Embark on a European adventure on two wheels! Discover our concise guide to biking across Europe, your key to unforgettable cycling experiences.

Many kinds of transportation have been popular in Europe for a very long time. After working hard to make travel better, routes between places have gotten very fast and environmentally friendly. Speedy trains and buses connect countries, making it easy to get around.

Biking is a fun activity and sport in Europe that people of all ages enjoy. With sports betting becoming legal in more places, some people also like betting on professional bike races. But this guide is mostly about biking for fun and sightseeing, not bike sports.

Riding a bike is an important way for many Europeans to get around towns and cities. It also lets tourists see new countries in an exciting way. Biking offers a lot, from getting around faster to exploring nature trails. Here we will talk about what makes biking in Europe special and some of the top trails.

What About Biking in the Netherlands?

When biking in the Netherlands, learn this phrase: “Uitgezonderd fietsers”. It means “except for bicycles” and marks places where cars are not allowed but bikes can still go. As a cyclist, you can go almost anywhere.

Zandvoort has miles of beaches and beautiful seaside campsites. It also has bike routes through local villages and forests, perfect for mixing cycling with outdoor adventures. It brings you close to the North Sea, where the next major cycling route in Germany begins.

Can I Bike Through Germany?

The Elbe Cycle Path in Germany stretches 900km. It passes through major cities like Hamburg and Dresden before ending in the Czech Republic.

For city travel, Germany’s big cities are very bicycle-friendly. Berlin has wide roads and usually bike lanes. Bike rentals are also easy for visitors to find.

There are a few main categories of visitors to Germany: Members of the Schengen area and countries with special agreements. Then members of countries with more relaxed entry rules who can visit for 90 days.

Can I Bike Through Austria?

Austria’s capital Vienna is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Europe. Bike lanes are common within the city, and the flat terrain makes exploring easy, even for beginner bikers. In some places, you can rent bikes by the half hour, with a full day of riding costing around 15 euros.

With 1,660km of bike paths, Vienna is exciting to see by bike and simple to get around. You can easily travel along the Danube River, but the best biking in Austria is outside the city.

Austria is especially popular for mountain biking. Stattegg, Leogang, and Saalbach-Hinterglemm are all popular mountain resorts for biking. If you want to experience both city and countryside biking, Austria has options for all interests.

What is Biking Like in France?

Rural France combines cycling and wine tours in a way few other countries can match. France's traditional old-world regions also make for beautiful, scenic rides. The Route Des Vins winds through vineyards and villages in Alsace. Whenever you need a break, there is usually a village or town nearby that makes a nice stopping point.

Riding in non-industrial areas helps avoid heavy traffic. If you want a famous challenging bike ride, head to Provence. A long uphill ride through vineyards and villages is difficult but rewarding.

Bike paths run throughout Paris and almost fully along the Seine River. This makes seeing the sights of Paris by bike easy for tourists. If you want to try cross-country cycling, Paris also connects to EuroVelo 3.

EuroVelo is a huge cycling network that started in 1995. Its goal is to promote cycling and connect regional and national bike routes across Europe. New additions are made to EuroVelo each year, with the aim of eventually connecting the whole continent.

EuroVelo Route 3 starts in Spain and enters France through the south. It then passes through Belgium.

What is Biking Like in Belgium?

Relative to its small size, Belgium has very diverse bike routes. Bokrijk park in Limburg offers unique cycling trails.

One section called Cycling Through Water has a carefully built path that lets you bike through the middle of a lake. Another section called Cycling Through the Trees is an elevated bike path 33 feet off the ground that rises above the forest. This gives a bird's eye view of the woods for brave cyclists.

For those interested in history over nature, Belgium has the Peace Cycle Route. This path goes through Ypres and many WWI historical sites and memorials. It explores Flanders Field itself and where the famous poem was written.

What is Biking Like in Spain?

Spain has a variety of cycling routes for all skill levels. A mix of mountain, hilly, and flat terrain offers options for beginners and experienced cyclists. To get away from cities, Spain has the Caminos Naturales.

Caminos Naturales are nature trails covering over 10,000km. Farmland, forests, and canals are all open and available to explore.

As mentioned before, EuroVelo Route 3 starts in Spain and goes to Norway. EuroVelo Route 8 also begins in Cadiz, Spain and travels through the Mediterranean, ending in Greece.  

