Travelling by bike

Is it a good idea to travel (very) long distances by bike? What should i watch out for and are there any do's?

Just want to save some money since to travel that distance by car with current european gas prices i would probadly have to take a loan

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  1. 1 year ago
    Anonymous

    Depends what your current level of skill in biking is. Chances are just doing something like flixbus or cheap ass train tickets would be the way to go.

    • 1 year ago
      Anonymous

      >Depends what your current level of skill in biking is.
      Will have to work on that

      >Chances are just doing something like flixbus or cheap ass train tickets would be the way to go.
      For me buses are boring af.
      Also I dont want to be closed in a metal can when with bike you can faster explore nature and even bivouac in some countries (which ive never done but sounds great).

      • 1 year ago
        Anonymous

        >Will have to work on that
        Okay don't do a bike just rent some to get around cities and do buses in between.
        >Also I dont want to be closed in a metal can when with bike you can faster explore nature and even bivouac in some countries (which ive never done but sounds great).
        I don't think you understand the geography of Europe if you think biking is a faster way to get around and explore.

        At the very least you're going to need to understand basic chain maintenance and swapping break pads for parts of it, especially nearing the alps.
        You're going to need to severely build up your leg strength as be well aware of local languages if you intend to go on the scenic routes as English drops off fairly quick
        Depending when you go you'll be limited to amount of hours out by the weather
        You're costs will most likely be offset a fair bit by the amount of calories needed to recover from a full day biking.

        Unless you're "long distance biking" is strolling through France to get to the Netherlands, the geography will be the biggest challenge to your body and bike.

        • 1 year ago
          Anonymous

          Woah, that helps a lot, thank you.

          I go to the gym and cycle there 2 times a week so I think physically im able to pull it off, tho you are right about being limited by the weather, forgot about it exists.
          When it comes to calories, i grew up in Poland and so I'am extremely adapted to eating cheaply.

          • 1 year ago
            Anonymous

            Like really, bread, some onions onions and vodka and you get my childhood happy meal

          • 1 year ago
            Anonymous

            >I go to the gym and cycle there 2 times a week
            you will not make it. start riding 2 times a week outside for about 5-6 hours or so. and you will not survive on bread and onions when you lose 2000 calories a day. my advice is start doing short rides then upgrade to longer full day rides then do some one night camping and after a few months do a 5 day or a week.

            • 1 year ago
              Anonymous

              [...]
              You will crawl home defeated after a week.

              I have done many multi-country trips in Europe and I have friends who have done eg. Poland to Vietnam by bike (yes), and the likes.

              It's not like one day you wake up and think "I want to travel by bike". You first go on a day trip. Then you go on a weekend trip with your full gear. You keep biking daily between those. Not 2 times a week for 1 hour at the gym. Hours and hours per day. If you're going to actually travel by bike, the very minimum you should be able to do per day would be 40km for it to make sense. But that in any sort of terrain, eg. mountains without any paved roads, or through very sandy gravel or whatever. With headwind. It's even better if you have no problem doing 100-150km per day, but that obviously requires some friendly terrain and not too bad weather.

              I would recommend eating better. Yes, instant ramen and whatever is nice when you have no place to cook. But you don't want to get sick and constipated when you need to rely on your body. It's almost always possible just to buy some fruit and veggies along the way. So remember to buy them and eat them. Also don't forget to stay hydratred. Not with fricking vodka. Woda, not wódka. You will not last long if you're trying to get smashed daily. Unless you want to end up in a ditch.

              100% learn how to fix your bike like [...] said, how to patch/change tires, etc.

              It's my favorite way of travel by far. You get to see a lot more compared to just driving around, but you get to do much more distance compared to walking. It will not save you much money I think. You don't need much gear for bike trips, but you do need at least a good bike with parts that won't break after a week or so. Some good bike bag and replacement parts. Waterproof gear. Some safety equipment.

              Do it, but like don't expect to travel much initially.

              Also the bike OP posted is not completely useless, but it's kind of useless for long-distance bike traveling.

              Honestly, bicycle touring is not a cheap hobby. And it only really pays off if you actually do turn it into a serious hobby. The initial starting investment is most likely more than several normal vacations by bus and train in Europe, but if you continue it will be quite a bit cheaper over the years.

