FOIRE AUX QUESTIONS

WORKING TIME

Should I Participate During Work Hours or While on Vacation?

We hope your employer understands the professional nature of this "non-conference" and allows you to participate during your work hours. Participation is a professional endeavor and promotes your workplace well-being.

We operate with the support and encouragement of several library associations, and we share the values of IFLA and EBLIDA (European Bureau of Library Information and Documentation Associations). We advocate for openness and cooperation, a non-governmental and non-organizational spirit, as well as cross-border sharing of library knowledge and skills at all levels.

It would be wonderful if your director supported the event, as it allows you to stay in good physical condition while keeping up-to-date with the continuous developments in today’s library world.

You’ll certainly return in better shape than when you left! Your entire library will benefit. Don’t hesitate to invite your colleagues as well!

Am I Insured During the Trip?

Please note that you will need travel insurance to participate in this event. The organizers cannot provide insurance for you.

Additionally, if you live in Europe, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) enables you to access public healthcare services during a temporary stay in one of the 28 EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland under the same conditions and at the same cost (sometimes free) as those insured in the host country.

If you pay for medical care in a country, you will either be reimbursed immediately or upon your return to your home country. This ensures you can continue your trip while receiving proper medical care.

If you do not live in an EU country, check the scope and details of your health insurance coverage.

FOOD & ACCOMODATION

FOOD & ACCOMODATION

What About Meals During the Trip?

The organizers provide breakfast, lunch, and drinks as needed each day. All shared meals (lunches and two evening dinners) will be vegetarian. Participants are responsible for paying for dinners and any other meals.

How Is Accommodation Arranged?

The fee includes all accommodations between the arrival and departure cities, but not lodging the night before the departure.

We alternate between accommodations in youth hostels or hotels, with rooms for 2, 3, 4, or even 6 people at times. A rotation system is implemented daily, allowing participants to share experiences with different group members. Accommodations may also include solid-structure camping facilities.

CYCLING & STAGES

CYCLING & STAGES

What Is the Difficulty Level of the Stages?

This is understandably a frequently asked question. Each day, we cover approximately 60 kilometers—a reasonable distance for any cyclist, even beginners. However, we recommend that novice cyclists try a few 70-kilometer rides before the event to get a sense of the journey. Gather a group of colleagues and give it a try!

You can ride in small or large groups or at your own pace. Some participants might race, but that's part of the fun. However, the program is designed around the main group, which rides at a relaxed pace. The organizers are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind.

How Can I Bring My Bike to the Starting Point?

Unfortunately, you will need to arrange for the transport of your bike to and from the event on your own. The simplest option is to organize group transport with colleagues, bring it in your own vehicle, or use public transport (train, boat, plane).

• Bikes on Trains:

  • In France: https://www.sncf-voyageurs.com/fr/voyagez-avec-nous/train-et-velo/votre-velo-a-bord/
  • In Belgium: https://www.b-europe.com/FR/Questions/Preparation#Bicycles
  • In Switzerland: http://www.cff.ch/gare-services/auto-velo/en-voyage-avec-son-velo.html
  • In Spain (in English): http://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/bikes-on-trains-spain.htm
  • For European railway companies: https://toprail.org/

• Flying with Bikes:

  • Avoid flights when possible, but if necessary, bikes can be transported by air. Find guidance here (in English): http://www.ibike.org/encouragement/travel/flying.htm.

• Bike Rentals:
  For each tour, it is possible to rent a standard or electric bike. Prices vary depending on the tour and the rental company. Standard bikes are approximately €80, and electric bikes around €125.

LUGGAGE

Do I Need to Carry My Luggage?

A support van will accompany participants throughout the journey. It will carry heavy and bulky equipment, allowing you to focus on the ride and fully enjoy the trip.

The support team will handle basic bike maintenance and flat tires, assist fatigued or injured cyclists, and carry medical supplies and refreshments. It will also transport cameras and communication equipment for video recordings, serve as a registration and information center, and act as a highly visible communication tool for our mission.

What Should I Pack Once Registered?

You’ll obviously need a bike—it doesn’t have to be expensive or sophisticated, but it must suit you and be in good condition to cover about 300 kilometers. Here's an indicative packing list:

Cycling Gear

• Comfortable sportswear for cycling:
  • Sports shorts (ideally padded cycling shorts)
  • A lightweight, breathable T-shirt
  • Sneakers
• Helmet, or at least a cap or hat for sun protection (beware of wind).
• Evening wear:
  • A sweater (evenings can be cool).
  • Sandals or flip-flops.
• Sunglasses.
• Sunscreen.
• Rainwear (like a lightweight K-Way).

Bike Equipment

• If renting: Follow the rental company’s guidance.
• If bringing your own bike:
  • Your bike (with a kickstand).
  • A bike lock (preferably a U-lock).
  • Helmet.
  • Bell.
  • Water bottle mounted on your bike.
  • A light (headlamp or attachable bike light).
  • A small bag for essentials like your wallet or camera.
  • Two spare inner tubes.
  • Basic repair tools, if available.

Food and Dining Supplies

• Fork, spoon, and knife (carry with you).
• Cup or mug.
• Bowl or plate.
• 1 liter of water at all times.
• Snacks like dried fruit or granola bars (avoid chocolate).
• Small resealable bags, if needed.

Travel Essentials

• Official documents (passport, visa, train/plane tickets).
• Health and property insurance, as well as liability insurance.
• Pen and notebook.
• Local currency in small bills.
• Camera or smartphone for photos/videos.
• Mobile phone and charger.
• A wireless-enabled device (smartphone, tablet, netbook, etc.).
• Power adapter, if necessary.
• Toiletries (toothbrush, soap, shampoo, etc.).
• Towel.
• Any required medication.

Important Notes:

• Dining utensils and plates are essential for meals during the ride.
• A mobile phone is crucial in case you get lost (though we’ll do our best to ensure you don’t).
• Devices with Wi-Fi connectivity will enable you to share updates on social media or conduct research when Wi-Fi is available.

COMMUNICATION

Can I blog,  post my impressions on social media and share photos of the trip?

Absolutely! Sharing experiences and ideas is a central part of this cycling conference. Using technology, we aim to document and share the highs (and occasional lows) of the journey whenever possible.

Whether you approach the trip in a “retro” style or with modern tools, ride fast or take it slow, in small groups or the main peloton, we encourage you to share your impressions with other participants. You can blog, post photos or videos, or share updates on social media.

We’ll collect all photos and other content tagged with #cyclobiblio and showcase them on our social media. We’d love for you to share your journey online!

Will  you make videos this year?

Yes, the Cyclo-biblio tour is typically filmed by the communication team as well as some participants. During the trip, they will conduct interviews with participants and library professionals, capturing daily events—both the highlights and any mishaps—so be prepared! Whenever possible, videos will be edited and shared on the same day or the following day.

A recap video of the entire tour will also be posted on YouTube a few months later.