Posts by Simonthread

Thanks for your kind words! :) It’s a wonderful extension of our amazing memories of the Luberon.

The interest in our stories has been significant enough that I’ve prepared a French translation. Maybe it can help introduce the region’s treasures to a French-speaking audience? :)

Cycling the Luberon - the most beautiful villages in Provence

By the way, I used AI for this translation. If you spot any errors or awkward phrasing, I apologize in advance and would really appreciate it if you let me know! :)

Have a great weekend!

S.

In May, we spent a week cycling in the Luberon, following the "Autour du Luberon à Vélo" routes, EuroVelo 8, and several other local cycling paths. The region won us over with its stunning landscapes, quiet roads, and charming hilltop villages like Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Lacoste, and Lourmarin. It’s a place where the joy of cycling blends perfectly with discovering some of Provence’s most beautiful scenery. Full story on the forum: 👏

Provence - Around the Luberon by Bike, EuroVelo 8, and Other Cycling Routes

In a separate thread, we describe the most interesting villages, the routes we took, and our impressions of this part of Provence. You’ll also find details on EuroVelo 8, other cycling routes, how to access the region, accommodations, and bike rentals. If you’re planning a cycling trip in southern France, the Luberon is definitely worth your attention.







S.

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.

There’s a bit too little information to give you a precise answer.

But at this stage, I can already say that in Poland, there are two regions developing cycling routes in a truly European style, with clear and consistent separation from car traffic. These two regions are Lesser Poland (Maopolska) and West Pomerania.

This is where you’ll find the most interesting and well-developed cycling routes in the country: Velo Dunajec, the Vistula cycling route in Maopolska (part of EuroVelo 4), Velo Poprad (EuroVelo 11), Velo Baltica (EuroVelo 10), the former railway route, and the Szczecin Lagoon cycling route.

I cover all these high-quality cycling routes in Poland here:

11 of the most beautiful Polish cycling routes (Cycling Thread)

If you’ve got any other questions, don’t hesitate!
F642

S.

Great idea, and from Rostock - which direction? :)

I’ve ridden parts of the Polish, German, Latvian, and most of the Danish sections—I can help if you share a bit more about your plans! :)

I posted some photos here:

The Baltic Sea - VoyageForum

And here’s a really nice stretch, renovated in recent years, of the Polish section in detail:

EuroVelo 10 in West Pomerania, Poland

Velo Baltica, EuroVelo 10 - Komoot

S.

From the screenshot, it looks like you're using a desktop computer, so Locus probably showed the approximate location of your Wi-Fi network or another internet source.

When you activate Locus on your phone while cycling, the app will use your phone's GPS module and provide a precise location within a few meters (in practice, 1 to 3 meters).

So no need to worry.

PS: It's best to avoid posting full screenshots online, as the list of your browser favorites reveals a lot about your preferences.

S.

Thanks so much for your kind message! :)

I post my articles here because it seems to fit the forum rules :) It’s probably the right place to share trips that are already described on the website.

(On one hand, I’d love to share our content, but on the other, I don’t want anyone to accuse me of spamming...)

But if you—or anyone else—have any questions, I’d be happy to answer them, either in this thread or in the Cycling section.

Have a great day! :)

S.

This time, something big ;) up north.

EuroVelo 10, known in Poland as Velo Baltica, follows the Baltic Sea coast through West Pomerania, from Świnoujście to Międzyzdroje and Kołobrzeg, all the way to Ustka, and then further toward Trójmiasto. During our trip, we quickly realized that its location makes it one of the most attractive cycling routes in Poland. Another plus is the easy train access from Berlin to Świnoujście or Szczecin.

Velo Baltica (EuroVelo 10) - from Świnoujście to Ustka

The Polish section of EuroVelo 10 has seen major changes in recent years, which we witnessed firsthand. New bike paths have been built, comfortable stretches now run through forests and towns, and the tourist infrastructure is well-maintained. But the biggest improvement is the disappearance of the problematic sandy sections, which were still a real obstacle not long ago. This time, the route was smooth, well-prepared, and entirely rideable.

