Category: On The Road
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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 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 →
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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 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 →
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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 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 →
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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 – 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 →
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Cycle Touring WhatsApp Groups For Global Long-Distance Riders
It’s the time of year when long-haul cycle tourers who earlier set off from Europe are approaching parts of the world where information about logistics – visas, border crossings, money exchange and transfer, taking bicycles on public transport, etc – is scarce and rapidly changing. And where forums such as Lonely Planet’s now-defunct Thorn Tree used to be the digital grapevine where cycle tourers would exchange such intel, it seems today’s version is the private WhatsApp group. Continue reading →
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No Stupid Questions: How To Deal With Racial Prejudice While Cycle Touring?
A reader writes: I’m sorry to be awkward but my question is about race. I’m planning to embark on a cross-Europe cycle tour this spring. I’ve read a lot of people’s blogs on similar journeys but I’ve noticed that they tend to be white travellers. As a North Indian looking guy with a very Southern English accent, I wondered if Islamophobia / anti immigrant sentiment was something I should worry about in Eastern Europe? I’d love some pointers to blogs I might have missed, as well — I understand if this might not be a topic you feel totally comfortable explaining.… Continue reading →
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No Stupid Questions: How Can I Use My Smartphone As A Bike GPS?
A reader writes: I would like up to date information on integrating my iPhone to my bikes as a GPS. Everything from safe phone mounting through power supply (I have built a usb feed into my elekky bike’s battery shoes) and route planning and following on the phone. I was raised on 1” OS and Bartholomew’s half inch maps. The half inch are unusable nowadays and the OS 1: 50,000 are too large but when folded into a map clip not big enough. I can read OS maps and like to see the Historical and Landscape information that may make a… Continue reading →
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How To Fly With A Touring Bike Without It Getting Trashed (Video)
In this video I demonstrate how – after repeatedly trying all the different methods of flying with a bike – I currently pack and prepare my touring bikes for air travel. Then I actually put it on a plane to prove it works. Otherwise, it’s just theory. I’m here to actually do stuff, not just talk about it on YouTube. Continue reading →
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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 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 →