Bicycle in a Backpack - ideas for 1 week destination?
Dec 18th, 2016, 07:16 PM
#1
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Bicycle in a Backpack - ideas for 1 week destination?
Hi, I am new here and have been unsuccesssful in searching out this question. I'm buying a bicycle that folds into a backpack, and I am anxious to try it out...but have no particular destination in mind yet. I'd like to travel in April, loosely thinking about Croatia, but open to other ideas. My plan is to fly into somewhere, explore that area by cycle, then stuff it into the backpack and use a train or bus to go to another interesting area to explore by bicycle for a day or so, then repeat the process until my week or 10 days runs out...then fly home. Most of my travel the past 20 years has been in France, so any other suggestions would be welcome. Friends have recommended Croatia, but i have no experience or knowledge of that area (yet). I like to travel light, am not sophisticated in my lodging or dining requirements, and hope to have encounters with local folks rather than hang out with others from my country (USA- Florida). I am an experienced cycle tourist, happy to be self-contained, and am recently retired so my schedule is flexible. My personal interests involve auto racing, cycling, woodwork and acoustic music...so maybe that would help steer recommendations? Your kind assistance will be greatly appreciated! Thank you for your thoughts. Jlphil
Dec 18th, 2016, 11:30 PM
#3
Croatia cycling
Certainly a possibility on the Islands, the mainland while there are off the main-roads roads you will find local drivers come a bit close and away from the main roads it will be steep. I can certainly think of more pleasant areas to ride than Croatia in April
Look at Puglia in Italy, the Po valley in northern Italy, northern Hungary, major rivers in Germany, Algarve in Portugal.
www.mybikeguide.co.uk might help
Certainly a possibility on the Islands, the mainland while there are off the main-roads roads you will find local drivers come a bit close and away from the main roads it will be steep. I can certainly think of more pleasant areas to ride than Croatia in April
Look at Puglia in Italy, the Po valley in northern Italy, northern Hungary, major rivers in Germany, Algarve in Portugal.
www.mybikeguide.co.uk might help
Dec 19th, 2016, 02:44 AM
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For 1 week, I recommend you to concentrate in one region. There are abundant of choices in Europe.
The first that come to my mind is the Netherlands and Belgium. They are flat countries and have been known as paradise for bikers. In April, you'll also have tulip and spring flower season in Netherlands, not only in Keukenhof (millions of tulip bulbs and carpets of color that charm both men and women), but also tulip fields as far as eye can see, around Amsterdam. Culture wise and architecture wise, it would make a very different experience than France.
Another option is the Tuscany region. I have friends who did a bike tour there and they love it. It's a rolling-hills region so you'd better be fit and adventurous, but a gorgeous region. After exploring the countryside, you can go to Florence and admire the beautiful Renaissance town. In April there are not (yet) too many tourists in Florence.
The first that come to my mind is the Netherlands and Belgium. They are flat countries and have been known as paradise for bikers. In April, you'll also have tulip and spring flower season in Netherlands, not only in Keukenhof (millions of tulip bulbs and carpets of color that charm both men and women), but also tulip fields as far as eye can see, around Amsterdam. Culture wise and architecture wise, it would make a very different experience than France.
Another option is the Tuscany region. I have friends who did a bike tour there and they love it. It's a rolling-hills region so you'd better be fit and adventurous, but a gorgeous region. After exploring the countryside, you can go to Florence and admire the beautiful Renaissance town. In April there are not (yet) too many tourists in Florence.
Dec 19th, 2016, 04:17 AM
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Other possibilities are:
# the Donauradweg (Danube Cycle Path) through Germany, Austria and Hungary. Well-documented. www.donauradweg.at/en/danube-cycle-path.html is about the Austrian part.
# on the tow-paths along French canals, such as the Canal du Midi or the Canal du Centre www.voiesvertes.com/ might get you further.