              And yes, you can start out cheap, f you really want to. I started with my grandfather’s old Winora with a Torpedo single speed hub and it was definitely possible - but I am happy I won’t ever have to do that again. If you seriously want to go into bicycle vacations, first start cycling more in your day to day life, then go do some shorter weekend vacations next. Get yourself a decent tent and sleeping bag (Wechsel has lightweight and rather low priced tents), because that will be your home on the road. I personally don’t use anything but down feather sleeping bags anymore, but those are more expensive. And get yourself an air mattress too.

              Only at that point can you seriously consider planning your first great tour. You will probably have noted the issues with you bicycle at that point, and have become knowledgable enough to know what you’re looking for. If you want to do bike packing (I don’t know why, but people enjoy that nowadays), you will be less limited in your choice of bicycles, but I personally would always recommend a sturdy, solid travel bike over anything else. You’re not there to do distance records, you’re there for your vacation. Look at brands like Tout Terrain or Rennstahl if you simply want something that’ll get you through any journey, and if you have the money.

              ITT people who have never done any bicycle touring.

              ANYONE with a certain base level of fitness can pull off a long bike tour. You do not need to "train" for touring. At all. If you know how to ride bicyle and are moderately in shape, you can go on a bike tour. Being severely overweight/American won't do you any favors of course.

              >It's not like one day you wake up and think "I want to travel by bike". You first go on a day trip. Then you go on a weekend trip with your full gear. You keep biking daily between those. Not 2 times a week for 1 hour at the gym. Hours and hours per day.
              Dumbest shit I've ever heard.

              You also really don't need to know a lot about bicycle maintenance. Get your bike checked for maintenance at your local bicycle store before the tour, have run-down parts replaced (with quality parts). Will last you thousands of kilometers with barely any maintenance, at least with an internal-gear hub. You should probably know how to fix a flat. Flats are very, very rare with good tires and high tire pressure though. So check the pressure every two weeks or so. Clean and lube the chain every once in a while. That's about all you need to know really, particularly in Europe where public infrastructure is good and bike stores are everywhere.

              To address OP's question:
              >Is it a good idea to travel (very) long distances by bike?
              It is, provided the point of traveling by bicyle is traveling by bicycle. If you just want to see London, Berlin and Venice and consider riding a bicycle just to save money, you are pretty fricking moronic.

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                >ITT people who have never done any bicycle touring.
                >Dumbest shit I've ever heard.

                Why so mean, i intend on cycling up some mountains too.
                They all wanted to help and they did.

                >If you just want to see London, Berlin and Venice and consider riding a bicycle just to save money, you are pretty fricking moronic.
                I dont.

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                He was saying their advice was moronic
                Hes right, those people were over complicating it
                Any bike and any fitness level is okay.
                But the better the bike and fitness... obviously there is less breaks for you and the bike
                And you said you wanted to travel by bike because its cheap so he called you weetard
                You must want the bicycle to be your transport because of all the glory there is to be had when a man pedals up the steepest hill , thru the wettest rains, sleeps in a tent that leaks, survives off eatting pizza flavored pringles, shoots many loads into somewhat tight veganas, rides wheelies, and fricking pedals even more . Now that my friend is what we all know you meant. Not because you want a cheap travel. Everyone, and i mean everyone, even the shit for brains guy that said you need to train for years to ride a bicycle 100km, knows that the cheapest travel is to actually work a job and just pay a fricking bus ticket instead of take 66 weeks to hitchhike or ride a bike

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                >Any bike and any fitness level is okay.
                "Why yes I DO bike once a month from time to time on a calm comfy day with my beach cruiser! How did you know!"

                I'd agree any bike and any condition is fine for small cities but the way OP is talking is going from City A->City B, so no not "any bike" and "any fitness level" will not work. I don't think you realize how shitty things can get in-between cities in Europe especially if he is going through the alps.

                I can guarantee you that you'd really be thankful for some proper leg strength and for sure a bike with good breaks.

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                >"Why yes I DO bike once a month from time to time on a calm comfy day with my beach cruiser! How did you know!"
                And that's going to be enough most likely.

                >especially if he is going through the alps.
                The Alps are a meme in terms of difficulty for touring. Most passes across the Alps are very manageable. There are tons of hilly areas in Europe that are way worse than the Alps. The Ludogorie in Bulgaria, the low-lying mountain ranges of Germany, the Ardennes, Northern England, most of the Balkans. Heck, the coasts of Norway, Brittany and Northern Spain are way more demanding than crossing the Alps.
                Also: you do realize you can get off your bicycle and walk when things get too steep? No shame in pushing your bike up the hill.