The Sierra Nevada mountains are also a must-see. The rugged terrain is perfect for hiking, climbing, biking, and any outdoor activity. As one of the tallest points in Europe, it’s an amazing destination.

What About Biking in Portugal?

Portugal’s warm weather means the country rarely sees snow, except in the north. This allows excellent biking conditions year-round. Fall, winter and spring are ideal seasons, as summer can be too hot for cycling in some areas.

Portugal’s population is concentrated around Lisbon. The farther out you go, the fewer cars share the road, and the more scenic the backroads become. This makes for relaxing trips through rural villages.

If you’re in Lisbon, don’t miss biking along the waterfront. 20km of bike lanes provide a nice short seaside ride.

Can I Bike Through Italy?  

Italy has plenty to see by bike. Riding through the Dolomites can easily become a multi-day mountain biking adventure. Charming cafes and villages along the way provide places to rest.

For coastal views, nothing beats cycling around the Italian lakes. They offer hundreds of kilometers of paths for short or long rides.

One thing to avoid is August. Italy is busy with tourists and August is one of the most crowded months. For more peaceful cycling, visit during the off-season when weather is still nice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Indian Motorcycle UK has strengthened its presence in the Reading / Berkshire area with the opening of a new official dealer, Rideworx – Indian Motorcycle Reading. Bringing America’s first motorcycle brand to the region with full sales and aftersales facilities, Indian Motorcycle Reading has issued an open invitation for all riders to join them on Saturday, January 26 as they open their doors to celebrate the new showroom.

Indian Motorcycle Reading guests will be welcomed to see the new facility, meet the team and view the Indian Motorcycle range alongside the clothing and accessory line-up. With classic models on display, a free buffet and drinks, everyone is welcome whether they ride an Indian Motorcycle or any other marque.  

Ryan Leadbetter, Director of Indian Motorcycle Reading said, “The whole team is super excited about joining the Indian Motorcycle network. For me, it’s the perfect fit. I love big cruisers, customs and the social side that makes riding them so enjoyable. Having started Rideworx from scratch 8 years ago, it’s remarkable how it has grown. Becoming an Indian Motorcycle dealer is a significant milestone for everyone involved. We can’t wait to embrace the lifestyle, welcome everyone to our showroom and be an active part of the local scene as we set up our Indian Motorcycle Riders Group in the coming months.”

“We are always looking to make Indian Motorcycle more accessible to UK riders by opening showrooms that fill a gap in the network. Finding the right people who truly understand what Indian Motorcycle is all about is an essential part of developing a high quality, customer focussed dealer network. With Ryan and his staff, we have a team that is passionate about what it means to be an Indian Motorcycle owner and visitors from the area will have a great experience at the dealership,” said Andy Simpson, National Sales Manager for Indian Motorcycle UK.  

Indian Motorcycle Reading can be found at Rideworx, Unit 1, 125 Reading Road, Wokingham, RG41 1HD. 

 

 

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What can be more thrilling than to climb on the saddle of your bike and set off into the sunset? The feeling can produce a sense of power, freedom, exhilaration. Your riding companion can make the difference between a pleasing experience and a depressing trip. In case you didn’t already know, you can transform your phone into the ultimate touring companion for an east to west adventure. Gone are the days of carrying maps, multiple guidebooks, and phone numbers. Your smartphone is the best companion on the road. Whether you’re riding solo or in group for safety and camaraderie, there are many helpful apps out there. Let’s go over some of the handiest apps for two-wheel riders.

Google Maps

If you’d like to follow the roads, for a daily ride, use routes. There’s no right or wrong way to plan a motorcycle tour, so do the best you can and hope for the best. Google has added new features to Maps, including more data about bike routes, showing how busy traffic is or whether your chosen path includes a steep hill. You’ll be able to get a detailed breakdown of the route, so you’ll know what type of road you’re travelling on, whether a major road or a local street. Of course, you’ll need Internet data, even if some parts of the map can be downloaded and viewed offline. Just save an area to your phone. 

Google Maps uses a mix of machine learning, complex algorithms, and a comprehension of real-world conditions based on imagery and data from government authorities and community contributions. Google and Apple Maps have been struggling to be the leading provider of turn-by-turn directions for some time now. Apple Maps provides routes on bike paths, lanes, and bike-friendly roads and is great for riding hands-free. Many alternatives have emerged, such as Strava, which incorporates social network features. All you need to do is install the app on your phone and your ride record will automatically upload. 