The entire Polish stretch of EuroVelo 10 is a very appealing option, especially if you choose a time outside the peak summer season. During our autumn trip, we enjoyed the quiet, empty beaches, and coastal forests without the crowds of vacationers. This atmosphere made the ride truly pleasant and allowed us to focus on pedaling and the scenery. In summer, it’s a different story—the crowds in seaside resorts can make progress difficult.















S.

Our latest cycling travel story is now online—welcome to Carinthia, on the Carinthian Lakes Cycle Loop (Kärnten Seen-Schleife) :-)

The Carinthian Lakes Loop - from Villach to Villach

This route was created a few years ago. The Carinthian Lakes Loop now stretches for about 420 kilometers, following the region’s rivers and skirting its stunning lakes, all set against the majestic backdrop of the southern Austrian Alps. Two major cities lie at the heart of the route—Klagenfurt and Villach—which can serve as either your starting and ending points or as a home base for several days of excursions.

Carinthia has long been developing cycle tourism—two famous European routes pass through here: the Alpe-Adria and the Drava/Drau Cycle Path. Thanks to this, accommodations are well-prepared for cyclists: hotels with secure bike storage, tailored services, and more.

The quality of the infrastructure is also worth highlighting: well-maintained surfaces and cycling paths largely separated from car traffic. The vast majority of the route uses dedicated bike paths, either paved or gravel. Many follow the water closely—rivers or lakes—and you’ll rarely have to share the road with cars.

A few photos from the route:











S.

We're continuing :) with something that’s probably close to your heart—The Loire à Vélo! It’s a legendary cycling route for many, and we rode it from Sully-sur-Loire to Angers. Here’s our full story:

La Loire à Vélo – from Sully-sur-Loire to Angers

Even though La Loire à Vélo is considered one of Europe’s best-designed cycling routes, it wasn’t exactly what we’d pictured. We expected a perfectly smooth surface the whole way, but instead found a mix—gravel paths, sections shared with cars. At first, we were surprised, but then we realized: what if these little imperfections were actually part of the charm and authenticity of France’s approach to cycle tourism?

Unsurprisingly, it wasn’t the roads that wowed us the most—it was the châteaux and palaces. Without their monumental grandeur, Renaissance opulence, and the stunning villages around them, La Loire à Vélo wouldn’t be the same. In just a few days, we visited no fewer than 14 châteaux (if we counted right!)—a packed pace that let us soak up the region’s incredible heritage. And what we loved most? Each château had its own personality, its own style, its own gardens.

La Loire now ranks fourth on our list of Europe’s best cycling routes—we’d love for you to check out our story! :) Here are some of our favorite photos:











S.

Hi there! I’m Simon, and for years I’ve been exploring some of Europe’s most beautiful and well-equipped bike paths. My passion for cycling led me to start a blog where I share my travel impressions, practical tips, and photos taken along the way. I ride both well-known routes like the Alpe-Adria, the Loire à Vélo, and the Rhein Route, as well as lesser-known but equally charming regions.



In my stories, I pay special attention to the quality of infrastructure, cyclist safety, and route accessibility—for young and old, experienced riders and beginners alike. I love discovering and sharing spots that are truly welcoming for cycle tourists: well-marked, with rest areas and easy train access.

On the blog, you’ll find ready-to-follow route suggestions, tips for preparing your bike trips, and plenty of inspiration for your next adventures. I travel with my panniers, a camera in the front bag, and always keep an eye out for what’s around me. Feel free to check out my blog, Cycling Thread—you might find some ideas for your next bike getaway! :-)

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I hope this won’t just be a one-off post—I’ll try to share our bike trips with you here regularly. To start: our May trip on the Elberadweg, the queen of German bike paths, between the stunning city of Dresden and Magdeburg. I invite you to visit:

Elberadweg in Germany – From Dresden to Magdeburg

The Elbe bike path is about 1200 km long, following the river from its source in the Giant Mountains in the Czech Republic to its mouth in Cuxhaven, on the North Sea. The route crosses a variety of landscapes: mountain valleys, vineyards, open plains, and coastline. As is often the case in Germany, the signage is excellent and the route easy to follow.