                >no not "any bike" and "any fitness level" will not work.
                ANYTHING will work. Your mileage will be less with a shitty bike and burger tier fitness but that's about it. People have toured the world on fricking unicycles. I myself went on several trips across Europe on a singlespeed.

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                This has to be the dumbest case of "works for me dude!" I've seen.

                >Depends what your current level of skill in biking is.
                Will have to work on that

                >Chances are just doing something like flixbus or cheap ass train tickets would be the way to go.
                For me buses are boring af.
                Also I dont want to be closed in a metal can when with bike you can faster explore nature and even bivouac in some countries (which ive never done but sounds great).

                OP stated he has no skill in biking. It sounds like you have more exp and as a fellow biker I could also, but I also know how out of shape and completely stupid some anons are. OP without any bike training or basic skill will be ultra fricked.

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                >bike training

                you can't possibly be serious

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                OP seems to have 0 skill so we can only assume he has no real daily biking shit he does, meaning after day 3 of biking he will most likely be exhausted if not in shape.
                OP stated he doesn't know basic maintenance meaning replacing a tire, checking your breaks work, and basic 'oh frick my chain got fricked' is going to be needed
                OP doesn't even seem to have a bike in mind that he can state as to what he would want to try this on

                As someone who bikes daily recommending that people like OP just YOLO FRICK IT BRUH FR FR NO CAP! is terrible advice and I can't believe anyone who is versed in biking would suggest it. That's cool you and I are into biking and do it but seriously some people are so fricking out of shape they have no business doing something like "bike across europe" because they will be fricked after day 3.

                OP I suggest you go to >>>/n/ and learn the basics of biking first before attempting this, last thing you want is being stuck in some farm fields with a flat or heading down a hill with 0 breaks.

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                >OP seems to have 0 skill so we can only assume he has no real daily biking shit he does

                ?????????????

                >I go to the gym and cycle there 2 times a week so I think physically im able to pull it off

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                >>I go to the gym and cycle there 2 times a week so I think physically im able to pull it off
                There is a HUGE difference between biking in a tempature controlled gym where you can stop at any time, grab water, and not have to deal with cars/traffic vs. the real world.

                Cycling in the gym should only be used to help maintain your muscle mass rather than substitute for exp.

                You sound like a fricking moron at this point, this is like noob level shit.

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                >>I go to the gym and cycle there 2 times a week so I think physically im able to pull it off
                There is a HUGE difference between biking in a tempature controlled gym where you can stop at any time, grab water, and not have to deal with cars/traffic vs. the real world.

                Cycling in the gym should only be used to help maintain your muscle mass rather than substitute for exp.

                You sound like a fricking moron at this point, this is like noob level shit.

                The funny part is, i think both of you are right.
                I think i have some muscles for the ride, but i definitely need to be more traffic oriented.
                Got the drivers licence, but havent ridden a bike on the streets yet.

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                >YOLO FRICK IT BRUH FR FR NO CAP!
                Got a laugh.

                >OP I suggest you go to >>>/n/ and learn the basics of biking first before attempting this, last thing you want is being stuck in some farm fields with a flat or heading down a hill with 0 breaks.
                Noted, will try that tomorrow. Thanks btw

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                >OP stated he doesn't know basic maintenance meaning replacing a tire, checking your breaks work, and basic 'oh frick my chain got fricked' is going to be needed
                Again, you don't strictly need to know any of this. Where do you think you are? Europe isn't Outer Mongolia. There are bicycle stores everywhere and trains and buses that also take bicycles in a pinch.

                >'oh frick my chain got fricked'
                non-issue with internal gears btw.

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                >Again, you don't strictly need to know any of this.
                This is literally the dumbest fricking take ever holy shit. Suggesting someone biking across fricking europe with 0 bike skill is asking for trouble, especially if OP is not familiar with each language smaller towns might have.

                OP should at basic levels know how to re-chain his bike, fix a gear setting, and know how to tighten/check brakes for something like this. This isn't up for debate this is bare minimum knowledge someone should know going in doing something like this.

                If OP was simply biking around city/town centers and bus in between each stop sure, just 0 knowledge is needed. Yeah because every town will have a bike shop that's open and wouldn't have to walk far, but in between places like say Brussels and Antwerp? shit can get very country very fast.

                >non-issue with internal gears btw.
                Okay and OP said his bike knowledge so without knowing what even bike OP is getting this is a moot statement.

