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 - amzn.to/40eKFyQ
Craft Core Enduro Jacket
2 Forclaz Merino Wool T-Shirt
Nike Mens Dri-FIT Short Sleeve Polo Shirt - amzn.to/3j2aq1w
Padded MTB Shorts
Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants - amzn.to/3jalGfE
2 Pair of Socks amzn.to/40dU4H6
Merino Underwear - amzn.to/3XRU9hZ
Merino Wool Buff - amzn.to/409sYkd
Giro Fixture Mips Helmet - amzn.to/3XKHsoZ
Science In Sport Water Bottle - amzn.to/3WLLsV9
Northwave Cycling Shoes
Sunglasses
Cooking Gear:
Sea To Summit X Mug - amzn.to/3Hg7GJ1
Light My Fire Spork - amzn.to/3Dncn2J
Wine Bottle Opener ;-)
Tools:
Lezyne HV Bicycle Hand Pump - amzn.to/3lHxnJc
Park Tool VP-1Vulcanizing Patch Kit - amzn.to/409NhOC
Crankbrothers M19 Multi-Tool - amzn.to/3j0A86D
Squirt Long Lasting Dry Lube - amzn.to/3iWqYIf
CTC Plastic Bag + packaging
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Bike Lock - amzn.to/3HHcWqs
Toiletries:
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Shaving Gel
Mach 3 Razor - amzn.to/3j2bYsm
Contact Lens Case
Travel Schampoo bottle
Camping Equipment:
Naturehike Cloud Up 2 Tent - amzn.to/3aA1MTp
Sea To Summit Collapsible Backpack - amzn.to/3RvanLP
Aegismax UL Down Sleeping Bag - amzn.to/3BVCStv
Aegismax Nano 2 Ultralight Sleeping Bag - amzn.to/3RcZcqR
Sea To Summit Reactor Insulated Sleeping Bag Liner - amzn.to/409RLVs
Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad - amzn.to/3Y98qGC
Nabaji Microfibre Towel L - amzn.to/3Y3KDbh
Electronics
Samsung S20 - amzn.to/3Y544jR
Dji Mavic Pro Drone - amzn.to/3FKsVBk
GoPro Hero7 Black - amzn.to/3JoetTC
Canon G7X Mark II - amzn.to/3XO7lnY
Zoom H1N Recorder - amzn.to/409ewZA
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2 Anker PowerCore 20000 mAh - amzn.to/3JpPxvg
Bag Of Cables and Extra Batteries
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[@DonRousselPhotography]

It’s not cheating unless you’re in a race, what you did is called being realistic. I personally go bike touring to enjoy myself, not to set records or try to prove anything.

[@olafruiter4604]

Hear Hear

[@BikeTouringMike]

Spot on Don!

[@AndyHenryJE3]

agreed

[@jameslynn9913]

It’s your trip, your journey, your memories, make them what you want. It doesn’t matter what everyone else thinks.

[@Randomisrory]

Come on guys mike isn’t cheating he’s not using an e-bike.😂. I’m enjoying your content Mike you’re doing great 👍 well done

[@gusnuk68]

i like the "not using an ebike" part hahaha

[@whopostedthis]

Ebikes aren’t cheating either!

[@Randomisrory]

⁠I know I have 3. There Fantastic for just getting out and about.

[@BikeTouringMike]

Thank you!

[@stephensaines7100]

@@gusnuk68 Yeah, I didn't even think about that initially, I just put myself in his cycling shoes, the temperatures, and the load he's carrying. Trains and bikes are made for each other anyway. But an e-bike? Perhaps when I'm too old. I'm mid Seventies and doing distance and they still don't appeal to me, or to the elan of cycling.

[@garethblake7374]

Hi Mike, the only rule is enjoy your trip. What you do is entirely up to you.

[@chriscohlmeyer4735]

No, you are being realistic as you have a schedule to keep and are contending with very hot to you temperatures. If you had no set schedule and are dealing with very unfavourable conditions then it is really up to you.

[@davejack3054]

That was the smart move. Cycling in the heat when you are not used to it is a tough go. Not only is the heat killing you but you appetite is probably dead too which is bad for powering your engine. PS- duck confit in france sounds like heaven!

[@rideswithscissors]

It's your vacation/tour, do it how you like! It's not a race. I have done mountain bike tours with a relentless pace and it's not that much fun that way. Some people need to get home for work, that was never the case in my situation. On one leg of the Divide tour the slowest guy in the group "called in sick" a few times and got sagged to the next campground. On another leg the next year he showed up at the starting point a day early and took off so that we had to catch him. Another time Fearless Leader thought I was much farther behind him than I actually was (we had radios and a ranch had moved its entrance so that it didn't match the map) and he just rode over the pass in the twilight and abandoned me to ride up and camp by myself beside a rock formation and a little creek. My last part of the route was done solo, and I missed the camaraderie, but enjoyed my freedom, and kept up a brisk pace nevertheless. I have never seen a Bordeaux drunk from a silicone cup, much less an orange one. And right in France! So shocking.

