Between 9th June 2025 and 20th June 2025 6 students and 1 instructor from Liverpool University Air Squadron completed the Traversee Du Massif Vosgien bikepacking route through the Alsace region in France. They were accompanied by a support team of 2 students. They took on challenging but beautiful terrain. The route was 400km long with 9736m of elevation on mostly unpaved track. Distance per day varied from 30km to 75km. This route was extremely challenging, allowing the students to find their limits and push past them.
The objective of the trip was to expose students to a demanding environment through the medium of bikepacking. The expedition was self-sufficient as the students carried all their kit including food, the support vehicles were only there for any emergencies that may arise such as mechanicals, medical and water etc. This taught the students a lot about organization, preparation and decision making. Each day 2 students would work as a team to plan the route and lead the route. This gave them an opportunity to practice leadership skills. All students had to participate in a strict training plan to ensure that they were ready for the trip. By the end of the trip the team had developed mental and physical strength and specific bikepacking skills.
11/06/25 – Wissembourg to Wingen-sur-Moder. 75km
Starting of with a challenging day one with many students bikepacking for the first time, there were a few stops to adjust bikes, bags and check navigation. We soon understood how to balance the weight and also manage the heat without tiring too soon. However, a broken bike meant we had to divert plans and head back onto the road, stopping for lunch in Obersteinbach. The rest of the journey we completed on road to make up for time lost but students got into the swing of things, and it was a brisk introduction to the next few days.
12/06/25 – Wingen-sur-Moder – Les Huttes – 74km
Another challenging day battling the heat, we had an earlier start to try and avoid the temperatures and faced a lot of elevation however managed to stay largely offroad. We experienced many different tracks, some nice gravel paths, some dirt tracks and some extremely rocky and difficult to ride on. Another detour had to be taken to rejoin with the cyclist whose bike had broken and we stuck to the roads for the final stretch to ensure a quick time and get out of the sun.
13/06/25 – Les Huttes – Le Hohwald – 56km
Another early start for a hot day that involved a lot of very continuous climbs, a new challenge for some of the students. The offroad tracks were the best ways to keep out of the sun, however, this provided a challenge with the changing terrain. We took the path for the final 15km followed by a small road section. Due to illness one student was picked up and taken to the campsite, the rest of the group continued pedaling to the campsite. The student that was taken ill, was feeling fine in the evening and continued riding the next day.
14/06/25 – Le Hohwald – Scherwiller – 30km
The hottest day so far with highs of 33 degrees forecast for the afternoon, so another early start but luckily a shorter day meant we avoided the worst of the heat. Making quick progress with all the students back together. Everyone now was in the swing of it and confident on the bikes, managing to pack appropriately and push themselves accordingly. This day was picturesque and along some pleasant tracks where we made fast progress. We enjoyed the sunny afternoon at the campsite in the shade under cherry trees playing cards.
15/06/25 – Scherwiller – Val d’arguet – 50km
Got off to a fantastic start with much cooler weather, however, was soon struck by a huge thunderstorm that soaked everyone and their kit through. Due to safety concerns we stuck to the roads and headed into the valley. After 30 minutes the rain cleared and we enjoyed a nearly dry day. The ride however was enjoyable and everyone was in high spirits and enjoying a cooler day after the last few days of heat, Except for the last 20KM when it absolutely lashed it down! But the spirits remained high, as we were staying in a Gité that night! On arrival at the Gité, the owners took pity on us and made everyone a hot chocolate and a local desert!
16/06/25 – Val d’arguet – Mittlach – 56km
A beautiful trail with stunning lakes all the way a bit more interesting terrain with more forest and gravel paths than previous trips. The cooler temperatures made it a pleasant ride but the group was tired from the week however some stunning views and an amazing viewpoint later and we were rejuvenated. The ride into the valley was fun and we finished the day a little later than we expected but with high spirits for the next day.
17/06/25 – Mittlach – Thann – 74km
Immediate start with one of the hardest and longest uphill climbs so far, however spirits were high, and we pushed through as a team. Lovely scenic day passing through multiple ski resorts, but the higher temperatures continued. We reached our highest altitude and completed our longest climb, making it a fantastic final day of achievement. We met issues with some terrain on the paths but figured out new routes and ended triumphantly outside a beautiful church. Our great challenging journey was complete!
Quotes
Ex Vélo Voyage was an incredible opportunity to take part in a truly unique expedition. The long, grinding hills, heavy bikes, and some hot days all added to the challenge—and ultimately, to the sense of reward. It was an experience that tested endurance, resilience, and teamwork in equal measure. – William Rochford
Taking part in Ex Vélo Voyage was unlike anything I’ve done before. Pushing through steep climbs, managing the weight of loaded bikes, and the challenging weather conditions made the journey physically demanding—but that’s what made it so fulfilling. It wasn’t just a test of fitness, but of determination and cooperation. The challenges brought everyone together and made the accomplishment all the more meaningful. – Edward Wilde
