Category: No Stupid Questions
A rolling series of answers to real rider questions, usually long, meandering and unfiltered. Want your burning question answered? Drop me a line here.
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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 […] Continue reading →
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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 […] Continue reading →
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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 […] Continue reading →
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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 […] Continue reading →
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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 […] Continue reading →
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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 […] Continue reading →
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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 […] Continue reading →
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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 […] Continue reading →
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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 […] Continue reading →
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No Stupid Questions: Bike Touring For The Older Generation
A reader writes: Hey Tom, I’ve got a nice one for you: ‘Longer bike trips for the older generation, how to go about? How to train?’ Everywhere we get slapped around our ears with bike trips, bikepacking and more on social media. Not only the bikes look new, the gear high-tech, but the riders all so young? I’m […] Continue reading →