I’m about to head off to Europe with my bike and recently learned about the EuroVelo system of bike paths. Though an overview probably exists somewhere on the web, I couldn’t find it easily; so I asked ChatGPT:
Certainly! EuroVelo is a network of long-distance cycling routes that spans across Europe. It currently consists of 16 routes, each with its own unique number and name. Here’s a summary of each EuroVelo route:
- EuroVelo 1 – Atlantic Coast Route: It stretches along the western coast of Europe, from Norway to Portugal, covering approximately 11,150 km. It offers stunning coastal landscapes and cultural highlights.
- EuroVelo 2 – Capitals Route: This route connects the capital cities of Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Belarus, and Russia. It spans about 5,500 km and showcases the diverse cultures and historic landmarks of these countries.
- EuroVelo 3 – Pilgrims Route: Also known as the “Cycling Route of the Pilgrims,” it follows ancient pilgrimage trails from Norway to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. This 5,300 km route takes you through picturesque landscapes and historic religious sites.
- EuroVelo 4 – Central Europe Route: This route traverses the heart of Europe, linking the North Sea with the Black Sea. It passes through Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, and Romania, covering around 4,000 km.
- EuroVelo 5 – Via Romea (Francigena): Starting in London, this route crosses the English Channel and goes through France, Switzerland, and Italy before reaching its final destination in Rome. It is approximately 3,900 km long and showcases the cultural heritage of Europe.
- EuroVelo 6 – Atlantic-Black Sea: Spanning about 4,450 km, this route follows major rivers, including the Loire, Rhine, Danube, and others. It passes through ten countries, providing a diverse cycling experience from the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea.
- EuroVelo 7 – Sun Route: This route takes you on a sunny journey through southern Europe, from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in Portugal to the Greek island of Cyprus. It covers approximately 7,500 km and passes through scenic landscapes and historic cities.
- EuroVelo 8 – Mediterranean Route: Stretching along the Mediterranean coast, this route offers breathtaking views of the sea and explores the cultural richness of countries like Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, and Greece. It is approximately 5,900 km long.
- EuroVelo 9 – Baltic-Adriatic: Starting in Gdańsk, Poland, and ending in Pula, Croatia, this route passes through the Czech Republic, Austria, and Slovenia. It covers approximately 1,930 km and showcases the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.
- EuroVelo 10 – Baltic Sea Cycle Route: Encircling the Baltic Sea, this route passes through several countries including Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. It covers approximately 7,980 km, offering coastal landscapes and vibrant cities.
EuroVelo
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This was as far as it got, which I think is incomplete. Granted, these AI chatbots are known to “hallucinate,” or give incorrect answers, so some of the above may be wrong. Anyhow, this is just an experiment. But my hunch is most of it is correct. I’ve been playing with ChatGPT and some of the other Large Language Models. We’re entering a new era and there is a lot to say about it. But I just wanted to post this quick example. 🙂