I just heard about this site through a friend on couchsurfing...and it looks amazing. I have a three month leave-of-absence from my job to go on my first epic bike ride. I've done several overnight trips, and semi-regular 40-50 mile day trips, so I think I'm physically prepared. I'm looking for some information and ideas.

First, my route. My plan is to bike Ireland, then parts of Spain, France, Germany...and possibly Italy. Are there specific routes people would recommend?

Second, company. Anybody looking to ride with me?

Third, bike. I'm not decided about where I should get a bike. Would it be better to find something good in the states and fly it over to Ireland or are there good shops in/around Dublin that you'd recommend?

Finally - anybody have just general hints?

Thanks!

-David

Kevin was extremely helpful during my stay. He gave me very well thought out directions in getting into and out of Las Vegas. As a bike tourist himself, he knew exactly what I needed--food, shower, sleep. Great guy and highly recommended!

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Andrew stayed with me and he was a great guest!

Bonnie and Doug are amazing. The nicest place in Canada to wait out a road closure for an unplanned 4 night stop. cosy beds, good company and BRILLIANT food.

Dear Bence. Unfortunately we did not meet, as you were abroad. But you kindly organised for us to stay in your family house. And what a family, what a house! We had a fantastic time with your parents and sisters and are looking forward to come back once and meet them again and hopefully you too this time. Our future house will of course be open to you and your family whenever you wish! It was hard to leave, but then again we were full of good energy for the journey we had to go.
Thanks again and kind regards to you and your family
Patrick, Sandra, Manu, Leeroy and Ella

Wow. It was the most wonderful homestay. I loved every second I was able to spend with Bob and Suzanne and I deeply appreciated their warm and generous hospitality. I hope I get the chance to reciprocate and see them again. Many, many thanks. Dot

Ken was an exceptional host. He went out of his way to make our stay enjoyable!!

Although I'd arranged to, I never actually got to camp at Dez' place - a combination of lack of available communication coming from the north, Dez' working hours and my desire to get to shower and wash clothes etc after 12 days on the road out of Deadhorse - Dez came looking me around town as he felt bad about this. He found me, helped me get all of the things I needed, hung out with me for a while and came out to visit me at the campsite I stayed on the next day. If I'd stayed at his place, I know it would have been a very positive experience, based on how much he went out of his way to help me while I was in Fairbanks.

I've just finished an international degree in philosophy and politics from the University of Leeds, and after years of recreational cycling and a severe crisis over what to do with my life (i.e. 'philosophy-huh-what is it good for? Absolutely...') I thought that I needed to free myself from all the restrictions of modern life and explore what I actually think feel and believe in. The answer? Cycling from Brittany in France to Istanbul in Turkey, a mammoth trip for a newbie but I love a good challenge. I'm doing it so I can meet local people, discuss my ideas with them and hopefully broaden my conception of 'life, the universe and everything'. Meeting cyclists along route would be perfect as there is still (despite being over 100 years old) something remarkably alternative about cycling and my goal is to meet interesting and exciting people!

I will be starting in western Brittany on August 7th and then making my way down to the start of Eurovelo 6 (and then East!). I really don't have too many dates (I don't what to be overly optimistic or restrictive) but hopefully it shouldn't take me more than 3 months money permitting (which is very limited-student funds!). I would love any advice on this (good places to go/see ect.) and ideally to meet up with fellow cyclists along route for a section of the journey, a place to stay (even if its just a garden for my tent) or even just a bit of advice concerning your local town.

Cheers guys, hope to hear from some of you soon!

I meet him for a host on my californian trip and I spent an interesting evening and a comfortably night. I hope I will meet him again