!” My promise came rushing back—oh no, oh no, oh no! “Congratulations, sweetheart!” A little shyly, she said: “Is the India trip still on?”
And me, replying: “Of course it is!”
And that’s that—a promise is a promise, or you risk losing that precious trust that keeps hearts warm and at peace.
We’re leaving in February. Only 8 days—yikes, the carbon footprint! But we can’t miss her tutorials, or she’ll be kicked out. Personally, that works just fine for me.
Going to India has become a challenge for me. It’s far, it’s exhausting, I sweat, I hate mosquitoes, the spices bother my mouth when I used to love them. There’s noise all the time—at night, the dogs bark nonstop, and we almost get run over. I’ll get lost in the streets because my sense of direction has vanished. I don’t like rice anymore. All that chaos and those cultural differences that once enchanted me now just overwhelm me. But I promised.
The upside—and it’s a big one—Raman, the same driver I’ve had forever, will be at the airport with a sign with our names. We’ll stop at the same little shop for chai (or tea, plain and simple) with that aroma that intoxicates me, halfway through the trip.
It’ll be a tiny trip—staying with friends, I’ll show her a few places I love: Chidambaram, Mamallapuram, and the clinic where I worked. Then we’ll head back. My little girl will go home to her parents.
As for me, I’ll leave right away for our Scottish island with Homme for our chilly winter.
How can you love a country so much you want to live there, then suddenly reject it, no longer able to appreciate what once made it special? That’s the mystery of love, I guess.
How can I get to Hendaye from eastern France with my bike?
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
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
Cycling in the Canary Islands in August
Hi there,
Has anyone here cycled in the Canary Islands in August? Is it not too hot? Not too crowded on the roads?
Thanks
Program on the airlift over the Himalayas during World War II
Mountain chronicle from the Hautes Vosges radio station. The last broadcast before summer. It won’t be about long-distance hiking or alpine feats, but rather an equally astonishing adventure that involved thousands of airmen supplying China as it fought against Japan during World War II: the air bridge over the Himalayas.
https://www.resonance-fm.com/podcast/2706%20chronique%20montagne%20The%20Hump%20la%20liaison%20a%C3%A9rienne%20Inde%20Chine%20au%20dessus%20de%20l'Himalaya%20.MP3
https://www.resonance-fm.com/podcast/2706%20chronique%20montagne%20The%20Hump%20la%20liaison%20a%C3%A9rienne%20Inde%20Chine%20au%20dessus%20de%20l'Himalaya%20.MP3
Do travel encounters matter to you?
Hi there,
My name’s Emilie, and my view of travel has changed. I used to travel just to tick off the "places and things to do/see" boxes. But lately, I’ve realized that encounters have become really important to me while traveling. In fact, the people I’ve met and what they’ve brought to my life are now my best travel memories. What do you think? Have you had a similar shift in perspective? Are you more interested in meeting people while traveling now?
To be totally honest, I’m training to become a travel planner (a trip organizer), and I was thinking of focusing on organizing trips that are more centered around encounters. So I’d love to know if this makes sense—if travelers are interested in this kind of experience. Just to be clear, I’m not selling anything; I just want to chat and hear your thoughts.
Have a lovely evening, everyone! :)
My name’s Emilie, and my view of travel has changed. I used to travel just to tick off the "places and things to do/see" boxes. But lately, I’ve realized that encounters have become really important to me while traveling. In fact, the people I’ve met and what they’ve brought to my life are now my best travel memories. What do you think? Have you had a similar shift in perspective? Are you more interested in meeting people while traveling now?
To be totally honest, I’m training to become a travel planner (a trip organizer), and I was thinking of focusing on organizing trips that are more centered around encounters. So I’d love to know if this makes sense—if travelers are interested in this kind of experience. Just to be clear, I’m not selling anything; I just want to chat and hear your thoughts.
