Embarking on a road trip isn’t just about reaching your destination; it’s also about the journey, the experiences, and the memories created along the way. And when it comes to epic road trips, few can rival the thrilling adventures of Guitwo l’Rideur, a seasoned expert in the art of exploration on wheels.
His Most Memorable Journey
Among the annals of his travels, one journey stands out above all: a trip through the Swiss Alps in 2018. Over the course of 10 days, Guitwo and his companions covered more than 3500 kilometers, discovering breathtaking landscapes, thrilling descents, and unforgettable camaraderie. What began as a simple announcement on Facebook quickly turned into a transcontinental rendezvous, as riders from across Europe and Canada converged for an unforgettable escapade. Among the many highlights of their journey were two legendary freebord spots – Zugerberg and Amden. Nestled amidst lush hills and panoramic views, these locations offered the perfect blend of natural beauty and adrenaline-pumping excitement. From breathtaking descents to hairpin turns… In short, the beauty of the Swiss Alps.
For Guitwo, the Swiss Alps hold a special place in his heart, offering unparalleled beauty, challenging terrain, and warm hospitality. From the majestic peaks of Valais to the winding roads of Zug, each destination offers a unique blend of excitement and serenity.
Nevertheless, Guitwo wants to mention that his road trip to Guillestre still holds a record: “more than 20 riders on, in, and towed by the pickup to go back up the spot… This record of 22 people on the ascent will never be beaten or equaled.”
Essential Elements of a Road Trip
Drawing on years of experience, Guitwo shares his “12 commandments” for a successful road trip, emphasizing the importance of comfort, food, and camaraderie. From choosing the right mode of transportation to packing essential gear, these commandments serve as a template for a journey filled with joy and adventure.
Resting:
1- Never sleep in your car unless it’s spacious enough to stretch out in. If you have no choice but to take Granny’s small city car, consider bringing a tent or hammock, or both, to sleep lying down…
2- If you’re sleeping in a tent, try to bring a special camping mattress. Don’t go for the cheapest, because if you sleep on the ground it’s the same and your lower back is priceless!!
3- A towel folded Japanese-style will easily serve as a pillow.
4- Choose your sleeping bag carefully based on where you’re going (especially the altitude) and the season… Personally, I have two sleeping bags, one for the hot season and another warmer one for altitude and mid-seasons.
Food:
5- Forget in general anything that needs to be kept cool or consumed quickly. We have exceptions with hard cheese (like gruyere, Gouda,..) and a large part of raw vegetables (salad, tomatoes, ..) which can last 2 or 3 days in a cooler.
6- If you plan to take fresh products, bring a cooler with ice packs. Ice packs can be cooled regularly in all streams at altitude. They don’t freeze but they take the coolness.
7- Prefer canned and pasta products that can be stored without too much condition and prepared quite quickly. Pasta with 3min cooking time with canned sauce will do fine to give you back energy.
8- Don’t forget your lunch with a stove, pot, and cutlery. I don’t know how to advertise but…. There is a 100% French brand, dedicated to sports, innovative and dynamic, with a great value for money, which offers a really complete range of products for camping really very good.
9- Prefer natural products for dishwashing. It will often be done in a stream or natural body of water and even if it’s in small quantities, you shouldn’t pollute the water… A simple Marseille soap will do. Imagine for a second if all campers washed their dishes with chemicals!!!
10- Take a 5-liter water container. It will serve you for morning coffee and evening pasta.
Camping spot:
11- You’ll probably have understood by now, the ideal is to settle near a body of water (river, lake, dam…). You’ll have a beautiful view when you wake up (because generally when you arrive at the spot it’s night or close to it!), you’ll be able to cool the beers in the water (with the ice pack), you’ll be able to do the dishes with Marseille soap and you’ll be able to wash up with the same soap. What the…I didn’t mention hygiene!!!!
Hygiene:
12- Take only the essentials in a toiletry bag (toothbrush, toothpaste, Marseille soap, and optionally, for Quentin, nail clippers.)
No road trip is complete without its share of unforgettable moments and unexpected twists. From losing a wheel downhill to setting speed records on dangerous slopes, Guitwo recounts the highs and lows of his alpine escapade with humor and humility.
Aspiring road trippers would do well to heed Guitwo’s advice, choosing their destinations wisely and traveling with trusted companions. With the right preparation and mindset, every journey can be a memory-worthy adventure.
Evolution of the Freebord Scene
Reflecting on his decade of experience in the world of freebording, Guitwo notes the constant growth and evolution of the community. Despite challenges and setbacks, the spirit of camaraderie and adventure remains as strong as ever, ensuring that the legacy of freebord road trips endures for generations to come.
From the peaks of the Swiss Alps to the winding roads of the Pyrenees, Guitwo l’Rideur continues to inspire and amaze with his epic adventures on wheels. As he looks towards new horizons and unexplored territories, one thing is certain: the thrill of the open road awaits, calling adventurers to embark on their own unforgettable journey.
