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    South of France

    Am I Cheating By Taking A Train? – Bikepacking France



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    After a couple of rough days battling the heat I’m lacking a bit behind. I’ve tried to make up some time along the way, but to no avail. So on Day 5 I find myself at a crossroads. Should I keep pushing myself in the heat or should I choose to go for the sensible option of taking a fast forward in the shape of a train? Am I being smart about this or is taking a train cheating? Stay tuned and voice your opinions. No matter what your stand is on this topic you’ll get to join me on a fantastic day along the Loire Valley in France.

    Bike:
    Kona Sutra

    Bike Bags:
    Ortlieb Handlebar Pack 15L
    Ortlieb Frame Pack 6L
    Ortlieb Seat Pack 16,5L

    Clothes:
    Adidas Adilette Flip Flops – https://amzn.to/40eKFyQ
    Craft Core Enduro Jacket
    2 Forclaz Merino Wool T-Shirt
    Nike Mens Dri-FIT Short Sleeve Polo Shirt – https://amzn.to/3j2aq1w
    Padded MTB Shorts
    Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants – https://amzn.to/3jalGfE
    2 Pair of Socks https://amzn.to/40dU4H6
    Merino Underwear – https://amzn.to/3XRU9hZ
    Merino Wool Buff – https://amzn.to/409sYkd
    Giro Fixture Mips Helmet – https://amzn.to/3XKHsoZ
    Science In Sport Water Bottle – https://amzn.to/3WLLsV9
    Northwave Cycling Shoes
    Sunglasses

    Cooking Gear:
    Sea To Summit X Mug – https://amzn.to/3Hg7GJ1
    Light My Fire Spork – https://amzn.to/3Dncn2J
    Wine Bottle Opener 😉

    Tools:
    Lezyne HV Bicycle Hand Pump – https://amzn.to/3lHxnJc
    Park Tool VP-1Vulcanizing Patch Kit – https://amzn.to/409NhOC
    Crankbrothers M19 Multi-Tool – https://amzn.to/3j0A86D
    Squirt Long Lasting Dry Lube – https://amzn.to/3iWqYIf
    CTC Plastic Bag + packaging
    Inner Tube – https://amzn.to/3Dq1oFP
    Bike Lock – https://amzn.to/3HHcWqs

    Toiletries:
    Toothbrush
    Toothpaste
    Shaving Gel
    Mach 3 Razor – https://amzn.to/3j2bYsm
    Contact Lens Case
    Travel Schampoo bottle

    Camping Equipment:
    Naturehike Cloud Up 2 Tent – https://amzn.to/3aA1MTp
    Sea To Summit Collapsible Backpack – https://amzn.to/3RvanLP
    Aegismax UL Down Sleeping Bag – https://amzn.to/3BVCStv
    Aegismax Nano 2 Ultralight Sleeping Bag – https://amzn.to/3RcZcqR
    Sea To Summit Reactor Insulated Sleeping Bag Liner – https://amzn.to/409RLVs
    Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad – https://amzn.to/3Y98qGC
    Nabaji Microfibre Towel L – https://amzn.to/3Y3KDbh

    Electronics
    Samsung S20 – https://amzn.to/3Y544jR
    Dji Mavic Pro Drone – https://amzn.to/3FKsVBk
    GoPro Hero7 Black – https://amzn.to/3JoetTC
    Canon G7X Mark II – https://amzn.to/3XO7lnY
    Zoom H1N Recorder – https://amzn.to/409ewZA
    Rode Smartlav+ Lavalier – https://amzn.to/3RcZcqR
    2 Anker PowerCore 20000 mAh – https://amzn.to/3JpPxvg
    Bag Of Cables and Extra Batteries

    DISCLAIMER: This description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support!

    View 47 Comments

    47 Comments

    1. brandX15 on

      Its such an odd thing that we do to ourself. Once on the bike its all go go, its OK to make it easier when circumstances change. I did the same tour in reverse in September and when i got to Paris it was to cold to cycle to Dunkirk. Hopped on a train to Bordeaux instead and what a pleasure, its a holiday after all. Cant wait for the next instalment. Top job Mike. PS, knock on doors for water, they are all happy to help.

    5. Alan Hardy on

      Not cheating at all. We did exactly the same in 2022. We got the train from Montpellier North to try and escape the heat. We intended to ride from Girona to Rotterdam but cut out a chunk. Our highest was 40 degrees and that was far too hot for us. The train we got north was full of bike packers escaping the heat. That’s climate change I suppose!

