Hints and tips for prospective cycle tourers…
Published as a Journal entry on June 6th 2011.
When I think back to my very first day on the road, I can’t help but smile about how much of a novice I must have seemed! When I left home, I had four bulging pannier bags, a full handlebar bag, and a near overflowing trailer. After just a few weeks on the road, things are already very different. Owing to a knee issue, I was forced to confront the possibility that unless I changed things significantly, I would likely have to throw in the towel on my grand adventure before it had even started.
The following is a list of things that I have learn’t during my time on the road. I will add to it as and when I pick up a useful hint or tip. If you have any others that may be of use to me, please add it to the comments section at the bottom of the post;
- EQUIPMENT: only pack what is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. It’s so obvious, yet I am sure I am not alone in packing excess equipment.
I was forced to confront my excessive kit problems after picking up a knee issue early on in my journey. When I started my ride, I had 4 bulging panniers, a full handlebar bag, and an overloaded trailer. I have since ditched more than 13kg’s of kit – including the trailer – without losing any capability. My journey has improved no end since doing this! You can see my kit list here, and my bike here
- WATER: running low on water in Europe? Struggling to get a refill of your bottles? Just go to the nearest cemetry, and use the outside taps…
Thanks for this little tip go to the lovely couple south of Aubeville who helped me to find a camping spot, then provided a lovely breakfast in the morning (the old boy also joined me for 8km to the nearest town; at 80, he is – as of 12th June 2011 – my oldest stoker yet!)
- LANGUAGE BARRIERS: if you are struggling to make headway in a particular language, just write out what it is that you are doing, and why, then translate it into whatever language you need (google translate is great for this). Stick the translation in the back of your journal, and have it ready for those moments when someone looks at you dumbfounded! It’s amazing how many doors it has already opened on my trip…(but of course, try your very best to communicate in the local language)
Thanks for this tip go to Rob Lilwall. The tip came from his wonderful book, ‘Cycling Home from Siberia’…a book that was very much a catalyst for my own grand adventure!
- COOKING: do you use an omni-fuel stove, like the MSR Whisperlite? If you do, don’t worry about buying the suggested methylated spirits – they are expensive, and unnecessary. Just pull up at a petrol station, and ask someone who is filling their car whether you can buy a 1/2 litre of fuel.
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