                >meaning after day 3 of biking he will most likely be exhausted if not in shape.

                so what? nothing wrong with taking break days. he doesn't have to average 100 miles a day.

                >he doesn't have to average 100 miles a day.
                Never said he did, however climate elements can constantly frick with you OP hasn't posted a route or time frame that I saw unless I missed it. OP should be doing around 45-55 mi a day average, this is still a big toll when counting in unknowns that he should be doing, the advice you are giving is borderline terrible and at best dunning krugger level.

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                >especially if OP is not familiar with each language smaller towns might have.
                Have you EVER fricking left your basement? Holy shit.

                >go to bike store in town in random country where literally nobody speaks English
                >point at bike part that's not working
                >mechanic figures out what's wrong and fixes it

                Like, this isn't rocket science. There's also voice-translation apps these days if you're really that fricking autistic.

                >This isn't up for debate this is bare minimum knowledge someone should know going in doing something like this.
                New brake pad will last your thousands of kilometers. Five figures in mostly flat terrain. A fresh chain has a similar mileage with an internal-gear hub.

                >shit can get very country very fast.
                I never realized the low countries don't have public transport. Seriously, in the worst case scenario, how far would you have to walk to the nearest bus or train station? A kilometer perhaps?

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                >how far would you have to walk to the nearest bus or train station? A kilometer perhaps?
                HOLY FRICK VISIT EUROPE ONCE.

                OP wants to bike ACROSS Europe, meaning between cities. He shot down the idea of doing biking in cities and then bus between the further ones. You're either the most legit case of dunning krugger I've seen or never biked outside a 10km radius of your home. Your advice is horrible and if this isn't a troll then you really should reconsider ever giving advice to people regarding this topic.

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                >You're either the most legit case of dunning krugger I've seen or never biked outside a 10km radius of your home.
                I cycled to Naryan-Mar a few years ago. You've probably never even heard of it. What are your credentials? Cycling 15 minutes to the nearest LIDL in the Netherlands while wearing a helmet and bringing 2kg worth of tools for any sudden emergencies?

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                Thank you for proving my point, you have legit dunning krugger if this is your reply. Rather than realize that other people may not have the skill you and I possess to bike long distances or through countries you go "YEAH WELL I CAN DO IT SO WHY CAN'T EVERYONE LOL"! That's great you have been able to bike there and such, but OP can't even state a basic route for getting through Europe. Giving advice such as you have is actually more dangerous than anything said in this thread.

                Your grip on giving advice is actually dangerous, just because you can do something doesn't mean the way you do it and what worked for you is genuinely good. The worst advice to give someone is setting unreal expectations like this to someone who has NO SKILLSET. I hope you grow up and understand it's better to give advice on the side of caution rather than tell someone something that could actually frick them over.

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                >just because you can do something doesn't mean the way you do it and what worked for you is genuinely good.
                This applies to your advice as well. I think you're being way too overprotective. My very first bike trip was on a singlespeed and I didn't even know how to fix a tire. Smartphones weren't even really a thing back then. Worked out fairly well for a first try.

                If OP was going to cycle to across Africa I'd actually agree with most of what you've said. But - again - we're talking Europe here. I have no idea how somebody who's toured a bit around Europe could seriously argue that you need to know shit about bike repair. Citing "places between Brussels and Antwerp" as "very country" is particularly hilarious to me. One of the most densily populated regions in Europe with exceptionally good infrastructure. It's honestly hard to take seriously.

                Screeching Dunning Kruger like an autist isn't really helping your case by the way.

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                >Rather than realize that other people may not have the skill you
                What skill are you talking about? I know how to ride a bicycle. My bike repair knowledge is basically limited to fixing a flat tire although flats are so rare I almost never get any practice.

                Bike touring in Europe really just isn't a very skill-intensive hobby.

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                >meaning after day 3 of biking he will most likely be exhausted if not in shape.

                so what? nothing wrong with taking break days. he doesn't have to average 100 miles a day.

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                Thanks. I was rolling my eyes so bad when I saw some of the other comments. I guess some of these people never went on bike trips with others who go to the gym regularly, only for them to refuse to get on the bike on fricking day 2, because their ass and thighs are not used to cycling.
                So yeah. Others can go and recommend cycling tours to everyone. But that's just dumb. They're going to make them hate cycling with passion. If people just get prepared a little bit, they'll actually enjoy bike travel a lot more.

