Over the past Boom editions we have been inspired by bikers! Many brave eco-warriors that have chosen to embrace the model of sustainability and 0 carbon footprint by cycling from various points of Europe to the Boom Festival. They have truly supported the Boom Festival’s commitment to create a reality that relates positively with the environment.

They have shared their amazing experience and adventure with us and as an incentive to future eager bikers we are creating this document for those that plan to take the bicycle road to Boom in 2014!

by B ike In i t Iat Ive

www.boomfestival .org | fb - boomfestivaloff ic ialPage | Youtube - boomwebtv

Best Routes to take?Many bikers have recommended the EuroVelo routes. These are a network of (currently 14) long-distance cycling routes criss-crossing Europe in various stages of completion.You can find more information on the Euro routes at: www.eurovelo.orgOther suggestions on routes include:• Quiet, safe and relaxing routes • Beware of French drivers they have little consideration for bikers when compared to Spanish and Portuguese car drivers that are more respectful of bikers!

How many Kms to cycle daily?• In between 50 to 80 km per day or 6 hours cycling per day. It is important to rest 1 day after a maximum of 4 days cycling in a row.• If you cycle everyday, you should be able to cycle in a day what you normally cycle in a week. If you cycle 10km a day when going to and back from work, you can easily do 60 Km in a day.

How long should you give youRself to arrive at the festival?• Plan your trip well, how many km you want to cycle daily and how many relaxing days you want to take. Many bikers have said that they would have loved to have more time and not have to “leg it” to arrive on time. Also give yourself extra days for possible

mishaps that might happen like bike breakdowns and others.

Where to stay duRing the tRavel?www.warmshowers.org is a free worldwide hospitality exchange for touring cyclists

How It woRks:Cyclists and hosts sign up on the site.The interactive map and other search tools let travelers find hosts on their route.Travelers send a private message to potential hosts through the site.Hosts may offer hospitality consisting of a couch, a room, or a place to camp.

You can also rough camp and sleep on the side of the road! It has been done! Remember that you need a good restful sleep to stay healthy and strong for the travel and for enjoying the festival when you arrive!

f i n d m o r e atw w w . b o o m f e s t i v a l . o r g

essentials foR youR travel:Here is a list of some essentials suggested by experienced Boom bikers:• A good bike that suits your body type• Lots of Water• Good Paper map or if you have a Smartphone: offline maps application and a GPS can be very helpful.• Decent bike saddle bags (waterproof and easy to clip on and off the bike)• Full equipment to cook (camping stove, lighter, pan, cup, fork/knife/spoon)• Good lightweight tent• Good Sleeping bag (a minimum of 8/9 degrees, nights can be very cold)• Mosquito/bugs repellent made of natural concentrated citronella oil +

bites calming balm or eco-friendly “clicker.• Patience and love are the qualities you need and will develop/acquire during the trip. Really, a good state of mind makes all the difference.• Tools for fixing the bike, spare tire and/or puncture repair kit• A good knife, multi-tool or Swiss army knife.

What not to brIng?• All that will not help you in cooking, sleeping, showering• Too many clothes• Basically excess crap! Bare minimum is always best! Some are pretty sure there is a direct correlation between the amount of shit you have to carry and your happiness. (it is inverse)

ImpoRtant tips:• Test your gears and equipments for several days/nights before leaving home for this trip• Check your route regularly and stick to it• Cover your head with helmet and hat • Stay away from big cities and enjoy the countryside• Drink plenty of water!• When you pass through towns get something to eat, there are lots of places without restaurants or markets, sometimes it’s difficult to find food, especially in smaller places.• It is very important that your bike suits your body as perfectly as possible: a saddle half a centimeter upper may change a lot your ease while biking. • A good rain jacket and pants will also help a lot when cycling even if the weather is not on your side.

by bike initiativ

e

boom bikers tips to other boomersMy website: http://boom-bike.infoFacebook: Boom BikeTwitter: @boom_bike_infoGoogle +: Boom Bike