Category: Articles & Essays
-
Tom’s Bike Trip Continues (UK Edition)
An update for readers wondering why this blog suddenly went silent about 18 months ago. No, I didn’t receive a life-changing diagnosis. No, I’m not having a mid-life crisis (I had it at 23). No, I didn’t become a parent or divorcee. And no, I didn’t (yet) resume my attempt to cycle round the world. Continue reading →
-
No Stupid Questions: Any Tips For Staying Motivated On A Longer Tour?
A reader writes: Have you got any tips for maintaining motivation on a longer tour? I’m just past halfway through a Spain to Ireland tour, and I’ve just been feeling a bit burnt out. Been on the road since April with a bit of time off in July. Thanks so much for the question! This is a really interesting one. Because you’ve touched on something not often mentioned about long-term bicycle travel, which is that it can sometimes be a draining, rather than a replenishing, experience. Continue reading →
-
No Stupid Questions: How To Avoid Catching Malaria When Cycling Across Asia?
A reader writes: I’ve been following you for about five years now. Am retiring next summer and setting off in May 26 for a ride to Bali. I currently live in Bolton so it was Bolton to Bali but I’m moving when I retire to Lincoln where my son is based in the RAF. So I’ve rebranded – Lincoln to Lombok! My question is about malaria. What’s needed in terms of protection. I’ve read that you’ve had malaria – not nice. What do I need to do in terms of pre trip purchase and on the road? Thanks for the question!… Continue reading →
-
No Stupid Questions: How Do You Stay Intellectually Stimulated On The Road?
A reader writes: How do you keep the brain intellectually stimulated whilst on a long bicycle touring trip ? Reading, writing… any other tips? Thanks for the question! Seriously, thank you. Now we’re into the good stuff! I really wish more people would ask questions like this, instead of about the relative merits of 9- and 10-speed drivetrains and whether or not buying a vegan Brooks will help save the planet. That’s because the details of your bike and gear are things you’ll forget about the moment you start riding – but you’re going to be living with the contents of your… Continue reading →
-
No Stupid Questions: Any Advice On Bikepacking With A Cat?
A reader writes: I love traveling, and I have a lot of experience backpacking, but I also ended up being “forced” (by her cuteness, affection, and a LOT of purring) into adopting a kitten a few years ago. I’m getting her used to going outside with me with a harness and leash, and I am hoping to get her into backpacking. How about bikepacking with a cat? Any info, recommendations, and advice on that? Thanks for the question! The first thing to say is that I have no personal experience of cycle touring or bikepacking with a cat, or dog, or… Continue reading →
-
No Stupid Questions: How Do I Dry Out My Wet Tent Every Day?
A reader writes: I’m 60 and been a cyclist forever but, aside from a 2 week youth hostel JOGLE in 1993, I haven’t toured. I’m planning a 3 night first go to start a week on Monday. I have a great tent (second-hand Wild Country Helm 1) and all the basic stuff and all second-hand but how to pack away a damp tent? Do I just do it and hope the sun comes out and I air it at some point during the day or not worry about it until I set it up at the next stop? Thanks for the… Continue reading →
-
No Stupid Question: Best Panniers For A Road/Gravel Tour-Commute?
A reader writes: I am going to order in September a new Oxford Bikes Expedition — what panniers would you suggest? I really only need to carry clothes, a very small tool kit and a lap top. Basically, I want to ride to my office down various gravel tracks and roads — my office is 550 miles from home! Thanks for the question! And congratulations on your excellent choice of bike – not that I’m biased or anything… Anyhow. Along with a few other factors such as budget, pannier choice has a lot to do with what the contents will be. And… Continue reading →
-
No Stupid Questions: Can Cycle Touring Be Bad For Your Back?
A reader writes: My stupid question (asked with the understanding that you are not a medical professional but a great resource and researcher): Can biking on a touring bike be bad for your back? Can biking on inflated tires on bumpy roads – because you’re too lazy to reduce pressure or anxious about reinflating them – be bad for your back? How can you mitigate potential back problems from biking on a touring bike? Are recumbent bikes less safe on busy roads – they look that way to me, even with the flag on back? Thanks for the question! As you… Continue reading →
-
No Stupid Questions: Is E‑bike Touring Possible? (If So, How?)
Several readers have written in with some version of the following question: I want to go cycle touring on an e‑bike, but there are obstacles. Firstly, nobody makes electric touring bikes. Secondly, other types of e‑bikes are too heavy to fly with, and airlines won’t carry e‑bike batteries. And finally, how can I possibly keep an e‑bike charged on a cycle tour? Help! Thanks for all the questions! Straight up: I have never toured on an e‑bike, and I don’t own an e‑bike, so the following advice is theoretical. That said, I’ve received enough similar-sounding questions to make it worth looking… Continue reading →
-
No Stupid Questions: Brake Lever & Shifter Options For Drop Bar Touring Bikes
A reader writes: I can understand ‘brifters’ (brake/shifter) for racers (or audax), but not for tourers. The only time I ‘drop down’ is to adopt a streamlined tuck position for >50kph descents. I do not need to change gear in this position, but I definitely need my brakes available. At all other times, I am on the top of my handlebars (enjoying the scenery), where I need secondary brakes, and gear shifters for optimising cadence on flattish parts, and moving to lower gears upon ascents. It seems this tourer usage of drop handlebars has been forgotten about. It is increasingly… Continue reading →