Rome to Home: bikepacking across Europe

A bikepacking trip across Europe... from Rome, Italy to our home in Newcastle upon Tyne. 3 weeks of annual leave well spent!
We reversed the ‪@ViaFrancigenaEU‬ cycle route until Basel, then followed the ‪@EuroVeloECF‬ 5 to Brussels before making our way up the coast to Amsterdam to get the ferry home.
I plotted the route on strava:
- Part 1 (Italian Via Francigena - mostly off-road): / strava
- Part 2 (Switzerland to Amsterdam - mixed terrain): / strava
Follow me on Instagram here for updates of my day to day adventures: / cait.lean.runnerbean
We experienced amazing hospitality from ‪@warmshowers_org‬ hosts throughout our trip: www.warmshowers.org
Our kit:
Ben’s bike set up: ‪@BombtrackBicycleCo‬ gravel bike, ‪@TailfinCycling‬ alloy top trunk/pannier, ‪@Restrapltd‬ handbar/top tube/frame bags. Exposure lights.
Caitlin’s bike set up: Scott gravel speedster, Restrap saddle bag, Lifeline toplife tube bag, ‪@alpkit‬ handlebar bag.
Camping set up: Alpkit Ordos 2/cloud base/cooking pots.
Non-essential essentials:
- Spoon: generic bamboo spoon.
- Nappy cream: zinc is key!
- Coffee filter: ‪@GSIOutdoorsLLC‬ Javadrip ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/u...
- Pocket sized rucksack: www.ospreyeurope.com/shop/gb_...
- Neck flap: ‪@AleCyclingOfficial‬ Corsario
0:00 Introduction
0:15 Italy
6:57 Switzerland
9:23 France
11:17 Germany
11:28 Luxembourg
12:33 Belgium
15:05 Netherlands
15:15 Bikepacking essentials
16:04 Netherlands (part 2)
18:17 Newcastle-upon-tyne
Music from Uppbeat:
uppbeat.io/t/zayner/another-c...
License code: DVTKISJOYEVBQH93
uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/this-s...
License code: HLQLN50EUA6HD206
uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/sei...
License code: G7CMRFY6ZTDCQM5W
uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/summe...
License code: APPWOE6SKLZ72UAH
uppbeat.io/t/infraction/do-it
License code: LAOJWFKUGHENRDTQ
uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/young-...
License code: CYWXYWGDVF7TDM9W
uppbeat.io/t/atm/follow-your-...
License code: K8RB7LPKTCIMMVO4
uppbeat.io/t/cruen/in-the-now
License code: 8VQZRKMD7WTMWEIA
uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/dis...
License code: SBQ622CAIOIOGGAZ

[@jimdavies6764]

Astonishing! You even crossed the Alps, without a single elephant. Well done indeed.

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Thanks! Would have appreciated a lift from an elephant haha

[@percival3830]

Lovely to see two smiling happy faces throughout. This is what to do with the time that is given us, this is being successful at life. Living the dream.

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

It was best! Can’t wait for the next

[@schuppenerglobaltransition7858]

Excellent. I'll cycle from Garmisch Partenkirchen to Rome on Saturday in six days. When I come back we will get into our campervan and drive up to Amsterdam and on to Newcastle upon T. to spend 5 weeks in Scotland.

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Sounds like a lovely trip!! Have the best time

[@letseped]

Great video , thx !!

[@gggvgg4302]

Great trip guys. Well done!

[@davewatt8840]

Fabulous video certainly looked a great adventure. Italy looked stunning, was watching Josh video and you we're on it so couldn't resist watching your journey. 👍👍

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@lukehoneythunder]

Hellooo and Greetings from Rowlands Gill. I followed the link from Josh's video and glad I did, what a great ride / video this is. New subscriber here.

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Awesome, thank you for the support!

[@Josh-Reid]

Great video of a fantastic trip

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Thanksssss

[@PaPaWinton]

Looks like a good trip good mix of gravel and quiet roads. I’ll be using the same ferry in April for a trip to Germany by bike.