[@ianmatlock1]

😂😂

[@chrislonsberry1974]

I’m with you about taking the train. I don’t do well in the heat either and it makes perfect sense to cut some time off the trip. Your dinner looked delicious! Safe riding Mike!

[@BikeTouringMike]

Thanks for the encouragement Chris!

[@thattravellingguy]

Mike, I stay in India. The temperature in the summer ranges between 39°C to 43°C. in the summer season. During that time I don't cycle from 9 am to 8 pm. It's not your Nordic blood, any human will be uncomfortable to cycle. Taking the train is the most prudent decision. It's the journey to enjoy, that matters. And you are doing just that. Keeping riding. Hopefully in 2024, I have France and/or Pamir Highway. Atb, That Travelling Guy....

[@BikeTouringMike]

Wow, those are two great adventures, but very different. France is very comfortable to bike tour in, everything is very organized. But I'm guessing the Pamir Highway is a once in a lifetime experience.

[@thattravellingguy]

@@BikeTouringMike it's brutal. And when doing it unaided, one has to have a lot of preparation. Once out there in no man's land if something is needed and you don't have it, you're done for. Not just that, the weather can be at extremes and so also the altitude. Hence I don't want to rush in. I'll take my time in both planning and preparation. Let's see how it goes. Atb, That Travelling Guy....

[@celestestephans2517]

I agree. You are not in a race so you are not cheating at all. I appreciate you sharing your trip with us.

[@alethearobinson8132]

Smart to take the train. 43c (109.4F) is too hot for most people. Heat stroke is no joke. You are there to enjoy the journey. Thank you for sharing. Cheers🌞🚴‍♀️🖖

[@BikeTouringMike]

Cheers Alethea!

[@kimberlybasinger-js1gf]

I agree with @thattravellingguy it gets that hot here in Texas as well. Hot is hot and heat exhaustion is no fun. You did the right thing by hopping on the train. Stay cool out there!

[@jengreatrex7384]

You’ve suffered the heat so we don’t have to! As ever the filming is superb Mike. Great to see you enjoy the meal.

[@alafenetre81]

My experience with the train in France is that it's a nightmare (both for the trains and the stations), to the point where I've just decided that I will never do that again.

[@BikeTouringMike]

Well, trains+bikes seem to be a hassle basically anywhere you go, but I found the experience quite enjoyable in France.

[@zakii9938]

if you constantly struggle with time, you risk that the fun disappears.. so I think you do the right thing to enjoy the rest of the trip .. that's what it's all about.. And an important detail.. when it's as hot as it is.. you have to be careful and take the heat seriously..

[@BarronFujimoto]

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

[@sueg2658]

It’s not cheating. You did the right thing for your body and mind. 👍🏻♥️

[@chrisbailey2861]

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!!!!

[@eugecoscarelli9745]

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!

[@cherj960]

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!

[@goldenstardust]

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.

[@liamahern8527]

Needs must Mike, no joy in those temps. Love cycling in France. Enjoy 👍😀🚴

[@sargeroberts2430]

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!

[@lv2keepfit493]

You’re living the dream Mike, looks like the perfect cycling day. Safe riding from Canada

[@BikeTouringMike]

Yeah, sitting down editing this during winter (as we're experiencing right now where I live (-11C today)) I'd trade places with myself in an instant.

[@rasmuswi]

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.

[@sparkyvespa]

I don’t think you’re cheating. I did exactly the same thing in France this year. Due to work and family commitments I was able to skip the North and head down South for the better weather. Great video! Thank you.

[@Scor-ah]

Its your trip, no such thing as cheating when you are making all the decisions about YOUR trip. You are out there to enjoy yourself.

[@smilemusicstudios]

Bonjour Mike, Super trip ! The things you tell in your travel about temperature it's because last year we had a record of heat in France we called it "canicule" it's not normal weather it's because of climate changes, french people in south usually deal better with hot weather and sunshine, but up north or middle side they never have more than 34c in the summer. The last years were pretty crazy in that way... Anyway last year was on maximum heat everywhere in the country, heat was coming from sahara (Africa), it was not appropriate even to practice any sports because of the temperatures...you did it well, better be safe than ride and had aaccident or start to turn sick ! For south french man like me i will never try to ride with that 43 degrees !! Well done Mike and thanks a lot for sharing your adventures with u, i'm just discovering the channel 🙂 Best !

