Thorn Cycles Forum
Community => Cycle Tours => Topic started by: RJA on December 22, 2010, 09:58:38 PM
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Hi All
I have a few questions about a world tour and was hoping that someone can help.
If you've cycled the planet and would be willing to answer a few questions I'd be very grateful.
simple questions like;-
How much did you spend, how easy to arrange visa, would you avoid anywhere, how long did it take etc
If anybody is interested in joining me and has any questions then please get in touch
Little bit about me :
I'm a 30 yr old male, keen road and mountain biker, ridden lejog in 2009, experienced mechanic
I was looking at going in March 2012 for 1.5 -2 yrs
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated
Regards
RJA
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IŽd highly recommend the book: Adventure cycle touring by Stephen Lord - It should provide most of the answers to your questions.
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Currently on a tour ourselves to South Africa. Where are you planning on going. World Tour is a little vague, plus 1.5 to 2yrs in the real world may not get you as far as you think assuming you want to see some of the countries you are visiting. Have taken 3 months to southern Turkey at the moment and expect to spend at least another year travelling through Africa. I have spent a lot of time in the middle east and south east asia on prior journeys just not with a bike so can answer some questions.
Our gear list is on our blog ontheroadwithatoad.blogspot.com.Hope the trip comes off will answer any questions assuming we have internet. Take care and good luck Matt
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RJA
I think to get the best you may have to look around rather than post a vague question
There are many country specific logs/inputs and tour experiences within thorns forum and using search maybe a great help. Also a well used site is http://www.crazyguyonabike.com
I hope this helps as a starting point and good luck
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Hey OP I'm like you in that I'm off on a big trip starting June (plan on heading for Africa and then where the winds take me). As above someone recommended Adventure Cycle Touring by Stephen Lord is a great book. Alternatively I have gotten heaps of information from others kind enough to blog such as:
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=RrzKj&doc_id=3951&v=523&term=hallagan&context=all (http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=RrzKj&doc_id=3951&v=523&term=hallagan&context=all)
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=RrzKj&doc_id=3134&v=1SQ&term=timbuktu&context=all (http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=RrzKj&doc_id=3134&v=1SQ&term=timbuktu&context=all)
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=RrzKj&doc_id=7589&v=Aw&term=this%20is%20not%20an%20expedition&context=exact (http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=RrzKj&doc_id=7589&v=Aw&term=this%20is%20not%20an%20expedition&context=exact)
http://takeonafrica.com/ (http://takeonafrica.com/)
http://www.thebigafricacycle.com/ (http://www.thebigafricacycle.com/)
http://www.permacyclists.com/ (http://www.permacyclists.com/)
Finally an awesome site with some very nice expense breakdowns and lots of just quirky info: http://travellingtwo.com/ (http://travellingtwo.com/)
Hope these are of use and maybe I'll see you on the road sometime :)
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Hey Y'all!
We just wanted to post a little thanks for sharing our site (http://www.permacyclists.com (http://www.permacyclists.com)).
We were sad to see though that our friends over at Go Bicycle Touring didn't get a mention. They have an encyclopedic list of all bike touring websites in English, with profiles and tips and suggestions, it's a fantastic place: http://www.gobicycletouring.info (http://www.gobicycletouring.info)
As for visas and money, it really depends on where you go. We found in eastern and southern Africa that visas could easily be arranged at the border, though they could be pricey - and for Mozambique, it is definitely worth getting the visa in advance. For money, it all depends on how you live. If you are camping in the bush and living like a local, you can get by on just a few dollars a day. But the moment you want some comfort (coffee, a nice bed, internet, etc.), in Africa at least you have to pay. Asia on the other hand has the best reputation on this front - people say it is comfortable and cheap and all you can dream of as a touring cyclist.
Otherwise, check out those websites for more, and remember most important of all: don't plan too much! If you think too much, you'll get nervous, you'll never go. Don't look, just leap, you'll be fine!
And Willywolfy - do you have a site for your trip? We'd love to see what you're up to!
Cheers y'all,
Dave and Anna
The Permacyclists