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                >I don't think you realize how shitty things can get in-between cities in Europe especially if he is going through the alps.
                You are right, i dont. Thats why I will need to have a few testing routes, but those cities are more of resting spots than anything else - dont wanna do much there.

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                Not sure where you are but 100% start biking tomorrow daily if you are really thinking about this. Do at least 10 miles a day to start otherwise you have 0 chance having any kind of good time doing a bike across Europe.

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                >And you said you wanted to travel by bike because its cheap so he called you weetard

                Its not the only reason.
                Dont like buses.
                Wanna enjoy nature, fresh air, all the time(not w8 to reach the destination while looking through the window)
                Want to prove myself i can do these stuff and im not just another useless spoiled brat of my generation.
                Wanna experience something extravagant in my youth.
                Wanna have a hobby that im passionate about.
                Wanna get better at biking(which i like) so I may get involved in some cool tour de france stuff.
                Wanna have a better physique.

                >You must want the bicycle to be your transport because of all the glory there is to be had when a man pedals up the steepest hill , thru the wettest rains, sleeps in a tent that leaks, survives off eatting pizza flavored pringles, shoots many loads into somewhat tight veganas, rides wheelies, and fricking pedals even more.
                >Now that my friend is what we all know you meant.

                Woah, oh boy. What you just said makes it sound childish af, so let me explain.

                Because I come from a family of many children I we've never travelled much.
                Im a medical student on the first year, and i got bored of living the same day over and over again mostly studying, now that i turned 19 i wanna see some chunk of land, spend my short vacations actively and to the fullest, is that something wrong?

                If by glory you mean fame then i dont have the time to make use of it anyway.

                >Pringles
                Thats not cheap(at least in poland), and i dont eat that unhealthy. I said the part about onions and bread, because I just dont need expensive food.

                >tight veganas
                Imagine thinking women would be easier to have sex with in the west than in poland
                Its not Asia or sth

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                >Prove to myself that I can do these stuff and im not just another useless spoiled brat of my generation.*

          • 1 year ago
            Anonymous

            Like really, bread, some onions onions and vodka and you get my childhood happy meal

            You will crawl home defeated after a week.

            I have done many multi-country trips in Europe and I have friends who have done eg. Poland to Vietnam by bike (yes), and the likes.

            It's not like one day you wake up and think "I want to travel by bike". You first go on a day trip. Then you go on a weekend trip with your full gear. You keep biking daily between those. Not 2 times a week for 1 hour at the gym. Hours and hours per day. If you're going to actually travel by bike, the very minimum you should be able to do per day would be 40km for it to make sense. But that in any sort of terrain, eg. mountains without any paved roads, or through very sandy gravel or whatever. With headwind. It's even better if you have no problem doing 100-150km per day, but that obviously requires some friendly terrain and not too bad weather.

            I would recommend eating better. Yes, instant ramen and whatever is nice when you have no place to cook. But you don't want to get sick and constipated when you need to rely on your body. It's almost always possible just to buy some fruit and veggies along the way. So remember to buy them and eat them. Also don't forget to stay hydratred. Not with fricking vodka. Woda, not wódka. You will not last long if you're trying to get smashed daily. Unless you want to end up in a ditch.

            100% learn how to fix your bike like

            >Will have to work on that
            Okay don't do a bike just rent some to get around cities and do buses in between.
            >Also I dont want to be closed in a metal can when with bike you can faster explore nature and even bivouac in some countries (which ive never done but sounds great).
            I don't think you understand the geography of Europe if you think biking is a faster way to get around and explore.

            At the very least you're going to need to understand basic chain maintenance and swapping break pads for parts of it, especially nearing the alps.
            You're going to need to severely build up your leg strength as be well aware of local languages if you intend to go on the scenic routes as English drops off fairly quick
            Depending when you go you'll be limited to amount of hours out by the weather
            You're costs will most likely be offset a fair bit by the amount of calories needed to recover from a full day biking.

            Unless you're "long distance biking" is strolling through France to get to the Netherlands, the geography will be the biggest challenge to your body and bike.

            said, how to patch/change tires, etc.

            It's my favorite way of travel by far. You get to see a lot more compared to just driving around, but you get to do much more distance compared to walking. It will not save you much money I think. You don't need much gear for bike trips, but you do need at least a good bike with parts that won't break after a week or so. Some good bike bag and replacement parts. Waterproof gear. Some safety equipment.