[@leojonkers3181]

I once had a ride on my recumbent bike from Bazel to Rotterdam where I live. Also crazy hot day, not 43 celcius, but hot. Last day I drove 160 km. Inormally do not drink Coca Cola, but I seemed to need it. Perhaps 4 times I stopped for a small bottle.I had the same in the pyrenees, climing all day. I wanted Coca Cola. Perhaps it is the sugar you looking for, I do not know. But 43 celcius is to hot. I understand you had a hard time. France is my favorite country to go on holiday. I never wear a helmet, but a light cap.

[@LarryL05]

You are there for the fun - what ever works for you is part of the adventure - not cheating for sure

[@randallgd]

Simple do what works for you given your situation

[@kathycare8009]

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!!

[@larry4674]

If you have reservations that you have to make, it's not cheating, it's doing what you have to do to get there on time.

[@tonydejesus2134]

After nearly getting hit many times by Indian trucks (and actually getting hit once), I took a bus across a particularly dodgy stretch in Uttar Pradesh once. I didn’t feel at all guilty about it.

[@BikeTouringMike]

Sounds like a wise decision!

[@myronas]

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

[@KEIRINSTREETS]

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.

[@SlowMovingSaddles]

As a long time follower I must say your videos are improving a lot. Good combination of images and sound. Keep it up! Enjoyed this honest and realistic episode very much❤

[@duncanrhodes4778]

I have cycle toured using trains in France for the last 7 years and have always found it to be a rewarding experience. Even when there have been strike problems there has been a solution.

[@BikeTouringMike]

France is a super comfortable country to do a bike tour in. Campgrounds are aplenty ans most of the seem to cater to cyclists.

[@Deus-Too]

You are right, that duck looks absolutely delicious 🦆 you deserve that meal after riding in that heat! 👍

[@marcolamy]

Great vids Mike! Very inspiring to get out and do France one day by bike.

[@Manu68-Simracing]

If you pay your ticket, you are not cheating ! Nice to see you enjoyed your trip. Lire valley is indeed a fantastic place to ride.

[@peterlindsay8235]

In Perth Australia even the flys walk during a heatwave. Hats off to you mike, we are in the middle of a heatwave here so ride at 6am and are home in the air conditioning by 10! Even being acclimatised we wouldn’t contemplate riding through the heat of the day as you are. Must be your nordic stubbornness coming out in you🙂

[@MrCyclist]

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

[@kizzmitten1]

Great stuff so far Mike!

[@PumpkinVillage]

Good judgement on your part. Another good but hot day. The meal looked outstanding. Thanks for the video and take care, Al

[@don_sharon]

I think that's smart planning and being flexible. Nice work.

[@michelschon]

Hi Mike ! I was cycling in France in July and August, it was so hot, when I arrived in Avignon the temperature was about 40 degrees celsius… then I gave up , took the train and finish my 5 months biketour.

[@Rlaplante73]

Wow, Mike, what a great day. You were wise to take some pressure off by taking a train than of possibly missing your connection to head back to Sweden. The main thing is to enjoy your travels in France. Those temperatures are brutal. I live in Florida USA so know what hot temps are like to ride a bike. PS. That meal looked AMAZING!!

[@danielwiedemann8545]

I can't find anything bad about it at all, it's probably more of a mental matter that you admit to yourself that you can't drive the entire route that you imagined at the beginning and that's why you take the train - thanks for the nice video and the inspiration and for coming forward Find time to appreciate the cuisine and landscape and it's not just about sporty, torn kilometers in your video

[@Cycle2life]

another great video Mike! You did the right thing… I’m in Florida… and it’s the start of good riding weather.

[@jimmypeguet33]

I really enjoy each of your videos. When you run out of water, why don't you ask the people you meet along the road? We French don't bite 😇 ! Just kidding!

[@RedHeadAgent]

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.

[@brandX15]

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.

[@bjornotter4298]

Det där såg ju verkligen gott ut, mums! Verkligen superjobbigt att cykla i +43 värme. Bra jobbat, smart val att ta tåget en bit.

[@iangraham8270]

Great bike journey Mike. Not cheating catching a train. I've done it on the continent and in UK. It's all about managing time and distances.

[@spacedriver496]

It is not cheating, it is reasonable. A few years ago I went from Prague to Paris by bike and last 300 km I went by train because I had no time. I wasn't trained well for this long journey :). I fully understand to your decision.

[@BikeTouringMike]

I agree. When sitting down and planning a bike tourit's really difficult to estimate what the roads and conditions are going to be once you get there and start riding.

[@jimmccorison]

Unless you're an EFI type guy, no, it's not cheating. It is being realistic giving a fixed schedule and inhospitable weather conditions. After all, why are you doing the trip? If it's for pleasure, then you do what is needed to enjoy the trip instead of making it a suffer-fest. The trip looks fantastic and the route is one I'd love to do. Thanks for sharing your travels.

