Travelling by bike – Our advice
Looking for freedom, adventure and wide open spaces? Bicycle travel – or bikepacking – is attracting more and more women in search of escape, self-transcendence and connection with nature. Whether you’re dreaming of cycling alone, discovering bike touring with your family or planning a bikepacking adventure, this page is for you!
You’ll find practical advice on how to get started, choose your bikepacking equipment, organize your cycling days, manage your safety and travel with a child.
We also share our gear tests, inspiring stories, and useful resources to support you at every stage of your adventure.
In short, we’ve put together a collection of tips that may be of use to you, whether you’re planning your first cycling trip or are already a seasoned cyclist and want to pick up a few extra tips or feedback on bikepacking equipment!
And, as always, with advice particularly suited to women😉
All you have to do is get started (and you’ll see, it’s not that difficult really!).
organizing your cycling trip
Organizing a bike trip may seem complex at first, but rest assured: all you need to do is follow a few simple steps to prepare for your bikepacking adventure! Whether you’re traveling solo, in a group, with friends or with a baby, here are a few articles to help you get started!
With summer, sunny weekends and long days ahead, it’s time to get started on something you’ve been wanting to do for some time: bikepacking! But where to start? Follow the guide I’ve prepared for you! How do I find routes for a bikepacking trip? The chosen route, commonly known as the trace, can be on […]
If you’re dreaming of setting off on a cycling adventure and discovering the freedom of independent travel, but are stumped as to what equipment to pack and how to optimize the space in your panniers, this article is for you. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a multi-day expedition, efficient pannier organization is key […]
How many kilometers per day should you allow for a cycling trip? It’s obviously difficult to give a universal answer to this question, as there are so many criteria to take into account. In general, a cyclotourist covers around 50 to 80 km per day, but this is only an average. In this article, I […]
Although traveling alone by bike can be frightening at first, it’s an extraordinary experience that can be full of surprises, provided you’re well prepared. Here’s my advice to help you get started! The fears of solo travel Loneliness One of the biggest obstacles to solo cycling is the fear of loneliness. Yet you never meet […]
In this interview, I invited Mila Colas from the Un monde à vélo website to share with us her experience of traveling by bike with a baby. Initial fears, advice, equipment, benefits of bike travel for parents and child… Mila looks back on her travels with her daughter, and gives us plenty of tips and […]
Are you planning to travel by bike but have questions about safety? In this detailed guide, I’ll give you my essential advice on preparation, the equipment you need and the behavior you should adopt to guarantee safe cycling. Pre-departure preparation Technical bike check Before setting off, it’s essential to check your bike: make sure there […]
gearing up for bike travel
You don’t have to have the latest equipment to start cycling, but you do have to admit that unsuitable equipment can quickly ruin your life… And I’m spoiling you right now: there’s a lot of equipment that isn’t adapted to the small frames that we women often have!
To help you find your way around, here are our tips for equipping yourself for your bike trip, whether in terms of panniers, clothing, repair tools, clothes… This should help youavoid a few beginner’s mistakes… and lost euros!
Which bike panniers to choose? Whether you’re into team bikepacking or bike touring, weekend or long-distance travel, there are choices to be made. To help you find your way around, I’ve put together a list of the different types of bike panniers available, their advantages and disadvantages, and my recommendations for tried-and-tested models. Follow the […]
It’s not always easy to choose your bike panniers, so here are my 10 essential criteria to consider before buying your bikepacking or cycle-touring equipment. The video 1. Tour length and travel style If you’re going on a day trip, a small frame or handlebar bag is enough to carry your snacks, rain gear and […]
To really benefit from the autonomy of a bicycle, it’s best to be equipped to deal with a puncture: so a tool kit is essential. But what should you pack? In this article, I propose 4 lists of tools to carry, depending on your type of outing. Complete bike tool kit video 1. Small repair […]
Automatic pedals are often a source of apprehension for beginner cyclists. Rest assured, we’ve all been there! We’ve put together a complete guide for you, to be discovered on video, with a short summary of the key points in the article. We’ll look at why auto pedals are useful, how to choose and adjust them, […]
Cycling shorts… If their half-sticky, half-diaper look is a bit of a deterrent at first, they’re still one of the must-have accessories when you’re cycling. The trick is knowing how to choose them when you’re a woman, so I give you my advice in this article! Men’s or women’s shorts? Not only are the cuts […]
mechanical tutorials
Ah, mechanics… Often the bête noire of many cyclists (not just beginners!). Here again, no need to stress: unless you’ve decided to go solo in a desert area, you don’ t need to become an expert in bike mechanics to embark on a cycling trip.
