Discussions Rikimiki took part in
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Many results are in French, the community’s main language. English translations are added over time.
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Buying a tandem bike in Quebec
Hi, I'm looking for a Pino tandem bike for sale in Quebec and I can't find any. Does anyone have any info, please? Thanks a bunch!
Cycling in Liguria from Nice
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!
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!
Tips for choosing a long-distance touring bike
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!
Bike Loop on the Petit Train du Nord (Quebec)
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
Biking the Shimanami Kaido: organizational questions
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!
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!
Biking around the world: all our bike routes as a tandem
For map lovers, bike routes, cycle touring all over the planet, and long-haul trips...
I had fun compiling in one place ALL the routes my partner and I have biked across the planet since 1996: Quebec far and wide, of course, but also Canada, the USA (crossed completely by bike 3 times), Mexico, and all the way to Ushuaia—basically the entire Americas.
In Europe, the Balkans, Turkey; and more recently (2024: Taiwan, Korea, and 4 months in Japan!) You can check out a global map with all the routes by continent, more detailed maps by country, and others that focus on a region, like the Balkans in Eastern Europe. In short, there’s something for everyone!
I’ve included 3 photos here, but the originals (via the link above) let you zoom in infinitely. Plus, many of my routes are represented by lines with a different color for each day of biking. Hope some of you enjoy browsing through all this as much as I enjoyed compiling it. Until the snow comes, skiing... and spring!
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/TDM_en_Tandem_Trajets_Maps
I had fun compiling in one place ALL the routes my partner and I have biked across the planet since 1996: Quebec far and wide, of course, but also Canada, the USA (crossed completely by bike 3 times), Mexico, and all the way to Ushuaia—basically the entire Americas.
In Europe, the Balkans, Turkey; and more recently (2024: Taiwan, Korea, and 4 months in Japan!) You can check out a global map with all the routes by continent, more detailed maps by country, and others that focus on a region, like the Balkans in Eastern Europe. In short, there’s something for everyone!
I’ve included 3 photos here, but the originals (via the link above) let you zoom in infinitely. Plus, many of my routes are represented by lines with a different color for each day of biking. Hope some of you enjoy browsing through all this as much as I enjoyed compiling it. Until the snow comes, skiing... and spring!
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/TDM_en_Tandem_Trajets_Maps
Bike Route and AI
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.
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.
Forum is back
Great news that the forum is back—we’ve been waiting for this for ages! Now we can chat again with the die-hards like Claudio, Luc Bertand, and everyone else...
Voyager à vélo
Transcanadienne à vélo entre Winnipeg et Sault-Sainte-Marie
Bonjour à tous, et notamment aux locaux ...
Si tout va bien, en 2021 je traverserai le Canada à vélo, de Vancouver à Montréal (où j'ai de la famille). Je cherche l'itinéraire le meilleur en termes de sécurité et d'intérêt. Et cette longue portion (1400 kms) entre Winnipeg et Sault n'a pas la réputation d'être d'un intérêt majeur, sans même parler de la sécurité qui laisserait à désirer pour le cycliste. Pourtant, certains n'hésitent pas à s'y lancer, sans s'en plaindre outre mesure. D'autres au contraire font une incursion aux USA, en flirtant avec les frontières, cherchant les petites routes tranquilles quitte à faire des détours conséquents. J'hésite entre les 2 stratégies, et je suis en quête de témoignages ou d'avis. Y aurait-il des canadiens/québécois, ou des voyageurs qui pourraient m'apporter des éléments décisifs ? D'avance, je les en remercie !
PS : j'oubliais : Suivre le Grand Sentier entre ces 2 villes, est-ce jouable à vélo ?
Si tout va bien, en 2021 je traverserai le Canada à vélo, de Vancouver à Montréal (où j'ai de la famille). Je cherche l'itinéraire le meilleur en termes de sécurité et d'intérêt. Et cette longue portion (1400 kms) entre Winnipeg et Sault n'a pas la réputation d'être d'un intérêt majeur, sans même parler de la sécurité qui laisserait à désirer pour le cycliste. Pourtant, certains n'hésitent pas à s'y lancer, sans s'en plaindre outre mesure. D'autres au contraire font une incursion aux USA, en flirtant avec les frontières, cherchant les petites routes tranquilles quitte à faire des détours conséquents. J'hésite entre les 2 stratégies, et je suis en quête de témoignages ou d'avis. Y aurait-il des canadiens/québécois, ou des voyageurs qui pourraient m'apporter des éléments décisifs ? D'avance, je les en remercie !
PS : j'oubliais : Suivre le Grand Sentier entre ces 2 villes, est-ce jouable à vélo ?
Période des fêtes dans l'Ouest canadien?
