Ever dream of biking through Europe’s picturesque landscapes, sipping coffee at a quaint Belgian cafe, or enjoying a meal in the French countryside? What if the reality was starkly different? Join me on a journey when harsh reality slaps your dreams of adventure in the face!
The Allure of the Open Road
It was early spring of 2009, and the financial crisis had taken a wrecking ball to my tutoring business in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Desperate for a fresh start, I latched onto a seemingly perfect solution.
A bicycle tour across Europe!
My nights were filled with dreams fueled by bloggers who flaunted their idyllic bike rides and charming campsites.
They made it look so effortless — setting up hammock tents in tranquil, hidden spots, sipping beers at cozy Belgian cafes, and savoring meals in rustic French countryside restaurants.
Convinced by their picturesque portrayals, I plunged into the adventure with a great bike, a one-wheel trailer, and all the essentials for an epic journey.
But as I began to pedal through France, I soon discovered the “white space” between those glamorous highlights — the gritty, unfiltered moments they conveniently left out.
If only I had known the full story, I might have thought twice before embarking on my grand plan.
Living the dream, right?
What could go wrong?
Here’s my firsthand account of the highs and lows, revealing the stark realities that most travelers choose to overlook.
What Was I Thinking? From Dream to Nightmare
It all began in a town outside Strasbourg, France, where I set off on what I envisioned as the ultimate biking adventure.
With an oversized bike and a one-wheel trailer filled with gear, I was brimming with ambition and excitement.
I had ordered the bike from the UK and had it shipped to France, not realizing the bike itself was too large.
— a mistake that foreshadowed the troubles ahead.
My setup included a one wheeled trailer, locks, a sleeping bag, and a hammock tent, all meant to make my journey seamless.
With maps in hand, but no smartphone guidance (this was 2009, after all), and memories of a rewarding Camino de Santiago trek from over a decade before, I was ready to go — or so I thought.
The reality hit hard as I found myself illegally riding on motorways, horns blaring, scrambling to stay on track. The maps didn’t show bike-friendly routes, leaving me dangerously exposed.
Since it was the beginning of Spring and darkness fell well before more sociable evening hours, I was forced to find secluded camping spots long before nightfall.
So by 7 p.m., I found myself alone in the dark, bored, and questioning my choices.
The romanticized vision of my journey began to crack in the face of those long, cold, and lonely nights with the sounds of unidentifiable critters and the distinctive wild roars of Red Deers keeping me from desperately needed sleep.
From Couchsurfing in Dijon to the Vineyards of Burgundy
In Dijon, a glimmer of hope appeared when a kind French couple I met through Couchsurfing offered me a warm bed and delightful company.
We explored the historic city together and shared stories over fondue, and for a night, I felt human again.
The rare comfort and the warmth of my hosts in Dijon contrasted starkly with the solitude, loneliness and exhaustion that defined my journey.
But the next day, the road called me back, and fatigue and discomfort returned as I pedaled onward to Beaune.
The vineyards of Burgundy were breathtaking and the charm of this beautiful town on the Route des Grands Crus tempted me to linger.
So, I indulged in the comfort of a hotel, savoring good food and wine.
However, despite the comfort, my adventure, with all its fatigue and discomfort, urged me to keep moving forward.
These brief respites were heavenly, but the adventure was wearing thin.
As I pushed south towards Provence, I reached Avignon, where my endurance finally gave out. Weeks of camping, biking, flat tires and loneliness had worn me down to the bone.
My Breaking Point in Avignon
After nearly two weeks on the road and over 250 miles of relentless biking, camping and lack of a good night’s sleep, exhaustion had taken its toll.
My once-in-a-lifetime European bike tour had morphed into a relentless ordeal.
I checked into a pension, hoping to rekindle some enthusiasm, but instead, I found myself wrestling with the harsh reality: I couldn’t continue.
The beauty of Avignon, with its ancient bridges and rich history, was lost on me through the haze of fatigue and disappointment.
Admitting defeat was a bitter pill, but pragmatism prevailed.
Swallowing my pride, I boarded a train back to Strasbourg, my grand journey cut painfully short, leaving me on a train ride of shame to reflect on the brutal lessons learned along the way.
Lessons Learned the Hard Way
1. Know Your Bike: Always buy your bike in person, ensuring the perfect fit. Avoid online purchases unless you’re familiar with the exact brand and size.
If you must order online, at least try out the brand and size in a store first.
2. Creature Comforts Matter: Camping may sound adventurous, but if sleeping outdoors isn’t your thing and you value comfort, opt for hotels, pensions, or hostels.
A warm bed and shower are invaluable after a long day of biking.
Comfort and a good night’s sleep can make all the difference, trust me.
3. Romantic Notions vs. Reality & Managing Expectations: As for those clickbaity glamorous YouTube videos and blog posts?
They usually gloss over the mundane and often challenging realities.
So be prepared for loneliness and plenty of boring moments.
If you cherish your creature comforts, either plan to stay in more conventional accommodations or leave the bike at home.
The reality is seldom as glamorous as you are led to believe.
4. Safety First: Always consider the legal and safe routes for cycling, and avoid risky detours like motorways.
Luckily with the widespread use of Smartphones, Google Maps and even Apps specifically designed for Bike Trips, you can now avoid these risky mishaps along the way.
Takeaways
Dreaming of a bike tour across Europe might fill your heart with wanderlust, but the reality can be starkly different.
Embrace your creature comforts and plan realistically.
Sometimes, a backpack and a train pass might lead to a more fulfilling adventure than a lonely, arduous bike ride.
Riding a bicycle across Europe seemed like an exciting adventure, a way to reclaim a part of my life that felt lost.
Instead, it became a humbling lesson in the importance of preparation, realistic expectations, and self-awareness.
If my story helps even one person avoid the pitfalls I encountered, then perhaps this epic fail wasn’t in vain.