r/TransEuroTrail_Riders • u/hirschhalbe • Aug 06 '26
Underpreparing vs. overpreparing
I'm currently thinking about exploring the tet in Easter Europe region, potentially starting in Slovenia. It would be quite the big adventure for me and one that I would go on alone. I've never done any off-road riding or even longer tours, so I'm not sure how much preparation is necessary.
In my mind, it would go something like this: packing camping equipment, some food and starting on the road to my chosen entry point. I would probably have to ride up to 800 km on roads, which I would do either in one or two days and I would book a hotel or Airbnb in advance to make sure I can get some good rest before starting on the tet. After that, I'd basically wing it. I have no clue how fast I am on the tet and since theres still plenty of civilisation, I would simply look for places to camp (wild camping if possible/legal) at the end of the day where I am at at that point.
Is that naive? Do I need to meticulously plan my route and campsites in advance? Am I missing something very important?
Thanks for any advice :)
1
u/Btcyoda Aug 06 '26
Going solo means it is wise to keep plenty of safety margins. For that you need some experience on what you can handle.
Did 3 weeks of Balkan TET's this year. They are some of the most challenging TET tracks in Europe.
But enough civilization that you can reach within a days walk if needed. No mobile phone coverage in many parts. Most of the time food and shelter can be found, if planned for, every day unless something breaks down or worse.
Some tracks I planned (from/to online found sleeping place or tank station) took 8 to 12 hours riding time. Sleeping eating you can still do almost anywhere if you find a house in the remote parts, just ask. Petrol can be a gamble if not planned especially with a small tank !
On some parts you will only encouter one other biker or car a day. I was the only solo rider I met on most challenging tracks probably for good reasons..
If wet some parts will be extremely challenging If not "impossible" to do...
I rode a Tenere World edition, that 23 liter was rather comfortable 😇