Great video! How did you map out the route? I’m planning a tour and wanted to add Croatia, but wasn’t sure if there are preferred routes through the country. I’m from the US and have done a lot of touring and camping here. Similar setup for my bike along with camping, carrying my own food, and using rivers and lakes to get cleaned up when there aren’t showers. Thanks for the advice.
Hey MB, sorry for taking so long to reply! Check out my video on route planning - this is pretty much how I plan my routes. Not sure what you mean by "preferred routes"...I think it depends what kind of routes you want to cycles. Istria has an abundance of MTB routes, but with a loaded bike it is slow and tough, so if you like that...go for it. I wish I had more time to explore inland Croatia...the coast was quite developed and busy. It is a big country, so much to explore...
@@kvbcycles Thanks a lot for replying. You’re route planning videos sound like a great place to start and I’ll definitely check those out. As far as the preferred routes question goes, I was mainly wondering if there are specific parts of Croatia that are preferred by cyclists. I know everyone has their preference, but I’m mostly interested in routes through smaller towns, that don’t get a lot of tourists. Also, trying to avoid really busy roads that aren’t all that safe to ride. In the past I’ve had a general idea of the route I’d like to take from point A to B, and then modify it based on what people I meet on the road tell me. If someone says there is a really scenic/interesting backroad, I will try to ride it (if it sounds like a good option). I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences, as most rides develop/change when you’re actually doing them.
@@MB-kk8px You are most welcome. So. Your route planning sounds very similar to mine. I have my A to B, I then plan my route using the tools I describe in the video. While I plan I search online for known cycle routes in the region (like via verde´s, MTB routes for example) and I then I use the maps in RidewithGPS to check the trails/roads, using street view where possible, and satellite view where not, and I find I can typically avoid busy roads this way, and then I go. RidewithGPS also has OSMCycle maps view which highlight known cycle routes which is helpful too. Like you I have met people en-route who have recommended certain routes or places to see and sometimes I divert, sometimes not. You may be thinking this method could be quite time consuming - yes, it is, but I enjoy it and once you watch the video, you will see what I mean. So, I cannot answer your question regarding preferred routes in Croatia, however, what I would recommend is exploring more of inland Croatia, especially if you like quiet roads and small villages, open space...I am not sure what your entry point is so cannot make a specific suggestion...I loved some of the islands, Krk and Rab...Istria like I said has a ton of MTB trails. You have to visit Split, it is amazing. I know nothing about the area up around Zagreb and the Hungarian border but looks like a lot of space out there...it is an amazing country. It is a big country and only has a population of 4 million, the majority of them living along the coast...and of course, the tourists flock to the coast too...I only discovered this as I was due to leave out of Split.
@@kvbcycles Sounds fabulous and again I really appreciate the time you took to respond. I’m not sure where I’ll enter the country, but my plan as it stands today is to start in Holland and work my way to Croatia over a 3 month period (seeing as many countries and as much scenery along the way as possible). I rode across the US and it took me about that long, but I’ll have to look at the distance and may need to use public transportation for certain sections, if I’m running short on time. When I did my US ride I had to quit my job to do it, as it’s nearly impossible to get a significant amount of time off over here. It’s a good possibility I’ll be doing the same thing this time, in order to have enough time to relax and really make the trip enjoyable. I’ll check out more of your videos on the other countries you rode through. I love Austrian and Germany and want to do some riding on the Rhine or Danube as part of the journey over to Croatia.
@@MB-kk8px Sounds bleedin´amazing man! Netherlands is mecca for cycling, no need for route planning there, everything is way-marked :) nice and flat too to warm your legs up and get some distance. Also, check out the site "Eurovelo dot com" - these are long distance cycling routes throughout Europe. I think EV15 might be the one you want, from Netherlands, Germany along the Rhine and into Switzerland. I guess these could be classified as "preferred"! :) I would also HUGELY recommend Slovenia. If you have a look at the routes page on my blog, take the routes from there, absolutely amazing...just everyday was...just...ridiculous, could not stop grinning.
I don't however, I did buy an insurance policy for 80 quid through Lloyds when I first got the bike. At the end of the policy (1 year) I didn't renew it. Yes, I'm worried about the security of my bike but I found that in most places it was perfectly safe. I do carry a lock and always lock it when I shop and even camp. In cities I never lock it on the street, I make sure I can take it inside.
So I´ve used WarmShowers and AirBnB for city stays and there is also Couchsurfing which other cyclists use. With WS you are almost certain the host will have secure bike storage. With AirBnB and hostels, I always ask before - phone them or email them and check the reviews, especially hostels. Also, you have to make your own judgement calls on the spot sometimes - I once walked out of a hostel as I just got a bad feeling about the place when I walked in...also, each country (and city) is different, you will get a feel for it when you are out there.
Yes, for sure. Basically I never let it out of my sight. At night I lock it up and tie it to my tent or my pots so if it is moved I should be alerted. I do this without fail, even in places I know there are no people. In cities I make sure the place I'm staying has somewhere safe indoors for the bike. So far, never had a problem.
Great trip at time when we could ride where we liked.
Yip :)
Lovely video. Looks like a great place for cycling.
Thanks David :) oh man, totally, total paradise...
Respect man, looks like a stunning trip
Cheers Jules, was epic!
Enjoyed that....cheers.
