Why travel by bike independently?

Traveling by bike independently means carrying everything you need tent, sleeping bag, food, water, and equipment and being free to decide where to stop and how long to stay.

This independence gives a unique sense of freedom: every day becomes a choice, a personal adventure, and an opportunity to discover places off the typical tourist routes.

Moreover, traveling autonomously allows you to truly connect with nature and local people, following your own pace without external constraints.

What makes traveling by bike special?

Every day is different: gentle hills, challenging mountains, peaceful villages. Even temporary difficulties wind, intense heat become part of the adventure, leaving unforgettable memories.

Some of the most beautiful moments come from meeting locals: talking with people, hearing their stories, tasting traditional food, and immersing yourself in their culture.

Do you travel alone or with others?

I love traveling with another cyclist as well: sharing stories, tips, and discoveries enriches the journey. Sharing the adventure makes the experience special, full of collaboration, companionship, and shared memories.

It’s not always easy to find someone with the same philosophy, pace, and desire to explore, but when it happens, cycling together becomes a unique experience.

For your first solo bike trip, I recommend starting without planning too many details: don’t over-schedule distances, stops, or travel times. If you want peace of mind, you can book the first night, but then leave freedom to the journey. You might fall in love with a place and want to stay longer, or dislike a city and want to leave immediately.

What matters most is the willingness, adaptability, and proper equipment. Even if your first trip is long or challenging as in my case of nearly 4,700 km starting and embracing the adventure without fear is what makes it unforgettable.

How do you plan your routes?

It depends on the trip: destination, duration, type of route, and weather. I create a basic itinerary structured but flexible leaving room for detours and surprises.

I consult Komoot or Google Maps to find quiet roads, bike paths, or interesting off-road tracks. On more remote routes, I plan distances and available villages for possible resupplies carefully, so I am prepared for any unexpected situation.

How do you prepare physically and mentally for a bike trip?

I train with regular rides, using an elliptical and free weights for legs and arms. When the weather is nice, I also go out on my bike.

Preparation isn’t only physical: the mind must be ready for fatigue, unexpected situations, and changing weather conditions. Patience, determination, and resilience are essential to enjoy every kilometer.

What advice do you give a beginner in bike touring?

Bike touring is not a race: everyone has their own pace, endurance, and goals, regardless of age. Don’t compare yourself to more experienced cyclists.

Following your own body, mind, and personal objectives is key. Even short or slow stages can become valuable experiences.

A bike trip is a “race with yourself,” based on your principles and what you want to achieve: what makes a journey unforgettable are personal memories and emotions, not kilometers traveled.

How do you manage food, water, and energy on the trip?

It depends on the trip and the availability along the route. I always carry a day’s worth of food in case I can’t find a market or resupply point. I also bring energy snacks, dried fruit, and enough water for longer stages. Breaks aren’t just for eating or drinking: they’re moments to enjoy the scenery, relax the body and mind, and experience the journey without hurry.

What equipment is necessary for bike touring?

Equipment depends on the destination, type of route, and duration. It’s essential to leave prepared: tent, sleeping bag, camping gear, repair tools, and appropriate clothing.

How do you ensure safety during the trip?

I notify my family daily of my movements, send my location upon arrival, and report stops. I use tracking tools like location apps, Komoot, and AirTAG to maintain constant control.

The feeling of cycling

Cycling gives an incredible sense of freedom: going where you want, when you want, at your own pace. Every pedal stroke is a continuous flow of movement: new trails, breathtaking landscapes, encounters with other cyclists or locals.

At the end of the day, mapping the route on a map or GPS gives deep satisfaction. Every line represents effort, discovery, and conquered moments. The best part? Traveling sustainably and without polluting.

What do you learn from bike trips?

Every tour teaches something new: flexibility, gratitude, respect for nature and different cultures. Each day brings new experiences, landscapes, traditions, and ways of life. Bike touring allows you to understand the diversity between countries, making each trip a unique adventure.

Sustainable travel with e-bikes

E-bikes open bike touring to more people.

Although they require charging, with good planning they allow for an ecological and responsible journey. I haven’t personally used one yet, but it’s an intelligent alternative for exploring without environmental impact.

Sport and passion

For me, sport isn’t just an activity  it’s a lifestyle and passion that never stops, even on vacation. If I’m not cycling, there are countless ways to stay active: a walk outdoors, light activity, or targeted exercises, always immersed in nature.

It keeps body and mind active and alive, allowing you to enjoy the joy of movement at any time of day.

A message for those who have never taken a bike trip

Just start: if this adventure fascinates you, don’t let fear stop you. You don’t need to plan every detail or know every kilometer in advance. Let curiosity, your pace, and the desire to explore guide you.

At first, there will be doubts and uncertainties, but every pedal stroke will bring confidence and joy. You might fall in love with a place and want to stay longer, or discover that a city isn’t for you and want to leave immediately. What matters is willingness, adaptability, and proper equipment.

A bike trip is first and foremost a personal adventure: an opportunity to discover yourself, meet people, explore incredible landscapes, and live moments that will stay in your heart forever.

There are no fears, only the freedom to choose your path every day.

    As Albert Einstein said:

   "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving

My Bike Touring Gear


Every journey on two wheels requires reliability, comfort, and performance, and choosing the right gear makes all the difference. Here’s what I always carry on my trips:

     •     Bicycle: Cycles Marinoni Inc., handcrafted Canadian steel frame, sturdy and reliable for long-distance travel.

     •     Tires: Schwalbe Marathon Tires, durable and dependable even over long distances and mixed terrains.

     •     Bags: Ortlieb, waterproof and well-organized to carry all essentials.

     •     Racks: Tubus, solid and reliable to support heavy loads without compromising balance.

     •     Technical Clothing: Castelli and other high-quality cycling apparel brands, providing comfort and protection in all weather conditions.

     •     Accessories: lights, Garmin GPS, repair kit, action camera to document every adventure.

     •     Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 1-Person Tent, lightweight and compact, perfect for fully self-supported bikepacking.

     •     Sleeping Pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT, lightweight and comfortable with excellent thermal insulation.

     •     Sleeping Bag: Rab Alpine 200, 3C / 35F, Regular, lightweight and warm, ideal for restful nights in any condition.

     •     Camping Cookware: Sea To Summit cookware + MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove, light and practical for hot meals on the road.

     •     Safety and Navigation Tools: phone, power bank, maps, and emergency devices.

This setup allows me to tackle both day trips and multi-day journeys fully independently, ensuring comfort, safety, and freedom of movement.

Collaborations & Sponsorships

I’m always open to discovering new cycling gear and sharing my experiences. If your brand would like me to test and feature your equipment, I’d be happy to collaborate. Just send me an email to discuss opportunities!