Have a lovely evening, everyone! :)
Your tips for cycling from Santiago (Chile) to Mendoza (Argentina) in November
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
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
Vacation
It’s vacation time
Vacation and silence
Silence and absence
Absence and latency
Latency and silence
Silence and vacation
Vacation and absence
It’s vacation time
I wrote these few words on July 12, 2010, and I can post them again today—nothing’s changed...🙂
I wrote these few words on July 12, 2010, and I can post them again today—nothing’s changed...🙂
Travel Festival from May 8 to 11, 2025 in Cornimont, Vosges
Hi there, the Itinérance Festival in Cornimont is coming up fast. Here’s the latest mountain-themed podcast episode talking about the festival.
https://www.resonance-fm.com/podcast/2504%20chronique%20montagne%20festival.MP3
https://www.resonance-fm.com/podcast/2504%20chronique%20montagne%20festival.MP3
Cornimont Travel Festival Program (Vosges) from May 8 to 11, 2025
Hello everyone, the program for the Itinérance Travel Festival in Cornimont is finalized. Over four days, conferences will take place from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and from 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM on May 8, 9, and 10. On May 11, the schedule is 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM. The event will be held at the multi-activity hall, 16 rue des Grands Meix, Cornimont 88310.
The speakers will share their experiences traveling by bike, on foot, and also in mountaineering.
Cornimont can be reached via a 25-kilometer cycling path from Remiremont train station, which is very well connected.
Photo exhibitions will be displayed on the following themes:
The Abruzzo region Wildlife of the Vosges The road workers of the Himalayas Faces of the world: photos taken during an 8-year walk around the Earth The photo series by the Cyclo Camping International association
On the mornings of May 9, 10, and 11, meet-ups will be organized at scenic high points around Cornimont for intuitive music performances and readings of excerpts from long-term travelers' books, particularly by Caroline Moireaux (you can easily find her website). The meet-ups start at 6:15 AM, with returns no later than 10:00 AM.
Admission is free. Don’t hesitate to contact the Cornimont tourist office for all practical details. By phone at +33 3 29 24 12 17 or via their website, which you can easily find online.
Hope to see many of you there!
Feel free to reach out to me in this thread if you have any questions. Luc
The speakers will share their experiences traveling by bike, on foot, and also in mountaineering.
Cornimont can be reached via a 25-kilometer cycling path from Remiremont train station, which is very well connected.
Photo exhibitions will be displayed on the following themes:
The Abruzzo region Wildlife of the Vosges The road workers of the Himalayas Faces of the world: photos taken during an 8-year walk around the Earth The photo series by the Cyclo Camping International association
On the mornings of May 9, 10, and 11, meet-ups will be organized at scenic high points around Cornimont for intuitive music performances and readings of excerpts from long-term travelers' books, particularly by Caroline Moireaux (you can easily find her website). The meet-ups start at 6:15 AM, with returns no later than 10:00 AM.
Admission is free. Don’t hesitate to contact the Cornimont tourist office for all practical details. By phone at +33 3 29 24 12 17 or via their website, which you can easily find online.
Hope to see many of you there!
Feel free to reach out to me in this thread if you have any questions. Luc
Travel companion for a mountain-bike crossing of the Atacama (Chile, Bolivia, Argentina) in October 2025
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!
Which countries are best for cycling with daily hotel stops?
Hello, I spent a month cycling in Thailand earlier this year with a touring bike equipped with two rear panniers. I loved being able to ride and stop at a hotel every night, and eat just about anywhere. I tried India two months ago but gave up because of the road conditions and chaotic traffic.
I’m looking for countries where I can cycle "without autonomy"—so no tent, no stove, just the bare minimum. Ideally, I’d like to stop at hotels or similar accommodations regularly, without having to cover 200 km a day!
I’d love to hear from your experiences—what countries make it easy to travel this way? Thanks!
I’m looking for countries where I can cycle "without autonomy"—so no tent, no stove, just the bare minimum. Ideally, I’d like to stop at hotels or similar accommodations regularly, without having to cover 200 km a day!
I’d love to hear from your experiences—what countries make it easy to travel this way? Thanks!
Rescue in the Himalayas – Almost a Christmas Tale
Hi everyone, the Groupe Militaire de Haute Montagne recently carried out a rescue operation for two extremely skilled mountaineers in the Himalayas. You might think it sounds like a Christmas tale, but no—just listen:
https://www.defense.gouv.fr/actualites/defcast-sauvetage-lhimalaya
https://www.defense.gouv.fr/actualites/defcast-sauvetage-lhimalaya
Saddle bag for touring bike
Hi,
First off, I just want to say how happy I am that the forum’s back up. It really means a lot. When it went down, I realized how much time I spent here and how much I valued this space for sharing. :) Hopefully, it’ll regain its momentum.