Eat Sleep Ride    

Eat Sleep Ride makes it possible for you to track your activities and share your efforts, explore bike routes, and get safety features like CRASHLIGHT technology, which automatically detects crashes. When you’re on the road, you can see other motorcyclists using the app and easily reach out to them. Eat Sleep Ride has potential because it was designed with bikers in mind; it doesn’t address multiple genres of GPS tracking. The mobile app features challenges and leaderboards, so go out and collect miles if you want to stand a chance of winning valuable prizes. They make updates to the app from time to time, meaning it gets better every time.

Rever

With Rever, you can plan your routes, draw attention to interesting, well-known roads, and track your epic rides in real time, as you go (distance, duration, and speed). If you’re looking to elevate your riding experience, making it more fun and memorable, decide on the style of ride you want, and Rever will do the rest. Join the community to share your journey, compete in challenges, and connect with like-minded individuals from around the world. You can navigate through your route, even in aeroplane mode, which only disables radio signals like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Rever also has weather alerts and SMS safety alerts. 

Calimoto

Calimoto makes available route recommendations, navigation, and tracking figures – it’s specifically developed for those travelling on motorcycles. Select a starting point, add via points, and the nearest point of interest (restaurants, gas stations, etc.). You’ll get details on the estimated time of the trip and the distance; Calimoto will show how twisty the road is. The free version of the mobile app offers access to more than 50,000 ride routes and a trip planner. The premium version is a little bit expensive, but it does come with a few extras, such as terrain and satellite maps with full-voice navigation. 

AccuWeather 

Finally, yet importantly, if you’re not properly equipped with the right information, it’s even more challenging to forecast the weather. Climate conditions can have a significant impact on bike riding. Snow, ice, and rain can affect your performance and even put you in danger. This is why you should take precautions like wearing safety gear, adjusting your riding style, and avoiding venturing into the world during extreme weather conditions. AccuWeather is super easy to use, providing detailed hourly forecasts, not to mention weather alerts. The app becomes increasingly useful as your adventure lengthens. 

AccuWeather offers data like real and perceived temperature, humidity, air quality, allergens, and so on. And all of this with superior accuracy, no matter where you are in the world. There’s a lot of online feedback about the app, generating five-star reviews and ratings for reliability, accuracy, and ease of use. All the information you need can be viewed directly in the Radar section, which features up to the minute reports. Prior to embarking on a motorcycle trip, there’s a lot to consider, from staying safe to the itinerary, but weather concerns are the focus of attention. Luckily, AccuWeather comes to the rescue.

Conclusion 

Regardless of your riding goals, there’s an app out there to help you achieve them. Every now and then, you’ll turn to the smartphone in your pocket – it’s your digital travel assistant. Each of the aforementioned apps provide benefits to bikers, but none requires you to be a tech genius.

 

 

Image Source: Motorcycle Cruiser on highway - Unsplash License

 

 

 

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Completely in black, an assortment of selected Touratech parts gives the BMW R 1300 GS an exclusive look.

For many motorcyclists, black is still the colour of all colours: cool, mysterious, elegant and timeless! Touratech fulfils this wish with a range of accessory components for the new BMW R 1300 GS that are finished entirely in black. The components naturally go perfectly with the GS in the Triple Black colour scheme. However, riders who own a 1300 in a different colour can also set individual accents with the black Touratech parts.
The black accessories are technically identical to the standard versions, guaranteeing the usual high level of quality and functionality.
Both the engine crash bar and the fairing crash bar are available in the attractive black version. These ultra-robust tubular constructions are made of stainless steel, just like the pannier rack and the top case carrier. This not only makes them ultra-rugged, but also completely resistant to corrosion. The products are given a high-quality finish with an indestructible powder coating that can withstand even the toughest off-road use.
With their elegant black anodised surfaces the ZEGA Evo pannier set or the ZEGA Evo topcase match the black-coated stainless steel carriers perfectly. The protector for the "Nano" LED auxiliary headlights from the BMW accessories programme, the GPS handlebar bracket and the radiator guard are also available completely in black. The black headlight guard with quick-release fastener forms an exciting colour contrast to its stainless steel-coloured fastening elements.
And that's not all: further parts with a stylish black look are in preparation. The engine guard Expedition will be available from February, followed by the engine crash bar Sport with a black finish in March.

Further information on the black Touratech components for the BMW R 1300 GS can be found in the webshop.