However, a few basics like repairing an inner tube are, in our opinion, essential. But don’t panic: step-by-step tutorials from Emma, the team’s ultra-educational cycle mechanic, are there to guide you and give you all the tips you need to handle the job like a boss!
Changing an inner tube is the first thing you need to learn if you want to cycle independently. On a mountain-bike tire, it’s pretty straightforward. On narrow road tires, there are a few tricks you need to know. Watch the beginner video tutorial The tools The base Extra tools Remove wheel Shoe brakes (where the […]
Wearing a bike cover is essential for stress-free rail travel throughout Europe. It’s important to dismantle it correctly and take a few precautions. Here’s a detailed guide to help you do just that. Video tutorial The equipment 1. Dismantling the bike The maximum dimensions of a bike bag transported by train vary slightly from country […]
To travel by train in Europe with your bike, it’s often necessary to put it in a cover. In this article, I’ll show you how to make your own carrying case from a tarpaulin, or how to transform a cheap protective cover into a carrying case that’s easy to attach to your bike’s fork, so […]
Changing a chain may seem technical, but with the right tools and a few tips, there’s nothing to worry about. A worn chain can affect smooth gear shifting and can break. So it’s essential to know how to replace it. Follow this step-by-step guide to carry out this operation and extend the life of your […]
hardware testing
Here you’ll find all the bike touring and bikepacking gear tests carried out by the La Sportive Outdoor team. They’ll give you equipment ideas and our opinion on specific equipment.
I’ve been testing the Liv Devote Advanced 2, a gravel bike specially designed for women for versatile use in both gravel and bikepacking. Here’s my full test and my opinion of this bike after several hundred kilometers on a variety of terrains! Test video summary My summary What I liked What I liked less How […]
In this article, I’d like to introduce you to the Restrap Saddle Bag 14L, a bikepacking saddlebag that I use a lot and that I’ve fallen in love with. I give you my opinion after a complete test of more than 2 years. Test video summary My summary I liked I liked it less What […]
Here’s my detailed review of the Ortlieb Back Roller Plus bike panniers, certainly among the best panniers out there to attach to the rear rack for bike touring! Top for bike travel 🙂 Test video summary My summary I liked I liked it less What are Ortlieb back Roller bicycle bags used for? Ortlieb Back […]
In this article, I present the Restrap Bar Pack 10L handlebar bag. I give you my opinion on this bikepacking pannier after a comprehensive test lasting over 2 years. Test video summary My summary I liked I liked it less What use is the Restrap 10L handlebar bag? The Restrap Bar Pack 10L handlebar bag […]
In this article, I present the Rapha Explore Bar Bag, which I use on my road bike. I give you my opinion on this small, lightweight pannier after a comprehensive test lasting several years. Test video summary My summary I liked I liked it less How do I use the Rapha Explore Bar Bag? The […]
Adidas Velosamba. Here’s a sneaker model I found after a lot of research. I wanted to find cycling shoes with cleats (for automatic pedals) that would be comfortable enough for me to walk in, but that would also look like urban sneakers rather than cycling shoes… I’ve been using these shoes for several years. Here’s […]
In this article, I present the Restrap Frame Bag. Here’s my review of this bikepacking bag after a comprehensive test lasting over 2 years. Test video summary My summary I liked I liked it less How do I use the Restrap Frame Bag? The Restrap Frame Bag is a bikepacking bag that fits inside the […]
The Restrap Stem Bag is a stem bag that attaches to the bike for quick access to your essentials: a water bottle, snacks or even a small camera. A handy little accessory! After numerous outings with it, here’s my detailed review. Test video summary My summary I liked I liked it less How do I […]
Having had the opportunity to preview the brand-new Coros Dura GPS, I was able to see the significant evolution of this device from its first iterations to its current version. Here’s my detailed review of this promising newcomer to the world of GPS computers for cyclists. Test video summary My summary I liked I liked […]
The Gorewear Endure jacket is a top-of-the-range cycling jacket designed to withstand the elements while remaining quite breathable and compact. It has become one of the must-have items I take with me on my cycling trips. Here’s my detailed review of this jacket, which in my opinion is one of the best waterproof bike jackets […]
get inspired
Itinerary ideas, stories of bike trips or cycling adventures, episodes of the Sportive Outdoor podcast in which inspiring women talk about bike trips… A healthy dose of inspiration awaits you!