# the Donauradweg (Danube Cycle Path) through Germany, Austria and Hungary. Well-documented. www.donauradweg.at/en/danube-cycle-path.html is about the Austrian part.
# on the tow-paths along French canals, such as the Canal du Midi or the Canal du Centre www.voiesvertes.com/ might get you further.
Dec 19th, 2016, 04:24 PM
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Thank you all for the ideas and cautions. I will rule out Croatia for now, in favor of a more bike-friendly destination. I love the Netherlands idea for the scenery/flower season, and will check out the other suggestions and links during the holidays.
marvelousmouse , my bicycle is a new one invented by Bike Friday in Eugene, Oregon. It's called a "packiT", and production is just beginning. I should receive my bike in March, 2017. I am determined to put it to the test as soon as possible!
Thanks again everyone. I will try to update this thread once firm plans are made.
marvelousmouse , my bicycle is a new one invented by Bike Friday in Eugene, Oregon. It's called a "packiT", and production is just beginning. I should receive my bike in March, 2017. I am determined to put it to the test as soon as possible!
Thanks again everyone. I will try to update this thread once firm plans are made.
Dec 19th, 2016, 06:01 PM
#7
I see the models range in weight from 18-22 lbs. Because of the dismantled dimensions, you'd have to check it, and I wouldn't trust the airlines with the bike in a soft packpack. So, you'd likely pack it in a hardside 28" suitcase. Assuming you don't already own that luggage, more $$. And you're now hauling 30 pounds or more, not counting cycling gear and personal belongings. Yikes.
If I only had 7-10 days, I wouldn't want to be getting on/off many trains and buses with multiple bags. (The KISS principle.) And, if April, I'd be looking for a place with less chance of rain and a better chance of nice temps so you could at least leave the rain and cold gear (both cycling and sightseeing) at home. Southern Spain? Sicily? Malta?
If I only had 7-10 days, I wouldn't want to be getting on/off many trains and buses with multiple bags. (The KISS principle.) And, if April, I'd be looking for a place with less chance of rain and a better chance of nice temps so you could at least leave the rain and cold gear (both cycling and sightseeing) at home. Southern Spain? Sicily? Malta?
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Dec 19th, 2016, 09:04 PM
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I purchased a couple of folding bikes that I managed to fit in large suitcases. But my daughter made it clear that she was not going to travel on a folding bike, so we left them at home and rented bikes in Trier and rode along the Saar and Mosel.
If you were to start at Saarlouis, go to Trier, then Koblenz, then up the Rhine to Mainz, you would have the best part of a 10-day trip. And it's flat with great bike trails and almost no road riding.
If you were to start at Saarlouis, go to Trier, then Koblenz, then up the Rhine to Mainz, you would have the best part of a 10-day trip. And it's flat with great bike trails and almost no road riding.
Dec 19th, 2016, 11:37 PM
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Oh, that's exciting, OP! Bike Friday's are neat and I hadn't hear that they were producing a new one.
Jean...yeah, the packing is one reason I haven't flown with mine before. But actually, traveling wise, having the bike along often more than makes up for the costs of bringing it. And if he has bike luggage all he has to worry about is the hard case he packed the bike in. And better to be biking than hoofing it in April weather!
So OP, how ARE you going to pack the bike? And what will you do with the packing stuff when you reach your destination?
Jean...yeah, the packing is one reason I haven't flown with mine before. But actually, traveling wise, having the bike along often more than makes up for the costs of bringing it. And if he has bike luggage all he has to worry about is the hard case he packed the bike in. And better to be biking than hoofing it in April weather!
So OP, how ARE you going to pack the bike? And what will you do with the packing stuff when you reach your destination?
Dec 19th, 2016, 11:38 PM
#10
I've travelled all over with a full bike in a giant plastic bag (no protection), only once had serious damage to a vital part. The trouble with hard cases is you have to carry them as well, which makes the whole process more or less useless for me.
