Category: Articles & Essays
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No Stupid Questions: Cycling Across Land Borders, Custom Bike Builders, & Top 5 Things To Pack
A reader writes: I have an ambition to set off for Australia from Norwich in the UK in 2025 when I retire at the age of 67. I have never cycled more than 240 miles in a single multi-day ride. But I love being out on two wheels and am inspired by the stories and photos from bicycle travellers like yourself. I am an experienced traveller so am familiar with foreign lands but have the following questions for you, if you have the time. How best to prepare for and cross international land borders with a loaded bike? Firstly, thanks for… Continue reading →
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No Stupid Questions: How To Fly With Bike Boxes & Bags For Touring & Bikepacking?
A reader writes: Thanks for the question! The truth is that flying with a touring bike and gear is rarely simple, but it’s always possible… somehow! It sounds like you’ve got plenty of experience packing your bikes for flying already. But your concerns are more specific, so let’s get right into them right now. Continue reading →
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No Stupid Questions: How To Secure My Bike & Gear While Riding Across The USA?
A reader writes: My biggest question about touring is security for my bike. I’m riding across the US in 2025, with a friend. Maybe a U‑lock is enough because we can always leave one of us at the bikes, but what if we want to eat at a restaurant? Or have some beers at the end of the day in a bar? And what about all the bags and gear on the bike, even if the bike is secured? And what about trackers? Are they worth the money? Thanks for the question! Bike security on a cycle tour or bikepacking trip… Continue reading →
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No Stupid Questions: What Traffic-Free Cycle Touring Routes Exist Beyond Europe & the USA?
A reader writes: My question is (having done two longer bike trips on really nice bike trails in Europe, the Danube and Loire) – is this kind of easy, road-free, relatively level trip available OUTSIDE of Europe? I’m not so interested in the US, I know there’s a couple (the canal trails, etc). But in other parts of the world. Thanks for the question! As usual, there’s a short, simple answer, followed by a long and rambling discussion. Bear with me! The short version is that if you’re looking for packaged trails for cycle touring – that is, branded, signposted, popular, well-documented,… Continue reading →
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No Stupid Questions: What Are Your Top Wet Weather Cycle Touring Tips & Tricks?
A reader writes: Tom, I always enjoy your updates and reports. No big questions here, but one that does come to mind is what are your tips and tricks for riding in the rain. Most of us just do it, and have learned some ways to make it less than miserable like using a visor to keep drops off of glasses, and opening pit zips to vent. But I’d like to hear what you have learned from your travels. The question of “what do cycle tourers do when it rains?” used to be a frequent one in Q&As about Janapar – and back… Continue reading →
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No Stupid Questions: What’s The Most Likely Thing To Go Wrong On A Bike Tour?
A reader writes: Planning a long tour next year*. Europe mainly right now. What are the most common bicycle parts to repair on such a tour? Not flats, but other problems. * when the question was asked, “next year” referred to 2024. Thanks for the question! It sounded vague at first, but on second reading I realised it was deceptively specific. You already know you’ll be going cycle touring in the near future, and, having got past the basics of planning the trip, you’re keen to understand what the most likely mechanical issues with your bike are going to be, and… Continue reading →
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No Stupid Questions: Can I Emulate Cycle Touring But Without The Bike?
A reader writes: Quick intro: [I] finished school in 2021, cycled around South Africa for a few months in 2022, and currently in Livingstone, Zambia about to start travelling solo around Southern Africa for a few months. Originally I wanted to cycle back home but for various reasons I have decided to hitch-hike instead. And basically I’m thinking of doing it like you would on a bike tour, just without the bike. So like hitch to a spot, wild camp, hitch, wander around, etc. What I’m wondering is practically how do you make it work from day to day? […] I’m good… Continue reading →
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No Stupid Questions: Will I Be Able To Fix My Broken Touring Bike?
A reader writes: Will I be able to repair all what could happen to the bike? Thank you for this wonderfully simple question! It encapsulates one of the biggest fears for newcomers to long-distance cycle touring and bikepacking: roadside mechanical catastrophe! Fortunately, I have an equally simple answer for you: No. You will not be able to repair all that could happen to your bike. Continue reading →
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No Stupid Questions: Tyre Pumps, Wheel Size, Tubed Vs Tubeless, & More
A reader writes: Thanks for the questions! Let’s take them one at a time. Forgive me if I simplify each question into a neater, easier-to-read heading! How To Choose A Portable Tyre Pump For A Cycle Tour? It sounds like you’ve already noticed that portable, hand-operated tyre pumps for bicycles come in an assortment of shapes and sizes, and you’re trying to find the best pump for a variety of cycle touring and bikepacking scenarios. Continue reading →
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No Stupid Questions: Which Tent Should I Take On Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way?
A reader writes: I am 63 and next year I’m planning to ride the complete Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland, which you probably know is about 2,100km. I will do it on my six speed Brompton, using the rack and a waterproof backpack on the back and the Brompton 30 litre waterproof bag on the front. The Brompton has the 44-tooth front sprocket to reduce the gearing. I have a Terra Nova Pioneer 2 and a Hilleberg Nallo, but I’m also considering buying a Hilleberg Akto or Enan. Which tent would you take? Oh, I should add that I fold up… Continue reading →