    6. Living In Bethlehem PA - RedHeadAgent Team on

      Cars, planes, trains…It is all party of the adventure. And who cares?!?! Like someone else said, this is not a competition or a race, this is your vacation.,…and you need to get home on time. What you have seen so far and what you have shared with us has been wonderful. 36*-42*!!!! Get back on the train! Your editing and choice of music was well done.

    12. Barron Fujimoto on

      Really loving your France videos! I actually was enjoying a beer when you had your glass of wine so I could "cheers" to you. 😀 Thank you for sharing your bicycle adventures!

    13. Dinsmore on

      Wow, this was nice and so relaxing apart from the heat. Personally, it would be imposable for me to bike in 43C which is why I avoid Europe in the summer and go late September. I am from Toronto and we get 40C once or twice in the summer and I stay home with the A.C. Cheating, no way, I did this in my Tour of Switzerland and was able to sneak into Austria and Germany along Lake Bodensee at Friedrichshafen. i will binge watch this series in December. Thanks Mike

    15. Cher J on

      Definitely not cheating Mike to take the train! Giving your body a chance to recover from the excessive heat might be just what you need to enjoy the rest of your trip. Good luck!

    16. Sarge Roberts on

      No cheating involved at all. Long-distance touring in near 100 degree weather is not much fun and can be quite dangerous. You are on a Tour, and not in a Race. You did what your body told you to do – good job. Enjoy the rest of the trip Mike, and enjoy that French cuisine….and that fruit of the vine!

    18. Rasmus Wiman on

      I think mixing trins and cycling can be the recipe for a great holiday. In fact, my last two bike holidays revolved around that concept. Tvo years ago I brought my touring bike along Inlandsbanan, and cycles some bits, and took the train on others.. And of course I took the train back most of the way from Jokkmokk to Stockholm. And last summer I bought my road bike along on an interrail holiday. Which was kind of less of a success and, partly due to bad planning from my side and lack of experience, I ended up taking lots of trains and cycling very ittle.

    21. Elizabeth POLEY on

      You and Ryan need to realize that you can buy an open-ended Return plane ticket, before you leave for your trip. That way when things go wrong, as they almost always do, you won't be so rushed. An open-ended ticket allows you to return when you're ready. You're so rushed, I'm afraid you're going to give yourself an ulcer.

      Just something to consider in the future.

    23. Chris Bailey on

      43C (109F) is no joke. I'm from Arizona, USA and deal with high temperatures during the summer BUT it doesn't have the humidity you dealt with. What a great ride…and a great series of videos. Thx for bringing us along Mike!!!!

    27. Kathy Care on

      I am from texas. We have a lot of days that are this hot per year. However, I would never consider riding a bike in those temps for that many miles. Definitely NOT cheating to take the train. It’s smart. Please take care. Love your videos!!

    28. wayne riley on

      BLOODY CHEAT!! Nah, just kidding. Of course it's OK to get the train when the situation calls for it – weather, time, or maybe you just stop somewhere really nice and want to enjoy it for another day – I do it all the time, and when I lose some weight and start touring on my Brompton (I am currently OVER it's listed maximum capacity) train travel will be part of the itinerary to avoid going up mountains and boring bits. It's a holiday – no need to punish yourself.

    32. KEIRINSTREETS on

      On a bike trip from Palermo to Rome (on a fixed gear bike) I also had to do a little FF, I don't regret it at all. The refreshed energy made the next days a lot more enjoyable. Still had an amazing trip.

    33. Kathleen Hart on

      Can’t even imagine riding in those temperatures! What a trooper you are. Enjoying the stories and loving seeing the landscapes and towns of France through a cyclists eye.

    34. Euge Coscarelli on

      Mike the train trip was well deserved and you need to spoil yourself once in a while. You spoil us with the content of your vlogs as we share your adventures. The heat does take its toll and you made the right decision to take the train. See you out there!

    35. Myron L on

      Train = cheating
      E-bike = cheating
      Anything can be considered cheating. We do not need judging in our life. Mike please continue bike touring and making videos. So inspiring. Thank you

    37. colin wellman on

      No shame taking the train, same as sometimes you may have to walk up really steep hills.
      I've found French trains very good for taking a bike. The problem is now more people are cycling the demand for spaces has increased. I'm sure the train companies will know this and provide more places for bikes.

    38. rheinking on

      Hi Mike, I like watching your films. I also miss it when you, Daren, and that Australien guy travel together. Why dis you switch from your old panier setup to this new setup without fenders? Take care and greetings from Germany!

    41. MARK'S BIKEPACKING on

      Shame on you! Call yourself a bikepacker?! Haha.. just kidding my friend, iv jumped on public transport many times when I'm pushed for time. Loving the adventure mike. Take care buddy

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