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Yes! The eurovelos are great for this - lots of cycle paths and quiet rural roads

[@hannahbox-saayman3580]

you two are amazing! (but crazy!) xx

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

💕💕💕

[@christinacooper3954]

Thoroughly enjoyed following your journey. Looked amazing. Such an adventurous couple. Total respect 👏👏👏

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!!

[@mbrylewski]

You warriors. How exciting!

[@etischer]

Great job putting the video together, looks like an awesome trip!

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Thanks so much!

[@zivoradt]

great trip !

[@denverspin]

Wow Epic adventure. Love it. Thank you for the inspiration

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rollrainer]

Thx for this perfect biketrip across Europe 😊

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Glad you like it!

[@FortheLoveofCycling]

Wonderful adventure. Thabks for sharig. Brings back great memories.

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Our pleasure!

[@FlexFlexFlex]

Great video, looks incredible! I did the same route except the other way (Canterbury to Rome) in Sept 2018, the Meuse River section was my fav bit 🤙🙌

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

The Meuse was beautiful 😍

[@briantyhy4880]

Lots of smiles and fun. Great thanks for posting your route on strava. cheers

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

No bother! Let me know if you give it a go!

[@FrancoisRigaut]

Amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@IljaBooij]

Thanks for the nice video. Travelling by bike is the best there is.

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

I'm glad you liked it! Yes completely agree

[@bitchoflivingblah]

Fanbloodytastic.

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Hahaha thank you!!!

[@Spacemeal]

Thanks for sharing. What a wonderful trip!

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ABiketoEscape]

Loved the journey, the music, and the video!

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!!

[@mattandkelli]

Wow what an adventure! Kudos to you both, and great video! 😊

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Thank you! 😃

[@GeneVilleneuve]

Great video! Looks like an incredible trip.

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Thank you!!

[@davidharris4062]

Cracking, living the life, absolutely brilliant

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

We had the best time!!

[@Tarmaccyclocross]

Really enjoyed that well done 🚴🏽‍♀️🚴‍♂️

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Thank you! Glad you liked it

[@ingelawisth8055]

Congratulations! Quite the achievement!

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Thank you very much!

[@newbarker523]

Looks like a fab trip. Amazing where you can go on a pushbike!

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Endless adventures to be had!!

[@joelp2419]

Kudos ! Loved the editing, well done !

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Thanks!! That means alot

[@pindsvinen9384]

Brilliant. Well done. Great edit too.

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Thank you very much!

[@silmaril-g]

Brilliant, inspiring! I'm watching from Canada... hope to go through Europe soon, but having trouble on deciding a route (there's so much I'd like to see!). 😍

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Amazing! There are so many options, my bucket list is veryyy long

[@SeeTehSea]

Beautiful video.

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Thank you!!

[@Squizzzzzzz]

Class this Caitlin!!

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Thanks Adam!!!!

[@Jackplumz]

Inspiring, nice film. Time to head back to Europe I think.

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Thanks!! I’m dreaming of going back

[@andreasmiraglio2268]

🎉YUPPY🎉🎉

[@lindapilkington2687]

That whole trip looked amazing! Saw you on Josh’s channel and had to come and watch your video 😊

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Thanks for coming! Glad you enjoyed it

[@hap5215]

Awesome trip ...Thanks ! Looks like you chose routes with less motor vehicle traffic ..

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Yes! The eurovelos are great for this - lots of cycle paths and quiet rural roads

[@arcoulant87]

Chapeau

[@benwood9233]

Me and my friend also did Rome to London unsupported on bikes last summer. And our routes in Italy were similar. If you want to check out our trip routes my Strava is Ben Wood. Awesome video

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Amazing! We hope you had the besets time. Will do! Thanks xx

[@luiskramer1]

Wow really enjoyed the video! :) I'm doing London - Rome next spring. Just was wondering what you used for navigation please and did you find it hard in Italy? Thank youuu!

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Thanks! Amazing, you’ll have the best time. We used a wahoo with a gpx route (I’ve uploaded ours to komoot). There was ok signage for the via Francigena, but was glad to have the wahoo! Hope that helps

[@smarkasmc]

😉👍🌻

[@funkyjazz123]

What an epic adventure and so well documented. Love the edit! Do you have a link to strava or the gpx-file by any chance?

