Name: Mircea-Florin Arămescu
Residence: Iași, Romania
Year of birth: 2004
Bike: Cross GRX 8 27,5” (first half)/ Rockrider Expl 500 29” (second half)
Riding period: June 16 – September 14, 2025
Most favourite part: the south of France and Spain
Random thoughts:
* Pack warm clothes for Norway and Finland. You can’t do it just in bib shorts.
* Where’s the route? – mostly asked in Sweden
* Why? – asked constantly
* I wonder what Andy wants to show me.
* The route really reminds you that you’re on a trail. You’ll see great places, and it’s well worth the effort getting there, but you’ll have to pay for them in sweat.
*Remember that after every great segment, you’ll usually face something challenging, but this is also true for the opposite; no harsh segment lasts for too long.
* It’s fun to meet other EDT riders, especially since you’re alone most of the time on the Trail.
* Some segments are overgrown, especially in Sweden, Denmark, and Germany. Being stubborn as a mule, I went through lots of them, pushing and pulling my bike. You don’t have to do what I did, use common sense 🙂
* There are two main marshes in Sweden. You can easily avoid going into the second one. I went through it.
* Make sure to bring waterproof stuff (bags, jacket, rain trousers), and to keep your bags closed when riding. It will help you not lose important stuff or have things break down.
* Enjoy Denmark while it lasts, it’s so nice and flat.
* Speaking of Denmark, don’t hesitate to pick some fruit off the side of the road.
* In July, there will be really nice cherries and wax cherries in Denmark, and as you move further south, in France and Spain, you’ll come across grapes and figs!
* I’m proud to say I only bought water (flavored) once, in Germany. People will help you with a refill if you only ask, and it will save you some money in the long run. It’s great once you get to the fountains in the south of France and Spain.
* Cemeteries are guaranteed water resupplies.
* Self-service car washes are a blessing for keeping your components clean.
* Speaking of components, hydraulic brakes over wire brakes. I used both during the EDT because I changed my bike in Germany. Even when I accidentally drained some of the hydraulic fluid while changing my front brake pads, the brake still worked after it “magically” healed itself after a while.
* Passing through the farms in Spain can be quite scary if there are cows. French cows are friendlier.
* On the topic of scary things, be careful if you choose to ride after nightfall after you get to Germany, but especially in Spain. I passed by wild boars on a few occasions, and it’s truly a chilling experience.
* Take lots of pictures.
* Treat socks like they’re expendable items. Chances are they’ll get too stinky to wash. Also, don’t ride with sand in them. You won’t feel it at first, but your toes will suffer.
* I trespassed, and it was such a boost to the adventure.
* Bring two power banks.
* Lastly, remember the EDT is not supposed to be easy. It’s an adventure, things will break down, you’ll encounter challenges, it’s only normal. But you’ll have stories to tell at the end of the day, and you’ll have done something not a lot of people have.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mircea0907
Mircea’s trip in pictures
