In August 2025, I set off on an amazing adventure: an 11-day solo bike ride, covering ≈ 1,100 km and ≈ 10,000 m of elevation gain across 6 countries. Starting from Como (Italy), I made it all the way to Brussels (Belgium) to visit my grandparents.
The route
I mainly rode along the EuroVelo 5 (EV5 - Via Romea Francigena), with a few minor detours.
Most of the route followed cycle paths or low-traffic secondary roads, except for a few unavoidable sections on main roads (such as the descent from the Gotthard Pass towards Andermatt). I used my road bike with 23/25 mm tires: a gravel or mountain bike is not strictly necessary, but on a few short unpaved sections it would have added more comfort.
If you need any tips or want the GPX track of the route, feel free to contact me!
The journey
Putting the landscapes and feelings into words is difficult, if not impossible: I recommend watching the video 😊.
Why this adventure
- •Passion for endurance sports: Long-distance cycling allows you to test your physical limits and carve out time for reflection.
- •Desire to explore: Crossing different regions and cultures at pedal pace builds a deep connection with the journey that is unthinkable by plane or car. Being self-sufficient and managing so many kilometers on your own brings a strong sense of confidence and freedom.
What I learned
| Lesson | Insight |
|---|---|
| Organization is essential | Route planning, weather checks, and spare parts greatly reduced unpleasant surprises. |
| Nutrition is crucial | Eating, drinking, and supplementing sodium at regular intervals was essential to avoid hitting the wall before reaching the daily destination. |
| Mental resilience | The long climbs and the intense heat of the final days weren't very easy, but as is often the case, you only remember the best parts. |
| Rest is part of the training | The rest day in Saverne and good sleep made a real difference and allowed me to enjoy the trip much more. |
Highlights and memories
- •Swiss Alpine passes: Huge climbs, mountains, and spectacular cycle paths.
- •Lake Lucerne: A scenic bike section ridden at sunset.
- •Alsace vineyards: Roads surrounded by greenery, ideal for cycling.
- •Luxembourg hills: Quiet paths and perfect tarmac for bike touring.