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. Yes, the strata route is in the description (2 parts). Happy to answer any questions you have!

[@rubenlievenspiano]

Amazing and very inspiring, thanks for sharing! Btw, belgian fries > dutch fries (chips,kroketten,?), right?

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Thanks! I think I need to do more testing to decide haha

[@robbrooks101]

Hi, do you think this could be done on a touring bike rather than a gravel bike ? Thanks.

[@mjpmjpmjp]

Fantastic trip and story. Hope to ride this route one day myself. Great steady video images. What camera did you use?

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Thanks! We used a Go Pro 10 - either attached to handlebars or just in my hand! The stabilisation is amazing

[@mjpmjpmjp]

@@caitlean.runnerbean6943 Thanks for the quick reply 😃👍🏻

[@pronetowander.together]

What a fun trip!!! We are doing a similar trip soon, but over 4 months. What did you film this on? And what do you use for editing and music? Thanks!

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Amazing! Have the best time. I used a go pro to film, then edited on iMovie! Thanks for watching!!

[@pronetowander.together]

@@caitlean.runnerbean6943 We just got a GoPro and my husband is learning how to use it! Did y’all wild/stealth camp on your trip?

[@pronetowander.together]

Was is super scary riding from Rome airport to town???

[@paulstubbs5032]

thoroughly enjoyed this,looking to do a couple of these next year,what gearing are you using?is that the tailfin rack you're using,if so are you happy with it?

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

For bike bags I use a Alpkit handlebar bag, restrap saddle bag and lifeline top tube bag. Big fan of all. Ben used the alloy tailfin (We had a malfunction with this but it survived the trip and Tailfin have been great at replacing it. Great functionality though!) and restrap handlebar and frame bags. Hope that helps!

[@paulstubbs5032]

Thanks for the reply,,gearing? as in smallest chain ring and biggest tooth on cassette Also did you build bikes up in airport,if so did you have any problems with leaving the boxes,

[@yourboynaz298]

I love to do that but cycle around the world 🌎 How much did it cost in total

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

The biggest expense was the flights. We kept costs low by staying in pilgrims accommodation, campsites and Warmshowers... and cooking most of our own meals!

[@yourboynaz298]

@@caitlean.runnerbean6943 yeah I understand that.. But roughly how much did you spend please just to get an idea 💡

[@chrismikschl1704]

Hi there - appreciated the video! I'm planning a similar trip (opposite direction, Aosta --> Rome) and am trying to figure out the ideal time of year to go. If you did it again, would you still pick mid September, or would you say later?

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Hi! I hope you enjoy! We did it in august and it was much too hot in Italy. I’d defo aim for a slightly cooler month if I was to do it again

[@mbrylewski]

Did you use the roads mainly or did you try to stick to the Euro Velo cycle route?

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

mostly eurovelo - with bits of road to connect them!

[@ivicabozinovic9450]

Nice video. How long did it take?

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

3 weeks! Averaging around 130km a day

[@mbrylewski]

Where did you buy the backpack and the bike alarm?

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

link to backpack in description, bike alarm off amazon. hope that helps :)

[@ivicabozinovic9450]

Which os the tube bag you have? I think It os called like that😁 It seems pretty good

[@caitlean.runnerbean6943]

Which one? I have an Alpkit Kuoka handlebar bag, lifeline top tube bag (Wiggle) and Restrap large saddle bag. Love them all!

[@ivicabozinovic9450]

The top tube bag, that is the name. Muy saddle bag is an ortlieb, also large. And the handle bag an AliExpress harness with a dry bag I can change according to the trip.

[@ivicabozinovic9450]

Thanks for the fast answer, by the way☺️

[@sulaimansulaiman3403]

👍👍👍🙏🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳♥

[@ivicabozinovic9450]

Sorry, I just heard It, 3 weeks. Need yo practice english😬

[@steveelkins52]

Treated yourself to a day off. Oh well.