[@warwickp8055]

Of course not, public transport is perfectly acceptable in order to achieve your goals and deal with bad (hot) weather etc. As long as you dont try to claim some sort of record for distance cycled or speed. You are doing this for enjoyment, dont beat yourself up. Have fun. Warwick.

[@rabh6746]

Another beautiful ride Mike, you were never going to get back on schedule in those temps so you did the right thing taking the train👍Of course its not cheating, you have to be sensible in temps like that! I was riding in sub zero temps today, I much prefer that to riding in searing heat! Not that its ever too hot in Scotland😂

[@terrynelson2385]

I don't see how you could even ride with those high temperatures, ugh. But at least it is not over 45 degrees. France has nice scenery.

[@travelvideos]

Nice. I use folding bike and skip boring parts. Trains and bikes are good friends

[@moloreanm1657]

As long as you dont use an e-bike…👍 Btw June was pretty hot in Sweden! It is not cheating since you have a schedule…

[@markday1714]

great content,thanks

[@rheinking2754]

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!

[@richardearp8577]

Great video. Thanks 🚴🏽‍♂️

[@adventuresinoregonandbeyon5489]

Hey it’s all part of the adventure 😊

[@samhklm]

Any time it is more than 32 c /90 f you need to reduce your activity. Anything over 38c / 101f you need to find alternates such the train. These higher temps that we are seeing need to be addressed with a go / no go question. Working or riding above 38c is a health risk. So no you are not cheating; you are being sensible in the face of extreme weather. Don't let your testosterone make decisions for you.

[@thomaslindblom9905]

Taking a train is not cheating. It’s your ride. But if you run out of water in France, most cafés or bars will be happy to fill you bottles for you. In my experience they are much more likely to offer you ice cubes in the water than to turn you down.

[@Scor-ah]

Hahahaha, Mike...it is best not to know what the actual temperature is when on a bike trip.

[@harrygrimley4352]

Nope. Not cheating. Just a different part of the experience. If you were challenging yourself or in a race it would be. Thanks for sharing this with us

[@ServusTrails]

Cheating how? It's your trip, you can travel however you want :)

[@sharkmentality9717]

I'm a tall guy but I ride a minivelo. Ride trains, able to pack in an SUV, quickly throw everything in the back of a truck.

[@welshbikepackingadventures]

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

[@shikaze66]

It's not cheating. Went out to see the Tour de France this summer, nearly passed out alongst the way due to the heat.

[@colinwellman9480]

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.

[@elizabethpoley6882]

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.

[@mattrhoades1979]

The only people cheating are all of the tourist who drove their dumb cars to the loire Valley. You sir are doing it the best way.

[@peterlindsay8235]

Hey Mike, im looking at Eurovelo 6 between Basel and Nantes however for the first 170k not a single campground is shown. How do you go about finding a campsite each day and is there a goto website

[@Draganbikepacking]

What a nice video

[@JPBVideo]

It's your ride! There's no cheating on your own agenda.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

No. It's suppose to be fun, not some imagined race.

[@rdkgraham925]

What form of navigation do you use on your travels?

[@alanhardy1740]

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!

[@mediumrick7667]

Not cheating, just adapting.

[@paulmckearney4945]

No, only if you take the train and pretend you cycled!

[@BikeTouringMike]

Haha!

[@bui340]

If the bike was mounted as a stationary training bike and pedaled uring the train ride it would be totally acceptable otherwise not😅

[@BikeTouringMike]

Haha!

[@wayneriley7557]

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.

[@stevenbissett]

If you have to ask the question then you already know the answer.

[@kevindean9613]

Stop giving yourself a hard time ,You're out to enjoy yourself it's not as though you've entered a marathon & taken the bus .I wouldn't even go out in that heat lol .

[@geezers10]

There are rules for bicycle touring?

[@duncanrhodes4778]

No.😊

[@BikeTouringMike]

Thanks!

[@pettermyris3462]

Man må nyte ferien , eller semesteret som dere sier i Sverige …! Det er jo noe av opplevelsen å ikke vite alt som skjer …tog er ikke nederlag , det er nederlag når ferien bare har vørt stress….her utenfor Oslo i morgen er det meldt minusgrader , men sol , da skal jeg på sykkeltur …juhu

[@kpj5]

What month was this?

[@user-in2bw8xk6i]

No.

[@the.communist]

14:00 Celebrating for the cheating?

[@EKG15x]

no youre not cheating by taking a train, this isnt a race if you need to take a train have fun

[@whopostedthis]

No such thing as cheating on a bike holiday.

[@franknobody5965]

You did not cheat. You did the sensible thing! Why risk your health?! For what?

[@StarEssences]

If you allow people to complain/whine about something (as many of them fail in critical thinking skills) they will do so. I could share tons of testimonials in their motive to SABOTAGE what you enjoy/love doing.

[@the.communist]

France is a nice country to explore but very hard to find vegan food (they put cheese on eveything pretty much)