That's it, you have made up your mind and are ready to go, but you don't know where to start? Don't panic: you just need to get organised so as not to forget anything. Travelling by bike is above all about planning ahead. How you intend to travel determines the equipment to take, the weight you will carry on your bike and the budget to plan for.
La Scandibérique is more than 1,700 km long, from Jeumont to Estérençuby, crossing 4 regions and 20 departments. For a first trip there is no need to ride it all: choose a section that suits you.
Stage 1
Prepare
1
Choose the right bike
You need a suitable bike with a comfortable saddle. A touring bike, a hybrid or a gravel bike are all fine. Have your bike serviced before you leave. Would you rather hire one? See the list of bike rental shops along La Scandibérique and the one-way options.
2
Decide the length and time of year of your trip
The length affects the equipment: planning a week is not like planning a month. The weather matters too, from the summer heat to the rainy season. For a first trip, 3 to 5 days on a section you have chosen from our route ideas is a good start.
3
Define your route
Favour signposted sections: you will spend less time looking for your way. Most of La Scandibérique is signposted, but a few sections are still to be equipped, so see the page Signposting, guides and tracks before you leave.
Stage 2
Organise
4
Be flexible
Leave room for the unexpected: a wrong turn, a technical hitch, a detour or a longer stage. At the end of the trip, what you remember most are often the unplanned moments.
5
Choose your type of accommodation
For a first trip, it is better to know in advance where you will sleep, especially in summer and at weekends. Favour Accueil Vélo accommodation located close to the route. Also ask whether secure bike storage is provided. See the page Where to sleep?.
Stage 3
Set off with peace of mind
6
Equip your bike
Helmet, waterproof panniers, lock: once the length and time of year are fixed, you will know what to take. For a first trip, prefer waterproof panniers to a trailer that you have to pull while pedalling. Avoid a backpack, which tires your back and makes you sweat.
7
Travel light
Take only the essentials: rain gear, a warm layer, a change of clothes and what you need to fix a puncture. Comfortable clothes come before smart ones. The full list is on the page Essentials and survival kit.
8
Be kind to yourself
Cycling is a sport: aching muscles in the first days are normal. Take breaks, drink plenty of water and carry a snack. It is not a competition. Persistent pain may signal a bad bike set-up: see our page Cycling pains.
Budget to plan for
Indicative prices to give you an idea before you leave.
Bike hire
Indicative prices for 1 week (7 days)
For one-way hire, a supplement applies, often based on mileage. It can be high for 2 people, but much better value for a small group.
Accommodation
Indicative prices per night
Camping is the cheapest option, but requires equipment (second-hand or borrowed). Accueil Vélo campsites may offer special rates to cyclists.
Day to day
on average per day and per person
Accommodation, transport if needed, bike hire and return trip if needed, meals, sightseeing and unexpected expenses.