Cycle tourism

Just like classic hiking excursions, the duration can vary greatly and depends on several factors:
– the number of participants (which is always limited for this type of activity)
– the distance and elevation gain of the route
– the average fitness level of the group
– weather conditions and the type of terrain (asphalt, dirt road, gravel, trail)

In general, the outings are not races but experiences to be enjoyed at a relaxed pace. The rhythm is always adapted to the group, aiming for a sustainable and pleasant pace for everyone.

If you have any doubts, don’t worry: we always start with an introductory briefing.

It depends on the type of route:

Gravel bikes are excellent for mixed routes with asphalt and light gravel. They offer good range and a fair level of comfort.

City bikes or city e-bikes are well suited for paved or slightly uneven paths; however, they are never suitable for trails or sections with roots and rocks.

Mountain bikes or e-MTBs are perfect for technical gravel roads, climbs and descents on irregular or rough terrain.

That said, e-bikes in general are increasingly popular, and I recommend them if you want to tackle more elevation gain or cover longer distances with less effort.

For our groups, the “e-bike” option is almost always the best choice, especially to keep the group more balanced: ideally, everyone should either have an e-bike or everyone should ride a regular (non-electric) bike.

In any case, the bike must be in good condition: efficient brakes, tires in good shape, smooth gear shifting, and a properly adjusted saddle.

That’s exactly the goal: cycle touring should be accessible to everyone, including those who don’t have time for regular training due to work or other commitments.

Families are more than welcome too—depending on the route and after the usual pre-ride briefing.

Before each outing, we assess your fitness level together. In some cases, we can suggest alternative or personalized routes.

Remember: it’s not a race, but a journey to enjoy at a relaxed pace.

Let’s say it again: it makes all the difference—just like for hiking, technical clothing is just as important when cycling.

Breathable shirts and shorts help manage sweat and prevent chafing.

Cycling shorts should always include a padded chamois: they’re essential for comfort in the saddle, especially on multi-day tours, but also for shorter rides.

A windproof or waterproof jacket is a must on days with wind, rain, or during descents, when you’re more exposed to the cold air.

Dressing in layers (“onion-style”) is a golden rule in cycling too, especially in the mountains or during mid-season.

As mentioned in the hiking FAQs, many of the same tips apply here as well.

During our excursions, wearing a helmet is always mandatory—just as it should always be according to the road safety code.

It’s an essential element of personal safety, just like front and rear lights, a small repair kit, and a multi-tool, which the guide always carries.

Spoke reflectors can also be a helpful safety feature in low visibility conditions and are highly recommended for night rides.

As for other protective gear—as already mentioned in the “what to bring” section—if we’re doing descents of the “enduro” or “downhill” type (organized on request), additional protection is required.

Ideally, it’s best to avoid carrying a heavy backpack while cycling.

Bike bags (bikepacking or rack-mounted panniers) are almost always a better choice, as they distribute the weight more evenly. However, they’re realistically only usable with certain types of bikes (mainly city bikes), and they’re essential for multi-day trips.

If a backpack is necessary (for shorter rides or when bags aren’t available), it should be small, breathable, and comfortable—ideally with a capacity of 10–15 liters—to carry:
– Enough water: 2 bottles (one may contain mineral supplements), or a compact hydration pack with drinking tube
– Snacks like dried fruit or cereal/fruit energy bars, or a packed lunch
– A windproof or waterproof softshell jacket (at least 30,000 mm water column)
– A flat repair kit with the correct inner tube size for your bike wheels, and optionally a multi-tool with hex keys and levers
– A compact first aid kit