            Do it, but like don't expect to travel much initially.

            Also the bike OP posted is not completely useless, but it's kind of useless for long-distance bike traveling.

            • 1 year ago
              Anonymous

              Then are there any bikes you would recommend? I definitely need to buy a better one.

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                There isn't a specific one I would endorse. The farther you go, the less extras it should have. So no hydraulics or so, only easily serviceable parts that don't add extra weight. That seat looks like it would hurt, too. Google 'touring bike' or so.

              • 1 year ago
                Anonymous

                https://i.imgur.com/Hdz0OEa.jpg

                There isn't a specific one I would endorse. The farther you go, the less extras it should have. So no hydraulics or so, only easily serviceable parts that don't add extra weight. That seat looks like it would hurt, too. Google 'touring bike' or so.

                Again, not endorsing this specific one.
                Just showing you the TYPE of the bike that is more suitable for actual bike travel.
                I personally have random touring bike off of German eBay from like 12 years ago. Know your size! And then you can get a good deal online I guess.
                You can go to a Decathlon or any bike shop to figure out your measurements, and then find a good buy online.

  2. 1 year ago
    Anonymous

    Honestly, bicycle touring is not a cheap hobby. And it only really pays off if you actually do turn it into a serious hobby. The initial starting investment is most likely more than several normal vacations by bus and train in Europe, but if you continue it will be quite a bit cheaper over the years.

    And yes, you can start out cheap, f you really want to. I started with my grandfather’s old Winora with a Torpedo single speed hub and it was definitely possible - but I am happy I won’t ever have to do that again. If you seriously want to go into bicycle vacations, first start cycling more in your day to day life, then go do some shorter weekend vacations next. Get yourself a decent tent and sleeping bag (Wechsel has lightweight and rather low priced tents), because that will be your home on the road. I personally don’t use anything but down feather sleeping bags anymore, but those are more expensive. And get yourself an air mattress too.

    Only at that point can you seriously consider planning your first great tour. You will probably have noted the issues with you bicycle at that point, and have become knowledgable enough to know what you’re looking for. If you want to do bike packing (I don’t know why, but people enjoy that nowadays), you will be less limited in your choice of bicycles, but I personally would always recommend a sturdy, solid travel bike over anything else. You’re not there to do distance records, you’re there for your vacation. Look at brands like Tout Terrain or Rennstahl if you simply want something that’ll get you through any journey, and if you have the money.

  3. 1 year ago
    Anonymous

    Ok lets stop trying to convice the other guy OP is going to die or whatever
    Lets set him up with a route
    Maybe he can start in Poland and north to the Baltic sea and then west? Eventually he can make it to Ireland ?
    Maybe he will get mediocre vegana in France ?

    • 1 year ago
      Anonymous

      For a beginners trip I would recommend the North coast of Poland and Germany. Some Hansa towns, lots of chill beaches, some historical landmarks to stare at. And it's flat. The only annoying thing would he the wind I guess.
      From Gdynia to Bremerhaven or something?
      There is a reasonable chain of hostels and warmshowers hosts.
      Nothing is open on Sundays in Germany except if you're in like Hamburg or Lübeck proper or some other bigger town.
      2 weeks one way for a chill pace, or something like that?

      If OP is in South Poland, some Katowice-Brno-Vienna-Bratislava-Nitra-Zilina-Krakkow circle would be more practical. It's a more fun terrain for sure, and less wind. But also the bike infrastructure is a bit more chaotic.

      • 1 year ago
        Anonymous

        Anyone else got this issue with google maps, that it doesnt show possible bike routes anywherewhere from slovenia to the czech republic?
        (Please dont lynch me for using google maps, say what you use and I'll try it)

        • 1 year ago
          Anonymous

          Google maps isn't completely useless on bike trips, eg. it's great for restaurants or supermarket opening times or finding paid accommodation. So I don't judge using google maps.
          Unfortunately their cycling maps are a hit or miss.
          For Slovakia
          https://www.cykloportal.sk/cyklotrasy-na-mape/
          For the best maintained European routes (this doesn't mean it's perfect roads, but it's still useful). https://en.eurovelo.com/ Along these routes is where you'll generally find at least some bike friendly restaurants and accommodation more often than elsewhere.

          Btw this was roughly the first recommendation. https://www.esterbauer.com/bikeline/iron-curtain-trail-2-baltic-sea-cycle-route/

          With my friends we normally write down all the turns we have to take and some of the important sights on a paper in the morning, or the night before, and tape it on a visible part of one of our frames. I mean we've done tons and tons of tours simply be memorizing the route as well, but it can be fun having to think less about the route.

