The Ultimate Guide to Bikepacking & Adventure Cycling

THE WANDERING SPIRIT

Bikepacking. Adventure cycling. Brevet. Audax. There may be no umbrella term that covers every variation of exploring this world by bicycle, because in reality it’s each to their own. Race or relaxed, trans-continental or single-night micro-adventures, self-supported autonomy or credit card minimalism. Different methods and style mean there are many variables in the make-up of every bikepacking adventure. There are, however, some essential elements and this is a guide for those with wanderlust from those with experience. A guide to get out. Out there, somewhere.

ESSENTIAL GUIDES

Getting started, bike set-up, what to pack, where to go. Expert advice from those with experience. Preparation is key.

GETTING STARTED

Stagaire Sophie Gateau takes us through the learning curve from acquiring kit to becoming audacious.

A NEW WORLD

BIKE SET-UP

Long-distance bike set-up part personal choice, part testing, part black art.

DISTANCE MACHINES

ROUTE PLANNING

Road choice, meal stops, sleeping shelters and getting lost. Finding your own path is key.

DRAWING LINES

WHAT TO PACK

List it, pack it, remove it, re-pack it and repeat. An exercise in minimalist practicality.

Do you need it?

CHOOSING AN EVENT

The bikepacking season of events has evolved to become almost a year-round, global affair. So how do you choose which event to enter?

THE MUST-DO LIST OF EVENTS

To help navigate the global calendar, here is a curated selection of the ‘must-do’ bikepacking events.

PREPARING FOR AN EVENT

The point is to do as much work and preparation as possible so that once you start you can concentrate on the most important part : enjoying the ride.

TALES FROM THE ROAD

Feed your wanderlust by reliving the adventures of others. Each and every journey writes its own story.

NORTH CAPE 4000

Bikepacking to the top of Europe, reindeers and sleeping in kids' sand-pits included as standard.

EXTREME NORTH

DUE SOUTH

Nice to Palma between three friends, across two countries in via one ferry.

A DIY AUDAX

ADVENTURE IN SHORT FORM

From desk to camp spot and back to desk in a matter of hours. Micro-adventures, big fun.

MICRO ADVENTURE

SLOW-VENIA

The PCR Gravier collective know how to bikepack. Slow-venia is their latest installment.

BOYS ON TOUR

ALL ROAD KIT

All road cycling apparel inspired by a desire to go further. Distance detailing on jerseys, bib shorts, gilets and accessories. Get dressed for adventure.

THE GILET JAUNE

The original Café du Cycliste Audax piece. Performance fabrics, visibility and extra pockets for long days in the saddle.

JACQUELINE GILET

BIG DAY BIBS

Are you sitting comfortably? Mathilde match a long-distance chamois with premium fabrics and minimal stitching for maximum comfort.

MATHILDE BIB SHORTS

LIGHT FOR LONG

A lightweight performance jersey featuring the AX cargo pocket. Don’t let the heat stop you.

MONA AX JERSEY

RIDE DRY

Every bikepacking adventure needs a rain jacket. Suzette is up to the task.

SUZETTE RAIN JACKET

DUE SOUTH

The second of the self-made 'Due' series headed south, from our HQ in Nice to The Island. Nice - Mallorca, three friends, 1000km, one ferry.

THE TCR

The Transcontinental Race is on most bikepacking lists for a reason. Our friend Manivelle has been through a trilogy of TCRs.

Here's the third installment.

BIKEPACKING

A combination of passing your physical limits and the poetic adventure of travel.

A WIDE DEFINITION

GRAVEL

It can be all things to all riders. Like a flying-fish it spans worlds. It is a state of mind.

A LOOSE DEFINITION

AUDAX

“We need audacity, and yet more audacity, and always audacity!" From the French revolution to traversing the globe by bike.

THE ORIGINAL DEFINITION

ROADS TO DREAM OF

From across the globe, these are the roads to ride for. Get some visual motivation.

PATHS & PAVEWAYS

VIEWS TO LAST A LIFETIME

It's almost equally what you see from the road, not just what happens on the road that leaves an imprint on the memory.

SIDE VIEWS

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Customer Service

BIKEPACKING & ADVENTURE CYCLING GUIDE