Johan Dufour, a cycling enthusiast for more than fifteen years, shares in his first book, “France en bikepacking”, his adventures through the most beautiful paths in France. A richly illustrated work, which retraces his mountain biking and gravel journeys. From light bike travel to bikepacking.
Bikepacking: the cycling adventures of Johan Dufour across France
It all started in 2020, when Johan took up the challenge launched by his brother: to reach Cusy, in Haute-Savoie from Pas-de-Calais by mountain bike. This first experience took him through the Ardennes, the Vosges and the Jura, and marked the beginning of a series of annual trips. “I felt a state of well-being that was difficult to describe, I absolutely wanted to relive it.“, he tells La Voix du Nord.
Every year, this resident of Ligny-lès-Aire near Béthune travels to new regions, exploring the trails of the Massif Central, the Pyrenees, Corsica and the Alps. Bikepacking journeys that lean towards long distance. 2021: Avallon-Agde (1,400 km); 2022: the Pyrenees to the north (2,800 km by the west coast); 2023: gravel in Corsica (1,500 km). This year, the Alps were on the program (927 km).
An interesting guide for those who want to embark on the adventure of bikepacking
Johan’s bikepacking adventures are meticulously recounted in his book, each step described with anecdotes, photos and GPS tracks downloadable via QR codes. The book also offers personal reviews and practical advice for aspiring bikepackers. Johan shares his experience, his challenges and the lessons learned from his journeys. An interesting guide for those who want to embark on the adventure of bikepacking.
“France en bikepacking” is an invitation to discover France differently, through itineraries off the beaten track. In addition to his French bikepacking journeys, Johan also participated in the Raid TransMauritania. A 300 kilometer fat bike adventure in the Mauritanian desert. Available since September 2024, the 218-page work is on sale in bookstores and also online. A good idea for a last minute cycling gift just before Christmas.
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