        • 1 year ago
          Anonymous

          Google maps is fine for convenience and useble enough on the road. I use it all the time.

          >Anyone else got this issue with google maps, that it doesnt show possible bike routes anywherewhere from slovenia to the czech republic?
          That's normal. Google maps doesn't support bicycle routing for most countries.

          >say what you use and I'll try it
          Brouter hands down.
          https://brouter.de/brouter-web/

          I haven't tried the app yet. For route planning brouter is king though.

          Google maps isn't completely useless on bike trips, eg. it's great for restaurants or supermarket opening times or finding paid accommodation. So I don't judge using google maps.
          Unfortunately their cycling maps are a hit or miss.
          For Slovakia
          https://www.cykloportal.sk/cyklotrasy-na-mape/
          For the best maintained European routes (this doesn't mean it's perfect roads, but it's still useful). https://en.eurovelo.com/ Along these routes is where you'll generally find at least some bike friendly restaurants and accommodation more often than elsewhere.

          Btw this was roughly the first recommendation. https://www.esterbauer.com/bikeline/iron-curtain-trail-2-baltic-sea-cycle-route/

          With my friends we normally write down all the turns we have to take and some of the important sights on a paper in the morning, or the night before, and tape it on a visible part of one of our frames. I mean we've done tons and tons of tours simply be memorizing the route as well, but it can be fun having to think less about the route.

          Eurovelo is a joke for the most part.

      • 1 year ago
        Anonymous

        I dream about visiting Portugal and Spain but I know its waaay too far maybe in a several years. Until then I hope to visit italy and (at least from a distance) alps.

        Frankly I didnt do much research about attractions there are, so my "goals" are not fixed for good.

  4. 1 year ago
    Anonymous

    You don't need "skill" for bike touring. Pedaling isn't inherently difficult. A child knows how to do it. Sore ass is where the real struggle is.

    Get a bike that is made for the surfaces you will be traveling on. Get comfortable on it. When shit breaks try to fix it yourself. Think about what you want to take with you and how you're going to carry it on your bike. Start planning out a route.

    If you truly want to go through with this then you have a lot of unknowns that you need figure out before you go. It's not going to happen this year. Maybe you can try out about a week long trip in late summer/early autumn to test the waters. That's what I did during my first year.

  5. 1 year ago
    Anonymous

    >>>/n/

    [...]

    [...]

    [...]

    Are you really going to take the word of a bunch of fat old washed up shitposters who can barely walk to the fridge for another beer?

    Start small, work your way up. Start with 4 hour rides with a break. Move up to 6s, then 8s. Ride to the next town over and pitch a tent. Ride back the next day. Figure out what challenges and difficulties you face. Take steps to solve/avoid them. Find a local group of cyclists (be warned they can be massive homosexuals). Hell, ask the guy at the cycle shop (but tell him you left your wallet in your car).

    This board is the most blackpilled place where wash-ups discourage drop-outs from chasing their dreams. On yer bike son

  6. 1 year ago
    Anonymous

    Just hit me with the truth , do i really need a 2k euro bike for this ? Isnt a 500 euro or less bike from Decathlon good enough?

    • 1 year ago
      Anonymous

      No but you'll probably end up dropping around 200-250 euros for something that can reliably get you across the countries. Use /n/ to figure out some shit of the finer details.

  7. 1 year ago
    Anonymous

    I never got in to serious biking, but this thread gives me a reason to link this vid on long distance biking.

    The trip looks so cool, but daaaaaammmn it would be freezing and difficult to do.

    • 1 year ago
      Anonymous

      I prefer cold over heat, so I wouldn't mind the temperature. But there's less oxygen, plus the visa is a hassle.
      But I'll definitely go somewhere nearby to bike (not Tibet proper, cause of the visa madness). I ran into some dudes who were doing a trip all around mainland China, and they had a lot of fun. (I mean drivers were surprisingly tolerant of them, though you very obviously do not want to bike there after sunset.)

      No but you'll probably end up dropping around 200-250 euros for something that can reliably get you across the countries. Use /n/ to figure out some shit of the finer details.

      Yeah, get a cheapish frame, and maybe upgrade the breaks and gears and the rear rack.