Great video! How did you map out the route? I’m planning a tour and wanted to add Croatia, but wasn’t sure if there are preferred routes through the country. I’m from the US and have done a lot of touring and camping here. Similar setup for my bike along with camping, carrying my own food, and using rivers and lakes to get cleaned up when there aren’t showers. Thanks for the advice.
Hey MB, sorry for taking so long to reply! Check out my video on route planning - this is pretty much how I plan my routes. Not sure what you mean by "preferred routes"...I think it depends what kind of routes you want to cycles. Istria has an abundance of MTB routes, but with a loaded bike it is slow and tough, so if you like that...go for it. I wish I had more time to explore inland Croatia...the coast was quite developed and busy. It is a big country, so much to explore...
@@kvbcycles Thanks a lot for replying. You’re route planning videos sound like a great place to start and I’ll definitely check those out. As far as the preferred routes question goes, I was mainly wondering if there are specific parts of Croatia that are preferred by cyclists. I know everyone has their preference, but I’m mostly interested in routes through smaller towns, that don’t get a lot of tourists. Also, trying to avoid really busy roads that aren’t all that safe to ride.
In the past I’ve had a general idea of the route I’d like to take from point A to B, and then modify it based on what people I meet on the road tell me. If someone says there is a really scenic/interesting backroad, I will try to ride it (if it sounds like a good option). I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences, as most rides develop/change when you’re actually doing them.
@@MB-kk8px You are most welcome. So. Your route planning sounds very similar to mine. I have my A to B, I then plan my route using the tools I describe in the video. While I plan I search online for known cycle routes in the region (like via verde´s, MTB routes for example) and I then I use the maps in RidewithGPS to check the trails/roads, using street view where possible, and satellite view where not, and I find I can typically avoid busy roads this way, and then I go. RidewithGPS also has OSMCycle maps view which highlight known cycle routes which is helpful too. Like you I have met people en-route who have recommended certain routes or places to see and sometimes I divert, sometimes not. You may be thinking this method could be quite time consuming - yes, it is, but I enjoy it and once you watch the video, you will see what I mean. So, I cannot answer your question regarding preferred routes in Croatia, however, what I would recommend is exploring more of inland Croatia, especially if you like quiet roads and small villages, open space...I am not sure what your entry point is so cannot make a specific suggestion...I loved some of the islands, Krk and Rab...Istria like I said has a ton of MTB trails. You have to visit Split, it is amazing. I know nothing about the area up around Zagreb and the Hungarian border but looks like a lot of space out there...it is an amazing country. It is a big country and only has a population of 4 million, the majority of them living along the coast...and of course, the tourists flock to the coast too...I only discovered this as I was due to leave out of Split.
@@kvbcycles Sounds fabulous and again I really appreciate the time you took to respond. I’m not sure where I’ll enter the country, but my plan as it stands today is to start in Holland and work my way to Croatia over a 3 month period (seeing as many countries and as much scenery along the way as possible). I rode across the US and it took me about that long, but I’ll have to look at the distance and may need to use public transportation for certain sections, if I’m running short on time. When I did my US ride I had to quit my job to do it, as it’s nearly impossible to get a significant amount of time off over here. It’s a good possibility I’ll be doing the same thing this time, in order to have enough time to relax and really make the trip enjoyable.
I’ll check out more of your videos on the other countries you rode through. I love Austrian and Germany and want to do some riding on the Rhine or Danube as part of the journey over to Croatia.
@@MB-kk8px Sounds bleedin´amazing man! Netherlands is mecca for cycling, no need for route planning there, everything is way-marked :) nice and flat too to warm your legs up and get some distance. Also, check out the site "Eurovelo dot com" - these are long distance cycling routes throughout Europe. I think EV15 might be the one you want, from Netherlands, Germany along the Rhine and into Switzerland. I guess these could be classified as "preferred"! :) I would also HUGELY recommend Slovenia. If you have a look at the routes page on my blog, take the routes from there, absolutely amazing...just everyday was...just...ridiculous, could not stop grinning.
do you buy bike insurance?
I don't however, I did buy an insurance policy for 80 quid through Lloyds when I first got the bike. At the end of the policy (1 year) I didn't renew it. Yes, I'm worried about the security of my bike but I found that in most places it was perfectly safe. I do carry a lock and always lock it when I shop and even camp. In cities I never lock it on the street, I make sure I can take it inside.
@@kvbcycles so in cities, do you tend to rent solo rooms where you can put it? how do you secure it in a hostel?
So I´ve used WarmShowers and AirBnB for city stays and there is also Couchsurfing which other cyclists use. With WS you are almost certain the host will have secure bike storage. With AirBnB and hostels, I always ask before - phone them or email them and check the reviews, especially hostels. Also, you have to make your own judgement calls on the spot sometimes - I once walked out of a hostel as I just got a bad feeling about the place when I walked in...also, each country (and city) is different, you will get a feel for it when you are out there.
Did you ever get worried your bike would get stolen ?
Yes, for sure. Basically I never let it out of my sight. At night I lock it up and tie it to my tent or my pots so if it is moved I should be alerted. I do this without fail, even in places I know there are no people. In cities I make sure the place I'm staying has somewhere safe indoors for the bike. So far, never had a problem.
@@kvbcycles you should do a video about bike security - I'm always worried about that when I ride far