Bonjour,
Je ne pratique pas encore le ski alpin, mais le ski de fond , raquettes , fat bike . Covid oblige, on pense faire un voyage hivernal avec de beaux paysages dans notre propre pays . On a pensé à l’Alberta ou Colombie-Britannique. Whistler , oubliez ça , 650$ en moyenne la nuit pour une chambre seulement !!! J’ai regardé Canmore et Fernie , plus abordables . Laquelle entre les deux est mieux comme destination hivernale et avec bons restaurants ?
Merci 😊
Je ne pratique pas encore le ski alpin, mais le ski de fond , raquettes , fat bike . Covid oblige, on pense faire un voyage hivernal avec de beaux paysages dans notre propre pays . On a pensé à l’Alberta ou Colombie-Britannique. Whistler , oubliez ça , 650$ en moyenne la nuit pour une chambre seulement !!! J’ai regardé Canmore et Fernie , plus abordables . Laquelle entre les deux est mieux comme destination hivernale et avec bons restaurants ?
Merci 😊
Une suggestion de repas aux États-Unis
Au restaurant, si vous demandez un steak épais*, ne vous attendez pas à ce qu'il soit tendre.
*Épais ; Québec familier, se dit d'une personne stupide.
*Épais ; Québec familier, se dit d'une personne stupide.
De plus en plus de cyclos-voyageurs
Je suis actuellement en randonnée vélo de la haute Savoie à la presqu’île de giens et j’ai L’impression qu’ il y a beaucoup de voyageurs à vélo.
Beaucoup de jeunes notamment
Qu’en pensez-vous ?
Réseau de chemins pédestres pour faire Montréal - Québec à pied?
Bonjour !
Suissesse de 22 ans, je projette une escapade à pied, sans savoir si c'est réalisable ou pas, ce serait de faire Montréal-Québec à pied cet été ! Je vais viser large niveau temps, et tabler sur des arrêts en route pour du ravitaillement, histoire de voyager léger pis surtout de goûter au QC en tabarnak !!
J'ai entendu pas mal d'histoires sans pouvoir dénouer le faux du vrai, je ne sais pas s'il existe un réseau de chemins pédestres qui pourraient se relier, juste pour ne pas passer un mois à longer la route ? Et ce qu'il en est du camping sauvage, des mouches noires et des grizzlis, de la sécurité...
Si des locaux ont des infos/conseils/n'importe quelle expérience à partager, je suis preneuse !
MERCI d'avance, beau printemps à tous !
Suissesse de 22 ans, je projette une escapade à pied, sans savoir si c'est réalisable ou pas, ce serait de faire Montréal-Québec à pied cet été ! Je vais viser large niveau temps, et tabler sur des arrêts en route pour du ravitaillement, histoire de voyager léger pis surtout de goûter au QC en tabarnak !!
J'ai entendu pas mal d'histoires sans pouvoir dénouer le faux du vrai, je ne sais pas s'il existe un réseau de chemins pédestres qui pourraient se relier, juste pour ne pas passer un mois à longer la route ? Et ce qu'il en est du camping sauvage, des mouches noires et des grizzlis, de la sécurité...
Si des locaux ont des infos/conseils/n'importe quelle expérience à partager, je suis preneuse !
MERCI d'avance, beau printemps à tous !
Et si on se montrait nos petits films de voyages?
Hello,
Sur la même idée que claudio de la Faverges dans un autre post, je me disais, dans l'attente de pouvoir reprendre la route et d'effectuer de grandes bambées, et si on se montrait nos films de voyages ?
J'emmène toujours une petite caméra avec moi, je film la route suivant mes envies et quand c'est possible, histoire d'avoir à la fin un souvenir, une trace, chaque périple est une belle histoire personnelle, avec ses bons moments et ses galères.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi5ykYxewDQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLsrmWhKw5E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xshtkcTyg_g
Gilles
Sur la même idée que claudio de la Faverges dans un autre post, je me disais, dans l'attente de pouvoir reprendre la route et d'effectuer de grandes bambées, et si on se montrait nos films de voyages ?
J'emmène toujours une petite caméra avec moi, je film la route suivant mes envies et quand c'est possible, histoire d'avoir à la fin un souvenir, une trace, chaque périple est une belle histoire personnelle, avec ses bons moments et ses galères.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi5ykYxewDQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLsrmWhKw5E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xshtkcTyg_g
Gilles
Show off our bikes!
Some people have questions about choosing a touring bike, so those who are equipped can post a photo here and describe their ride—its strengths and, of course, its flaws.
I’ll go first!
