Frequently asked questions about cycling around the world
We often get questions about the trips we made, the sort of bikes we use etc. etc. We have collected these questions and the answers on these pages. However, if you have a question about ‘cycling around the world’ you’re always welcome to ask! .
FAQ’s about equipment
We are planning a round the world trip and are simply planning to pick up maps as we go in places like Europe and Australia. However, we are a bit concerned that it may be difficult to find adequate maps for South India, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Malyasia upon arrival. Should we consider purchasing these maps before we leave and having them shipped to us. Can you recommend maps for such locations? It looks like we are going to be cycling much of the same route us travelled in South India.
In most Asian countries adequate roadmaps are NOT available. Purchase all you can get before you leave and take them with you. On many occasions we have used the maps of the Nelles Verlag. They should be available from travelshops and major bookshops. ( Keyword : equipment )
Which maps did you use in your trips?
It’s hard to give any specific info about this. Many times we used maps by the Nelle Verlag but also we just bought what was available. When setting out on a biketrip it’s a good idea to purchase your maps already at home. Many countries do not have a wide range of good maps for sale… ( Keyword : equipment )
What is generally speaking a good bike for longer trips?
We recommend a hybrid type of bike. With enough gears to climb steep grades, extra racks to carry your luggage and rims wide enough to fit wider tyres at least 37 mm. Such a bike can be used on any trip we have made so far. ( Keyword : equipment )
I see on your Interactive Checklist a so-called Dazer. How does it work and are there other methods of getting rid of dogs?
A Dazer is an electronic device that emmits an ultrahigh sound that is irritating for the sensitive ears of dogs but can not be heard by humans. In Europe it can probably be purchased from bikeshops or shops selling electronic stuff.
One of the best ways of getting rid of dogs is throwing stones. Just stop, get a few stones and hit them. An other alternative may be the use of pepperspray. Never tried it or heard fron any cyclist using it but we think this should immobilize any dog for minutes. In some countries pepperspray is illegal! ( Keyword : equipment )
How do you protect your camera from dust and bumpy roads?
We carry two Minoltas X700 and an additional telelens 80-200 mm. In exterme wet and dusty conditions we use strong plastic bags. The cameras are stored inside our panniers and protected we custom-cut pieces of an old foam-sleeping matrass. ( Keyword : equipment )
This morning i woke up with this mad idea of cycling home from england to south africa done some looking around on the net and cant find any detailed contoured maps of europe could you please halp me out on where i could find then
here are plenty of detailed maps available of alle european countries. Try to locate a good travel-bookstore or a specialised map shop in your area. A on-line map shop based in the UK is http://www.themapshop.co.uk/ ( Keyword : equipment )
Me and a brother are planning on doing the trip on the icefields parkway from Jasper down towards banff. We are a bit puzzled about camping, did you pack a tent in one of the bags you have on the sides of your bike? I can’t immagine doing so, would be heavy :-).
We didn’t pack our tent inside our bags but carried it on top. What matters is not so much the weight you carry, but the balance between the bags…. ( Keyword : equipment )
I’m looking forward to buy a bicycle for touring/onroad. appreciate you could advise me what should I look for and any recommendation from you.
If your’re plannning some some serious biking (long distance, rough roads) it’s a good idea to invest a bit extra in a good quality bike. ( Keyword : equipment )
Your question about ‘cycling around the world’ not here? you’re always welcome to ask! .