Do check over your brand new bike and make sure that, in the packed up shape, all the various cable support points, easily damaged bits are facing into the folded and supported area. Nothing can protect the wheels if some numpty wants to park a transporter on it, but you would be annoyed to have a jambed brake just because the designer left a bit sticking out.
Denmark is also covered with bike paths and dead flat. Mosel is really fantastic and well supported by trains so you can do the path as fast as you want
Do check over your brand new bike and make sure that, in the packed up shape, all the various cable support points, easily damaged bits are facing into the folded and supported area. Nothing can protect the wheels if some numpty wants to park a transporter on it, but you would be annoyed to have a jambed brake just because the designer left a bit sticking out.
Denmark is also covered with bike paths and dead flat. Mosel is really fantastic and well supported by trains so you can do the path as fast as you want
Dec 20th, 2016, 07:01 AM
#11
"And better to be biking than hoofing it in April weather."
To each his/her own, but I find cycling in the rain annoying, starting with the mud that seems to fly everywhere. When it's raining, I tend to focus more on the traffic and the road than the scenery. Stopping for lunch isn't just hanging up a coat and folding an umbrella. You have to find a place that doesn't mind a dripping, muddy mess sitting on chairs, making a puddle.
"The trouble with hard cases is you have to carry them as well, which makes the whole process more or less useless for me."
I assumed the OP would be doing hub-and-spoke type touring. The hard case would stay at the lodging until moving by train or bus to the next base... I would rather pull the bike in a case with wheels and carry clothing, etc., on my back. Again, personal preference.
To each his/her own, but I find cycling in the rain annoying, starting with the mud that seems to fly everywhere. When it's raining, I tend to focus more on the traffic and the road than the scenery. Stopping for lunch isn't just hanging up a coat and folding an umbrella. You have to find a place that doesn't mind a dripping, muddy mess sitting on chairs, making a puddle.
"The trouble with hard cases is you have to carry them as well, which makes the whole process more or less useless for me."
I assumed the OP would be doing hub-and-spoke type touring. The hard case would stay at the lodging until moving by train or bus to the next base... I would rather pull the bike in a case with wheels and carry clothing, etc., on my back. Again, personal preference.
Dec 20th, 2016, 08:44 AM
#12
No the PakiT probably will not need a box.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...e-ever-fits-in
but it's not a Brompton and you will need to make sure the gear changer chain doesn't get snapped off.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...e-ever-fits-in
but it's not a Brompton and you will need to make sure the gear changer chain doesn't get snapped off.
Dec 20th, 2016, 01:46 PM
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I once led bike trips for Americans in England, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg and northern France.
Belgium is a great cycling country too and very into nice racing bikes- some great shops like Plum in Gent (if still there)
but in ten years of doing these trips once reason we quit was the dang weather - we had 35 straight days of rain one year - never much but a steady drizzle and gray all day - we were camping so that did not help.
If doing a trip in flat NL then start on the coast and go eastward as stiff winds often blow that way - go the other way and you'll be like going uphill often.
NL along with Denmark has the nicest bike paths I've seen - like a separate network of roads. Belgian I found rather bumpy.
the Danube in Austria and Mosel Valley are great. Especially the Mosel valley from Koblenz to Luxembourg and also the Rhine from Bonn to Mainz- all have nice bike paths.
Italy can be too hot in summer.
Switzerland surprisingly is a biking country - in its cities and flat parts- if into hills try some of the Alpine passes!
And don't forget the UK - though they did not have many dedicated bike paths they have paced minor roads similar to D roads in France that are better than bike paths even.
London to the Channel is what we did and it was neat -the Garden of England and marginally warmer weather they say (every place in the UK seems to say that!).
Cheers!
Belgium is a great cycling country too and very into nice racing bikes- some great shops like Plum in Gent (if still there)
but in ten years of doing these trips once reason we quit was the dang weather - we had 35 straight days of rain one year - never much but a steady drizzle and gray all day - we were camping so that did not help.