Here’s the beast: a Ridgeback Panorama model, around 10 years old, bought second-hand from a cyclist who’d picked the wrong size. Steel frame in Reynolds 725 (it’s written on it, but I doubt the whole set is that series). Gear ranges from XT for the rear derailleur to some cheaper parts. Three chainrings and sturdy but heavy wheels. Here with 35mm tires—plenty for gravel paths and the occasional rougher trail (as long as you don’t ride like a sausage!).
What I’ve modified: - Upgraded from 9 to 10 speeds when I changed the cassette - Installed two Tubus racks—the rear replaced the original aluminum one (which got bent) - Moved the shifters to the frame instead of the brake/shift combos, which were getting in the way of my handlebar bag - Swapped the saddle for a Brooks B17 (the original one didn’t suit me at all) Over time, some wear-and-tear parts have been replaced.
It’s comfy and sturdy but heavy (almost 14kg). Downsides? It’s a bit sluggish when you stand up to pedal—the chainring rubs against the front derailleur cage (the bottom bracket lacks rigidity). Definitely not a climber’s bike! The cantilever brakes are a tad weak—you get used to them, but you’ve gotta anticipate.
We’ve had some great rides together, but it’ll soon be on the market since I’m replacing it with a custom Cattin. I won’t sell it for much—it’ll make someone happy...
I’ll go first!
Here’s the beast: a Ridgeback Panorama model, around 10 years old, bought second-hand from a cyclist who’d picked the wrong size. Steel frame in Reynolds 725 (it’s written on it, but I doubt the whole set is that series). Gear ranges from XT for the rear derailleur to some cheaper parts. Three chainrings and sturdy but heavy wheels. Here with 35mm tires—plenty for gravel paths and the occasional rougher trail (as long as you don’t ride like a sausage!).
What I’ve modified: - Upgraded from 9 to 10 speeds when I changed the cassette - Installed two Tubus racks—the rear replaced the original aluminum one (which got bent) - Moved the shifters to the frame instead of the brake/shift combos, which were getting in the way of my handlebar bag - Swapped the saddle for a Brooks B17 (the original one didn’t suit me at all) Over time, some wear-and-tear parts have been replaced.
It’s comfy and sturdy but heavy (almost 14kg). Downsides? It’s a bit sluggish when you stand up to pedal—the chainring rubs against the front derailleur cage (the bottom bracket lacks rigidity). Definitely not a climber’s bike! The cantilever brakes are a tad weak—you get used to them, but you’ve gotta anticipate.
We’ve had some great rides together, but it’ll soon be on the market since I’m replacing it with a custom Cattin. I won’t sell it for much—it’ll make someone happy...
Une très bonne année de vélo... ou autres
A tous les pédaleurs, les fondus de la bécane , les acharnés de la petite reine, les voyageurs en tout genre. Je vous souhaite un joyeux noël, et une très bonne année de velo...ou autres !!😏 😉😇🙂
Location de scooter à Patras (Grèce)
Bonjour, pourriez-vous me renseigner sur l'une ou l'autre location de scooter à Patras? Nous envisageons un périple jusqu'à Lefkada...Mille mercis
Immigrer en famille aux États-Unis sans travailler
Bonjour,
J'etudie les possibilites d'immigrer aux US avec ma femme et mes 2 enfants.
Je ne compte pas y travailler, je travaille sur des bateaux en mer dans la construction, et donc pas besoin de visa de travail aux US.
Y a-t-il une solution pour ma famille?
Merci. Jim.
J'etudie les possibilites d'immigrer aux US avec ma femme et mes 2 enfants.
Je ne compte pas y travailler, je travaille sur des bateaux en mer dans la construction, et donc pas besoin de visa de travail aux US.
Y a-t-il une solution pour ma famille?
Merci. Jim.
Erreur de dates du visa Schengen pour l'Allemagne
Bonsoir à tous,
J’ai reçu mon visa tourisme aujourd’hui de la part du consulat d’Allemagne, j’ai remarqué qu’il y avait une erreur au niveau de la date de validité : du 20/01/2020 au 03/02/2020 au lieu de 20/12/2019 au 12/01/2020. J’ai bien renseigné mes dates dans le formulaire et je les ai également communiqué à la dame lors de mon rdv de visa. Auriez-vous svp une idée pour régler ce problème ? Merci beaucoup
J’ai reçu mon visa tourisme aujourd’hui de la part du consulat d’Allemagne, j’ai remarqué qu’il y avait une erreur au niveau de la date de validité : du 20/01/2020 au 03/02/2020 au lieu de 20/12/2019 au 12/01/2020. J’ai bien renseigné mes dates dans le formulaire et je les ai également communiqué à la dame lors de mon rdv de visa. Auriez-vous svp une idée pour régler ce problème ? Merci beaucoup