Anyway, I’m starting a thread. I’d like to get a saddle bag. I’m working on making my touring bike more versatile. It’s currently set up with racks for panniers, but for shorter rides, I’d like to remove the racks and switch to "bike-packing" mode. I’ll also be using a lighter set of wheels.
Long story short, I’d love to hear about your experiences with saddle bags you’ve used. This way, I can make an informed choice before buying.
Thanks!
Matt
First off, I just want to say how happy I am that the forum’s back up. It really means a lot. When it went down, I realized how much time I spent here and how much I valued this space for sharing. :) Hopefully, it’ll regain its momentum.
Anyway, I’m starting a thread. I’d like to get a saddle bag. I’m working on making my touring bike more versatile. It’s currently set up with racks for panniers, but for shorter rides, I’d like to remove the racks and switch to "bike-packing" mode. I’ll also be using a lighter set of wheels.
Long story short, I’d love to hear about your experiences with saddle bags you’ve used. This way, I can make an informed choice before buying.
Thanks!
Matt
Looking for speakers for "Itinérance", the Cornimont Travel Festival from May 8 to 11, 2025
Hi everyone, it’s with a little pang in my heart that I’m back here chatting after four long years away.
In May 2025, the village of Cornimont is organizing a travel festival called Itinérance. I’m sharing the two communication documents, knowing that we’re also looking for speakers. We already have quite a few lined up. We’re not just looking for technically polished films with stunning drone footage. We’re looking for people who want to share their passion, whether it’s a trip around their department or a journey around the world.
ITINERANCE PRESS RELEASE – October 2024
Itinérance, the travel festival, from your doorstep to the ends of the Earth First edition, May 8–11, 2025, Polyactivity Center in Cornimont (Vosges)
What could be a more beautiful journey than one that loops right from your doorstep, on foot or by bike, in the spirit of the ancient pilgrims of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle?
For this first edition, Itinérance aims to celebrate local travel, in France and nearby regions, while also making room for distant expeditions that require motorized transport.
Talks, photo exhibitions, personal stories, films... will highlight the harmony with nature, the joy of unexpected encounters along the trail or road, the lightness of minimalist logistics, and the discovery of landscapes in all their simplicity and authenticity.
Cornimont is an hour’s bike ride from Remiremont train station via the Voie Verte, in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional des Ballons des Vosges, in the Hautes-Vosges area. A bus line also connects Remiremont train station to the center of Cornimont.
For more information: itinerance.cornimont@gmail.com Facebook: Itinérance Cornimont
In May 2025, the village of Cornimont is organizing a travel festival called Itinérance. I’m sharing the two communication documents, knowing that we’re also looking for speakers. We already have quite a few lined up. We’re not just looking for technically polished films with stunning drone footage. We’re looking for people who want to share their passion, whether it’s a trip around their department or a journey around the world.
ITINERANCE PRESS RELEASE – October 2024
Itinérance, the travel festival, from your doorstep to the ends of the Earth First edition, May 8–11, 2025, Polyactivity Center in Cornimont (Vosges)
What could be a more beautiful journey than one that loops right from your doorstep, on foot or by bike, in the spirit of the ancient pilgrims of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle?
For this first edition, Itinérance aims to celebrate local travel, in France and nearby regions, while also making room for distant expeditions that require motorized transport.
Talks, photo exhibitions, personal stories, films... will highlight the harmony with nature, the joy of unexpected encounters along the trail or road, the lightness of minimalist logistics, and the discovery of landscapes in all their simplicity and authenticity.
Cornimont is an hour’s bike ride from Remiremont train station via the Voie Verte, in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional des Ballons des Vosges, in the Hautes-Vosges area. A bus line also connects Remiremont train station to the center of Cornimont.
For more information: itinerance.cornimont@gmail.com Facebook: Itinérance Cornimont
Looking for easy hikes starting from Valbonë (Albania)
Hi there,
I'm looking for hiking ideas starting from Valbonë.
No more than 500/600m of elevation gain, no more than 15 kilometers.
I don’t plan on doing the hike to Theth.
Thanks! 🙂
I'm looking for hiking ideas starting from Valbonë.
No more than 500/600m of elevation gain, no more than 15 kilometers.
I don’t plan on doing the hike to Theth.
Thanks! 🙂