In this episode of the podcast, I welcome Sibylle Codet, who tells us how she embarked on her first solo bikepacking microadventure with her bike. Watch the video Listen to the podcast Episode summary Have you ever thought about going on a solo adventure, but hesitation and fear of the unknown held you back? In […]
I’d been dreaming of cycling through the Scottish countryside for some time, with its many lakes surrounded by rolling green hills and the rugged coastline of the Highlands. Last May, I set off with my partner for Edinburgh, for ten days of bikepacking in Scotland. In this article, I share with you my day-by-day account […]
In recent years, new bikepacking events have sprung up to satisfy our insatiable thirst for adventure by bike. Bikepacking is the best way to discover the world in a different way, whether you’re itinerant, riding at your own pace or looking for a personal challenge. It combines adventure, freedom and exploration, and is accessible to […]
Three years after taking my first steps on a road bike, it was time to embark on my first cycling trip. Living in Annecy, the Mont Blanc tour appealed to me because of its proximity and beauty. On the menu, 350km with 8,500m D+, a great outing that we decided to complete with a friend […]
In this episode of the podcast, I welcome Caroline Prigent, slow travel adventurer, ultra-cyclist and co-creator of Bivouak events. Watch the video Listen to the podcast Episode summary In this episode of La Sportive Outdoor – Sport Outdoor au féminin, Laurène Philippot welcomes Caroline Prigent, a passionate ultra-cyclist and co-creator of Bivouak, an innovative event […]
Cycling the Sahara has always been a dream of mine. But as I didn’t yet have the necessary knowledge, I wasn’t planning to embark on this adventure alone. Fortunately, Cyril, an expert on the Mauritanian desert, offered to accompany me on the crossing. With whom did I carry out this adventure in Mauritania? With Cyril, […]
In this episode of the podcast, I welcome Nelly, who traveled by bike from Paris to Abidjan. Nelly shares her adventure with us: her motivations, her preparations and then the journey itself to Dakar and Abidjan. An episode full of enthusiasm! Watch the video Listen to the podcast Episode summary In this episode of “La […]
USEFUL RESOURCES
Finally, we’ve listed a number of other bike travel resources that may be of use to you or help you find your next destination!
Organization
- Komoot: a bible for bicycle travelers, with a wealth of itineraries. We also sometimes like to use Alltrails or Visorando (-20% on the Visorando Premium subscription with our code HP-JKBRB).
- France Vélo Tourisme: a must for cycling itineraries in France
- RandoCamping site: a site that brings together places to pitch your tent on a bike tour. A gold mine!
Weather
- Meteoblue: a weather forecast that’s often quite accurate (at least a little more so than others :-P)
- Windy: a handy wind map to help you understand where the prevailing winds in a region often come from!
- The Rain Today app – Precise radar images to find out when it’s going to rain soon!
Blogs by female bike travelers
- Carnet d’escapades: full of cycling trip ideas by Laurène, creator of La Sportive Outdoor
- A world on a bike: great ideas and advice from Mila, who has a wealth of experience!