      I dream about visiting Portugal and Spain but I know its waaay too far maybe in a several years. Until then I hope to visit italy and (at least from a distance) alps.

      Frankly I didnt do much research about attractions there are, so my "goals" are not fixed for good.

      Note that eg. EasyJet and WizzAir take bikes for relatively cheap. But you have to be used to putting your stuff on your bike in a reliable way if you do that. And know where you can get a bike cardboard box on the way back. (Most airports sell them for cheap, but only in some dark hidden alley that you don't find without looking at the airport layout. lol)
      It's not rocket science, but like you don't want that plane trip to be your first bike trip. Second, maybe. Because it's just not fun to load up your bike next to an airport when you have no idea what you're doing. And, more importantly, you don't want your luggage to be falling apart when you bike away from the airport. It's better to learn how to properly fasten everything without lots of taxi drivers around.
      Anyhow, it's going to be fun! Report back in once you've biked already.

      >>>/n/
      [...]
      [...]
      [...]

      Are you really going to take the word of a bunch of fat old washed up shitposters who can barely walk to the fridge for another beer?

      Start small, work your way up. Start with 4 hour rides with a break. Move up to 6s, then 8s. Ride to the next town over and pitch a tent. Ride back the next day. Figure out what challenges and difficulties you face. Take steps to solve/avoid them. Find a local group of cyclists (be warned they can be massive homosexuals). Hell, ask the guy at the cycle shop (but tell him you left your wallet in your car).

      This board is the most blackpilled place where wash-ups discourage drop-outs from chasing their dreams. On yer bike son

      >Start small, work your way up. Start with 4 hour rides with a break. Move up to 6s, then 8s. Ride to the next town over and pitch a tent. Ride back the next day. Figure out what challenges and difficulties you face. Take steps to solve/avoid them.
      This.

  8. 1 year ago
    Anonymous

    Bumping, cause traveling by bike is the best.
    Does anyone have a recommendation for a 3 person-tent? The last time I had to buy one was like 20 years ago. I only remember that I prefer double-layer dome-shaped ones. I'm hoping that there is something significantly lighter but similarly water-repellent on the market since.

  9. 1 year ago
    Anonymous

    Just get a 125cc moped m8. It does 2-2.5L/100km. A 1000km round trip will cost you some 40 euros. Doing the same on a bicycle will take you 10 fricking days at best and unless you're camping on random ditches will cost you 500+ euros.

    Obviously the cheapest way to travel will be buses or trains.

    • 1 year ago
      Anonymous

      this. just get a scooter dude. it's even more fun imo.

    • 1 year ago
      Anonymous

      >Is it a good idea to travel (very) long distances by bike?
      It's good for losing weight.
      Besides that it is in my opinion one of the ideas that is far more fun in imagining actually doing it. Bicycle trips can easily become very frustrating, much more so than other trips.
      Driving on shared roads where you are constantly going to be overtaken by cars can very annoying. Depending on where you are going that will be the norm. If you don't enjoy or at least don't have a problem with climbing hills it will limit you even more and don't expect that you will enjoy it at some point in the future.
      The picture in the OP is misleading - distance travelling by bike is not like that. You will be travelling with a very heavy, overloaded bicycle that is not very fun to ride. Since money is of concern you won't have access to the expensive weightsaving equipment. That is also going to limit you exploring interesting areas.
      You will always worry about your stuff getting stolen, while sleeping, sightseeing and shopping at supermarkets.
      Plus are limited in doing stuff since you have limited space and then there is the money-weight-space question.
      With a car you can easily take other outdoor equipment such as fishing equipment with you.
      In any case you should try it yourself, do a daytrip as soon as possible to friends/relatives where you can sleep and cook and see how much you enjoy it.

      >Just want to save some money since to travel
      You will still spend money on equipment. In any way keep in mind that things such as a sleeping bag, tent/tarp and cooking equipment can be used for all kind of trips and not having a sleeping setup is going to limit you anyways.
      Keep in mind that if you travel with friends you can save money on petrol, sharing equipment etc.
      My advice is to get a well paying job as well.

      this. just get a scooter dude. it's even more fun imo.

      True

  10. 1 year ago
    Anonymous

    I biked across America one summer. It took me two months at 100 miles a day. I burned so many calories and was starving the whole time even though I ate like trash. It was fun for the physical experience but I can't say it was a good way to travel. Some days the weather was really bad.

    • 1 year ago
      Anonymous

      America isn't that big you're probably just fat

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