Riding a motorcycle will offer you a unique experience that feels unlike any other. But although driving a bike comes with the benefits of easier parking, speed and low fuel costs, it also has an increased risk associated with it. Motorcycles are more exposed to accidents, and statistics show that each year, a high number of motorcycle riders are seriously injured or killed. For example, in 2020, the number of motorcyclists killed reached 4,308 in Great Britain. 

To stay safe on the road, motorcyclists must act cautiously and always wear protective gear. Here is everything you need to know about motorcycle safety tips. 

Get the right gear

You will always have greater freedom on the open road on a motorcycle, but you will also be more exposed to hazards and dangers. If you get into an accident without wearing the right gear, the consequences can be fatal, and you could lose your life. But even if you are never in a collision, simple things might hurt you. For example, you might get hit by a rock on the road, which can have terrible outcomes when you are unprotected. 

However, you will have an improved layer of protection if you wear the right gear. Here is the protective gear you need to have while driving your motorcycle.

• Helmet: Motorcyclists should always wear helmets, as these simple items can really save lives. The risk of death increases if you don't wear a helmet, so don't take any chances and wear a high-quality one that meets the Department of Transportation Safety Standards. Most motorcycle fatalities cause head injuries, so you need to pay attention when you choose your helmet. Your helmet should fit your head properly, have zero slippage, no vision obstructions and cover most of your head. Also, remember that a full-face helmet will offer greater protection, so don't opt for windscreen models. 

• Protective Clothing: Road rash can be a real threat, and the riders who have suffered the pain probably know this aspect. So, getting fortified jackets and riding pants will be better to make the burn less likely to appear.

• Gloves: Your hands must also be protected while riding your motorcycle, as they can be exposed to all the road elements. So, it will be better to opt for high-quality gloves to keep your hands safe without impeding your dexterity.

Boots: Sturdy boots are also essential to wear, as they ensure protection in case of a crash and protect your skin from the engine's heat.

Maintain your bike in good shape

Many riders leave their bikes in the garage and drive them only on special occasions. However, if you haven't used your motorcycle for some time already, you must check it and ensure it is in good shape before riding it, especially on long drives. 

Even if you ride your bike daily, you should still give it a general safety inspection before you head on the road. Keep a list of things you must check, then inspect all the parts. For instance, you must see if your signals and lights are working properly. Then, you will need to check the tire pressure and ensure there are no signs of loose parts or damage anywhere on the bike.

Look twice

This tip might be more suitable for car drivers, but motorcycles should also double-check to ensure they are safe and will not get involved in a car accident. Motorbikes are smaller than cars, making them harder to see. This is why numerous motorcyclists get involved in an accident, as the other drivers don't check enough their environments and miss motorbikes. 

Most motorcycle accidents are caused by car drivers. So, even if motorcyclists respected all the legislation and kept their distance, they might still get involved in an accident because of another party's negligence. Although motorbikers can get compensation if they were involved in an accident that didn't happen because of their fault (check out more at www.personalinjuryclaimsuk.org.uk), it is better to double-check to reduce the chances that an accident will happen. 

Pay attention to the weather

You also need to check the weather, as adverse weather conditions are one of the reasons why motorcyclists get involved in an accident. So, look at the weather before, especially if you are going on a long road. Motorbikes are not as solid as the other vehicles, so riding in adverse conditions can be more dangerous. Additionally, because there are only two wheels, the traction and visibility during rain are reduced, which can lead to more accidents. 

Therefore, you should always check the weather and postpone your trip if there is heavy rain or snow.

Leave sufficient space

One of the most common mistakes drivers make is not leaving enough distance behind the vehicle in the front. This is also important for motorcycles, as even though a bike stops faster than a car, it still needs a fair bit. For example, a motorcyclist driving at 70 mph will need around 245 feet to brake. 

Ride sober and alert

It should go without saying that driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is never a good idea. Also, you shouldn't ride if you are overly stressed or sleep-deprived. The risks in doing so increase for each person, but especially for motorcyclists who need to have a fast reaction time and be at their full faculties. 

The other driver participants often ignore motorcyclists, so they need to ride with more attention to ensure they stay safe. But that can't be done when a person is exhausted or tired. 

Conclusion

Riding a motorcycle can be an exciting and pleasurable experience. Still, you need to understand the risks you expose yourself to and take precautions to reduce the chances that an accident will happen. Wear your gear, always check your environment, and be alert so that nothing bad will happen to you.  

 

 

Image source - Image by Freepik 

 

 

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