If doing a trip in flat NL then start on the coast and go eastward as stiff winds often blow that way - go the other way and you'll be like going uphill often.
NL along with Denmark has the nicest bike paths I've seen - like a separate network of roads. Belgian I found rather bumpy.
the Danube in Austria and Mosel Valley are great. Especially the Mosel valley from Koblenz to Luxembourg and also the Rhine from Bonn to Mainz- all have nice bike paths.
Italy can be too hot in summer.
Switzerland surprisingly is a biking country - in its cities and flat parts- if into hills try some of the Alpine passes!
And don't forget the UK - though they did not have many dedicated bike paths they have paced minor roads similar to D roads in France that are better than bike paths even.
London to the Channel is what we did and it was neat -the Garden of England and marginally warmer weather they say (every place in the UK seems to say that!).
Cheers!
Dec 21st, 2016, 04:07 PM
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OP here: Thanks everyone for the additional thoughts and ideas. As to some of the questions asked, here ya go:
Hardcase? I HAVE an empty hardcase, but hope to travel without it. My thought is to test the efficacy of this "bike-in-a-backpack" idea. So, bike goes into the cargo hold in its backpack plus some cardboard stiffeners, with my very light travel kit traveling as a carry-on bag for the flight over and back. While at my destination, I'll ride the bike, and stash my travel kit in the backpack, which I'll put on my back or on a rear wheel carry rack. That's the plan so far.
Bike integrity: I'll test ride the bike here in Florida before the trip. It is a belt drive with 11 speed internally geared hub, so no worries with derailleur or chain issues. Should be sturdy enough when folded to withstand luggage treatment (let's hope!), AND the gears should help me on hilly terrain.
Climate of destination: I'm planning to travel in late March or early April. I glean from what you all have expressed above that I should stick to southern parts of Spain, Italy, or France. While Netherlands and Denmark sound appealing, I wonder about the weather...I can accept some rain, but don't want to pack heavy winter clothing if I can avoid it!
Accommodations: I plan to NOT camp out this trip. B&B, hostel, or other basic lodging will do. Carrying scant clothing changes, not expecting to do anything fancy!
Destination Q: Any experience with the Pays Basque in March/April? Is that too far north to avoid harsh cold? Likewise, I'd LOVE to attempt the Land's End/John O'Groats route in Great Britain, but assume the weather would be unfavorable in April. Is any part of Great Britain viable for this particular trip?
Thanks so much for your input.
Hardcase? I HAVE an empty hardcase, but hope to travel without it. My thought is to test the efficacy of this "bike-in-a-backpack" idea. So, bike goes into the cargo hold in its backpack plus some cardboard stiffeners, with my very light travel kit traveling as a carry-on bag for the flight over and back. While at my destination, I'll ride the bike, and stash my travel kit in the backpack, which I'll put on my back or on a rear wheel carry rack. That's the plan so far.
Bike integrity: I'll test ride the bike here in Florida before the trip. It is a belt drive with 11 speed internally geared hub, so no worries with derailleur or chain issues. Should be sturdy enough when folded to withstand luggage treatment (let's hope!), AND the gears should help me on hilly terrain.
Climate of destination: I'm planning to travel in late March or early April. I glean from what you all have expressed above that I should stick to southern parts of Spain, Italy, or France. While Netherlands and Denmark sound appealing, I wonder about the weather...I can accept some rain, but don't want to pack heavy winter clothing if I can avoid it!
Accommodations: I plan to NOT camp out this trip. B&B, hostel, or other basic lodging will do. Carrying scant clothing changes, not expecting to do anything fancy!
Destination Q: Any experience with the Pays Basque in March/April? Is that too far north to avoid harsh cold? Likewise, I'd LOVE to attempt the Land's End/John O'Groats route in Great Britain, but assume the weather would be unfavorable in April. Is any part of Great Britain viable for this particular trip?
Thanks so much for your input.
