Par
Editorial Lannion
Published on
Nov 11 2024 at 7:58 p.m
See my news
Follow Le Trégor
First pedal strokes in Copenhagen. Iona and Thomas traveled 4,200 km by bicycleacross Europe.
During a break from the end of July to the end of October, the two Parisian students rode their gravel, from Denmark to Greece, over hill and dale and in all weathers.
Barely back in Paris, they put the bikes back on the train and went to Trégor to visit Iona's family in Trébeurden and Perros.
Slow travel
“The idea of cycling is to get off the beaten track, to be closer to people and to respect the environment. »
“And to take the time to appreciate the landscapes,” adds Thomas.
They took a little break in the cities to visit museums and other curiosities:
“Sleep two nights in the same place and leave the bikes for a whole day. »
An approximate preparation
They start from a first experience a week in Italy.
Physically, Iona is hardly trained. It only runs on short routes.
The circuit is just outlined by eurovélos forest. A good application, updated according to the country, will do the rest.
They carry their camping equipment. Their big apprehension concerns rather security.
The king of bicycles in Denmark
Denmark seemed appropriate for them to get into shape and start safely.
“Motorists drive slower than back home on small roads. They stop in the middle of the roundabout to let the bike pass. »
If Iona was a little disappointed by the cycle lanes parallel to the roadboth appreciated the many shelterswhere cyclists can stay for €4 per night. A few days later, in Germany, they enjoy entering cities like Leipzig or Munich, which avoid activity zones.
They will leave the Eurovelo to discover la Romantic Roadthe castle route between Nuremberg and Bavaria.
“We didn’t go up to the castle Neuschwanstein on its peak. »
L'Alpa Adria
Their favorite way is l'Alpa Adriafrom Salzburg to Trieste, which crosses the Alps, with its historic sites and its stations converted into taverns.
Despite the tunnels, you have to overcome the slopes.
“We felt very safe. Italy and Austria practice cycling on a daily basis. »
The cyclist went in the footsteps of his grandfather Rizzoni in Friuli.
They meet many bikepacking fans with whom they exchange good tips.
Croatia lagging behind
The enchantment has faded in Croatia. They had to choose between the stress on the roads, where cars brushed past them, and the small, very stony paths which caused a lot of damage.
Depression shows the tip of its nose when they continue puncture after puncture.
Fortunately, solidarity is strong among cyclists! They found repairers in Zadar and Dubrovnik.
“We didn't feel at home anywhere, in the city, neither on the road nor on the sidewalk. »
They fell back on visiting the islands with very rugged terrain.
They let out a big “phew” when they reached Montenegro, where few cars were driving, slowly, on tiny mountainous roads.
Albania's surprise
“We had no idea what to expect in Albania. No cycle routes from one city to anotherbut the roads are very wide and the drivers very respectful. » Everyone over 60 rides a bike.
The roads are also used by herds and other carts.
“A lot of people stopped to talk to us. »
The cities are well equipped with cycle paths “even if it is a little chaotic”.
They escape from dogs in Greece
In Greece, completely devoid of cycle paths, these are the dogs that frighten the two young cyclists who found themselves surrounded or pursued by hounds.
They end up turning back to take refuge on the Ionian Islands, more touristy, but also more welcoming.
The ferry from Patras takes them back to Venice, and there they are again in “the land of cycling, with beautiful facilities”.
“Everything is doable”
Iona has collected a few falls, but what she especially remembers are her records: 145 km in one day, 1,800 m of climbing in one morning.
“At the beginning, when I saw a 12% slope, I got off the bike. »
“The bicycle is truly a mode of locomotion accessible to all. The only advice is to dare while measuring. »
Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to Mon Actu.
