If you are a regular visitor to Dave's Travel Pages, you will probably be aware by now that I am planning to cycle around the world beginning in April of 2015. If you are not a regular visitor, well, now you do know! Of course, its all very well saying that I will cycle around the world, but sooner or later, I will need to come up with a route. The world's a big place with many roads to choose from (preferably unsealed for that added sense of adventure!), and whilst I might not want to plan too exact a route, a rough direction would be nice!
The Problem With Choosing a Cycling Route Through Europe
So, as I live in the UK, and will begin my world bicycle tour starting from my doorstep, it only makes sense that the initial ‘phase' of the tour, so to speak, should be through Europe. The problem with choosing a cycling route through Europe though, is that there are just so many darned countries to choose from. In fact, even defining what constitutes Europe in the first place, let alone counting the countries in it is no easy task. Good old Wikipedia gives up an accurate count, and says that there are approximately 50 countries within continental Europe. If I was to spend just two weeks in each one, it would still take me over two years to cycle through every country on the continent, which is impractical, even on a tour which is planned to last between five and six years in length. It's unlikely then that my route will be able to see me cycle through every country in Europe (but never say never).
The other problem with choosing a cycling route through Europe, is that it is best to cycle some countries in certain seasons, and avoid them in others. Whilst cycling through Scandinavia in the depths of winter might prove to be a worthwhile challenge, for instance, its probably best avoided as I don't have specialist gear. Cycling through Greece in August would also present challenges at the opposite end of the temperature scale. Finding a happy medium in terms of seasons to cycle in is probably best.
The third problem in choosing a cycling route through Europe, is that there are so many long distance cycling routes to pick from. You wouldn't think that this should be a problem at all, but Europe is blessed with the ever-developing EuroVelo network, which links together cycle tracks and quiet roads all over the continent. There are at least half a dozen long distance routes which all have an appeal, and dozens of shorter ones scattered throughout different countries. Too much choice can be a terrible thing!
Perhaps the main problem with choosing a cycling route through Europe though, is deciding what I should see along the way. I don't want this to be a trip which just clocks up the miles. I want to be able to visit historical sites, take in scenic views, and experience local festivals and events. I also want to give myself the opportunity and time to see how people live in their own countries, and learn a little about their culture along the way. Should I sacrifice visiting Carnac for the chance to see the running with the bulls in Pamplona, or swap the beauty of the Norwegian Fjords for the wild side seen when couchsrufing Amsterdam? These are questions I will need to answer as I decide my cycling route through Europe on the first phase of my bicycle ride around the world.
What route through Europe should I take on my around the world cycle tour then? I have a rough idea of what I would like to do, but would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions. Maybe you might come up with something that I had not thought about at all, or you've cycled a route you wish you hadn't. Whatever the case, your feedback would be really appreciated, so feel free to leave a comment in the box below.
You might also like to read:
Simon Sharpe says
I’m planning a round the world cycle trip, hopefully starting soon. Summertime 2015 maybe. I have to sell my house first. I’m considering going down through France, Spain, back into France, Italy, Greece,Turkey, Iran, The Stans, China, and onwards. I did consider the more direct route, through the eastern European countries, and haven’t all together decided which route I’ll take yet. I’m trying to find out the best time of the year to set off, and what the best climates are in Turkey, Iran, and the Stans. I’ll not be rushing, and don’t really want to shoot to Iran as quickly as possible as I’d like to see Spain and the Mediterranean. It seems most people set off around springtime, but im inclined to see the winter in Greece and Turkey and arrive in Turkey/Iran in spring. Iran in the summer is very hot. That would mean article no in China/Stans in the summer. I’d like to hear what you’ve decided Dave. You can contact me on the email above, or check my website. It’s. Dry limited at the moment, but I’ll start putting more posts on it just as soon as I’ve get myself into gear and have a tentative start date.
Dave Briggs says
Sounds like a great trip! I’m currently in Athens, and it is surprisingly cold during the winter. Spain or Turkey might be better bets if you want to see a few winter months out in relative warmth.
My current travel plans have changed, so my route is on hold for the time being!
Ed Shoote says
Well I’m trying to get close to all 50! So far my favourite route would have to be: Harwich to Holland then Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria then Turkey sticking in the mountains where possible. Or could zig zag into Albania from Serbia as that’s a fascinating place to ride through! Have fun in 2015!
Freya says
WoW that’s so exciting, what a great adventure. I would love to cycle the world although maybe I would even prefer to hike the world but that would take forever. Regarding a route through Europe – as you already mentioned – it pretty much all depends upon timing and what exactly you would like to see. I checked out EuroVelo and for me personally the Iron Curtain Trail would be the most interesting one, added to my list 🙂 Although with all the things I would want to see along this route and taking into account my cycling speed, I would probably need close to a year already just to finalize this one.