But what surprised us was the number of cobblestone sections! Sure, the cobblestones are well-laid and fairly smooth—but they’re still cobblestones. And when they disappear, they’re often replaced by concrete slabs, typical of river dikes. That’s just part of the face of this 30-year-old "queen"—a heritage that’s hard to replace entirely with fresh asphalt.

Along the way, don’t miss the many cultural highlights. Dresden impresses with its restored old town, the Frauenkirche, and the Brühl Terraces along the Elbe—it’s one of Germany’s most elegant cities. In Meissen, you can visit the famous porcelain factory and its Gothic cathedral. Wittenberg is a must-stop to follow in Martin Luther’s footsteps, with its castle church and Reformation Museum. And to finish, in Dessau-Roßlau, besides the Bauhaus, don’t miss the stunning Dessau-Wörlitz landscape gardens—one of the oldest English-style parks in Europe.

A few photos to give you a feel for the route and inspire you to check out our blog! :-)











Happy cycling!

Simon

As many cyclists as there are, as many opinions on bikes. Budget is the first criterion, but then you'll need to make choices about the bike's specific equipment.

For example, I see in your photos a road-style handlebar, round and sporty. From our experience, this isn't ideal at all for long-distance touring: you stay bent over all day, which unnecessarily strains your back muscles and puts pressure on your internal organs.

Still based on our experience, there's one thing we couldn't do without anymore: the rearview mirror. It's an accessory that changes everything in terms of safety!

And if you want to start looking at specific models, I'd suggest a classic from a very experienced brand: the Koga WorldTraveller. This iconic touring bike has recently been redesigned, with a completely new look, almost "armored." With this bike, you'll probably go to the ends of the earth :)







S.

Of course, it’s a different situation—on foot, you don’t need any specific infrastructure, and regions like Mazuria (Mazury), Podlachia (Podlasie), Roztocze, or the Bieszczady Mountains will undoubtedly be excellent choices for a trip :)

S.

Unfortunately, you won’t find any good cycling routes in the Mazury region. The roads there are usually very busy, since it’s a popular vacation destination. Polish cyclists often say it’s a huge wasted potential for bike tourism.

The only somewhat known route is the famous Green Velo, which crosses all of eastern Poland. But it either takes regular roads with car traffic or tough natural paths, often sandy. The region is gorgeous, with the unique vibe of the so-called "exotic Poland," but the cycling infrastructure unfortunately leaves a lot to be desired.

S.

Am I still in time with my reply before you leave? :)

Part of the EuroVelo 10 route in Poland has changed enormously in recent years. Western Pomerania (Pomorze Zachodnie), the region bordering Germany that manages half of Poland’s Baltic coastline, has massively invested in cycling infrastructure: dozens of kilometers of paths have been built, and a real network of cyclist-friendly spots has been created—kind of like the Accueil Vélo system in France. Today, Western Pomerania is, along with Lesser Poland (Małopolska), one of the two Polish regions developing a truly European-level cycling route network.

Here are some photos of Western Pomerania:











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The second part of EuroVelo 10 starts after the town of Ustka. It’s managed by another region: Pomerania (Pomorskie). Even though it hasn’t built as many bike paths as Western Pomerania, it has significantly improved the route’s usability. It’s a very attractive section too. You definitely won’t be disappointed—whether by the riding conditions, the beauty of the landscapes and nature, the food, or the accommodations.

And here are some photos of Pomerania:











S.

As a cycling tourism enthusiast, I regularly browse online forums, and it was a question about Extrawheel that prompted me to sign up for your forum :)

A few years ago, I had the chance to be one of the first users to test Extrawheel products—both their panniers and their new bike trailer. So I know a bit about this company, and I can assure you it’s the project of a true enthusiast, determined to create equipment that’s just as good—if not better—than Ortlieb’s.

I’ve tested the Rambler and Wayfarer models, which are absolutely on par with Ortlieb panniers. Excellent Cordura quality, sturdy and adjustable KlickFix attachment systems, modern design. It’s understandable to be cautious about a new brand, but I really encourage you to give this company a chance.



Happy travels to you all :)

S.