How about next summer we leave the car in the garage. If we didn't fly, but rode our bicycles around Europe. Does that seem a little disproportionate to you? Well, not at all! And this way of discovering the old continent is even seducing more and more people. Going through unexpected paths, taking the time to look around and stop for a visit, a gourmet break, a swim, all this is possible by bike. So for travellers with an ecological soul, here are some precious tips to prepare your road trip in Europe
Make sure you leave well equipped
The first thing to think about is the choice of the bike. In order to avoid encountering mechanical problems and to ensure that those who pedal do not tire too quickly, it is preferable to choose a comfortable and robust bike. The mountain bike is a very good option since it allows you to ride on both conventional and winding roads, thanks to tires designed for this purpose. It is important to ensure that the saddle is comfortable and the pedals are strong. Those who wish can also opt for an electric bike. Indeed, it makes traffic on some roads easier, especially on the coasts. You have to make sure you find points to look for the battery, but this is an option to seriously consider. For the equipment to take away, be careful not to get too crowded and to leave well with the minimum. For long journeys, saddlebags are a good alternative, 20 litres at the back, 10 litres at the front and a small saddlebag on the handlebars for the phone and small useful utensils and that's it. Other small details of the bike that make the difference include mudguards, ergonomic wrists, rearview mirror, card holder and bottle holder to hold the bottle and easily hydrate regularly. On the clothing side, you need light clothing, in which you feel good and waterproof. This detail should not be neglected, to the point of also providing waterproof shoe covers. Let's not forget the few tools that can help in case of an incident and also the pharmacy, you are never safe from a fall and a few scratches to heal. A few days before the big start, especially do not eat fat, but rather starchy foods. During your trip, choose light and balanced meals that make it easier to get back on the road and it is good to carry dried fruit, sugar and chocolate to prevent a lack of energy
Define the ideal itinerary, according to your desires
This step is fundamental, because Europe is vast. So of course we can't cross all the countries, but with time and energy to spare, we can easily make sure we cross at least 6 or 7 of them. When surfing the Internet, it is quite easy to find routes that have already been defined and, above all, already completed by many cyclists. It is possible to leave countries where the weather is average on sunny days and to end your trip on sublime beaches, in sunny regions for a large part of the year. We think of the itinerary from London to Brindisi in Italy. You can also travel from Norway to Malta or Portugal. From France, one itinerary stands out in particular, namely EuroVelo6. From Nantes, it connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea. This 3653 km long road crosses 10 countries, skirts the Loire, the Rhine and the Danube and stops at UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the cities of Vienna and Regensburg in Germany. You should not hesitate to look carefully, to note your itinerary on a map, you can then leave with a light mind, most of the routes are marked and secure. Have a good trip!
