Estimated reading time: 5 minutes, 32 seconds
There is now a dazzling array of content regarding overseas cycling trips on VeloNomad (something I am in the process of tidying up…sorry, I lag).
And with the time when many of us begin to head overseas for the Tour de France, the Etape or just to ride our bikes (if you’re lucky – all three!) rapidly approaching, I thought it might be useful to provide some starting points for planning your trip to Europe.
Actually now I think about it, this post would be super helpful for a trip to anywhere in the world, really, so bookmark this article right now!
So here we go – my must-read posts for those heading overseas to ride their bicycles, or watch some bicycle racing.
VeloNomad Resource Page
The VeloNomad resource page is your one stop shop for the things you’ll need to know for a cycling trip. It’s not perfect yet by any stretch, but will continue to evolve and grow.
Make sure you bookmark the VeloNomad resource page!
VeloNomad Product Reviews
The VeloNomad product reviews page is starting to fill out nicely (with more on the way soon!). These products are all ones I use myself.
And hey, if you work for a company producing cycling/travel related products and would like a review, drop me a line.
Planning and Execution
Planning your trip is exciting. It’s also essential in ensuring you have a hassle free trip.
Here are a bunch of articles to help you.
Which Airline to Fly
Wow, this is a tricky topic – start with the article on the initial stages of planning your trip.
Don’t forget CO2 canisters are verboten on airlines except on Emirates who give you a double thumbs up.
Also don’t forget airline baggage is an absolute KlusterMess – be very, very careful regarding your airline baggage allowance (read this article to see why).
Cycling Through France, the Series
The 7 part series on planning your trip to France is a good starting point for a lot of high level information.
The Cycling Through France guide covers all the information you’ll need to plan and execute an awesome trip to France.
Cost Comparisons (Car Vs Camper) and Budgets
It’s easy to spend a lot of money overseas, but it’s also easy to be sensible and not come home with a massive credit card bill (or, come home with leftover savings!).
For budgeting, check out the VeloNomad Cycling Trip Budget Planner (with a downloadable spreadsheet).
You might also want to check out the VeloNomad Campervan versus Car Comparison post that includes a downloadable spreadsheet.
The Campervanning France guide covers all the information you need for a Campervanning Trip to France, plus more!
Insurance
Getting your insurance for your bike is, I think, pretty easy.
Include it on your travel insurance (possibly expensive), include it on your house and contents (and cover it for overseas trips), or, have it covered under your credit card insurance (pay for your flights on your credit card).
I’ve covered the insurance topic extensively in the Cycling Through France Guide, but you can also read about it in my How to Insure Your Bike and Save Money and my general insurance tips articles.
Phone/Internet in France (and Spain)
The Prepaid Mobile Internet in France page is one of the highest visited pages on VeloNomad – for good reason. It contains loads of useful info about getting internet on your mobile phone.
If you want a SIM for France, Italy, Spain (or many other cycling holiday locations) you should definitely check out my MobiPassport review.
What to Pack/Take
Here are a bunch of useful links for packing.
- Download my Packing List, print it off, add your own stuff and make sure you don’t forget anything.
- Video and post on why you should pack light.
- Deuter Race Exp Air Backpack Review – this is an awesome backpack for the plane and for day trips on and off the bike (e.g. to the Tour).
- Helmet bags review – don’t fly without packing your helmet properly.
- Cycling Trip Equipment List – an earlier post I did.
Eating on the plane
Eating properly on the plane is really, really important.
Load up on plane food and booze and expect to land in a foggy haze and suffer for days (yep, been there, done that).
Eat lean and clean and only imbibe a bit, and arrive alert and ready to smash Cols! (Did you know Guy Pearce flies from London to Melbourne and eats nothing! I’ll bet he arrives hungry but alert.)
I’ve previously written about Why and How to Avoid Bad Food on Long Haul Flights (and what to eat instead).
I’ve also written what is a kick butt how-to guide (with ingredient list) on how to make your own high protein, low sugar cereal that is perfect for flights AND pre-Etape/sportif/long-day fuelling.
Taking Your Bike
I get a lot of emails from people asking if they should take their bikes on their trip (my answer is yes).
I also get a lot of questions about the best way to get a bike to Europe. There really is a load of information on the site about this, but briefly:
- Article about the Best Way to Get your Bike to France without Damage.
- Bike Bag Shootout comparing most of the most well known bike bags.
- There is a wealth of information on the site about packing your bike including this one about Packing your bike in an EVOC Bike Bag.
- What Bike to take for Etape.
Watching the Tour de France
Make no mistake, watching the TdF is TRICKY BUSINESS – read my 2011 trip wrap up, 2010 lessons and Stage 13 from 2009 to see why.
This article deals with the ins and outs of watching a TdF stage and this (you’ll admit) hilarious post shows How to Outflank a Gendarme.
The Etape du Tour
Well, where to start with the Etape. One of the main goals of this website is to help people have an awesome time when doing Etape du Tour and to this end, there really is a LOT of great information on the site. Click here for a Google Site Search covering all the VeloNomad Etape articles.
In terms of gearing for Etape, you should make sure you have the right gearing for Etape.
You should also make sure you have the right fuels.
For those who want all their information in one spot, check out the (very, very) thorough Tackling L’Etape ebook and the 2012 Surviving Etape Guide.
And for those hopelessly overwhelmed
Check out the VeloNomad Trip Planning Concierge – I’ll help you plan your trip overseas!
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