Hey guys,

I've lurked for long enough.

Hey, so like, I want to start this big bike ride, round about March next year....Hanging out mainly in France and Portugal till then, and then yeah.
I'm no technician aye, and I'm REALLY no supreme cyclist...If i remember, the distance was about 3,500 miles or so...and I want to do this over the course of a year or so...Most of Europe is new to me, so there's a lot of sightseeing to be done, and a lot of festivals to be gone to.
But hey, the question is...Fixed gear or standard road. I've been riding around on a fixed recently and I love it, the feeling of control and fluency a-and of pissing off drivers...but over that many miles, even if it is broken up considerably, would it be wise?
I'll have me' pack and me' tent and what not, so I want something as light as possible...The fixie ticks that box, but maybe someone can suggest a good Road?
So yeah, that's the craic there then....
Oh, and I've got a feeling that my girlfriend is loosing momentum at the prospect of the big ride, so if anyone wants to jump on board?
Okay, peace!

Don't think it matters. Ride what you fancy. The only other equipment I might bring is a kevlar vest. Sounds more like a tour than a long distance ride but have fun either way!

I have traveled through almost all of the countries you will be crossing, Ive even biked in a lot of them. May I suggest gears would be handy, unless you hug the Med, you have some pretty big mountain ranges in the way. I would also avoid Syria - great country, terrific people, small civil war right now. Europeans are a lot more friendly to cyclists than you would think, Lebanon has the best food ever and good wine, Spain, Greece, Italy, etc the drivers are CRAZY. Be safe. Good Luck.

Thanks for your replies guys!
So I'd be avoiding some crazy hills if I stick to the south of the continent aye? (I must work out a solid itinerary, and become less ignorant of the geographic scope of the countries I will be in).
Gonna be good fun though. Lebanon aye? I think I'll be down for some good eating by the time I make it to there.
And hmmm Syria, not sure what I'm gonna do about him...Fixie might come in handy for dodging bullets and war crimes, thick and fast from what I understand.

Oh how I envy you! If ever I go to Europe, Spain will be my first stop and I will undertake the pilgrimage of the Way of St. James. Forget bikes, this will be a job for good hiking boots!
Ernest

Well as for avoiding the big mountains, if you hug the Mediterranean you will miss the best of the Pyrenees, Alps and landscapes of Greece, Romania etc and gain the worst of the drivers. However its stunning scenery. Get your visas sorted now. You could take a ferry from Greece to Cyprus then to Lebanon (although the border between lebanon and israel may be closed) Beruit is a terrific fun party city. Of course you cant take the ferry from Turkey to the Cypriot ports that go to anywhere fun because the country is divided...
A lot of logistical thought is needed. Shame about Syria - I love it. Remember also if you are thinking of camping there is not a lot of wild camping in Europe.
Good luck

moved from LD to Touring