Bonus tip #8: Learn some basic bike repair skills such as repairing a flat tire and taking care of your chain. Many local bike stores will offer classes so you can feel comfortable with the basics should you have bike issues on the road!
Tip 1: learn how to fix flats like you breath. Tip 2: use high grade automotive quality bolts to attach you racks, stainless doesn’t hold up to rough road vibration. Tip 3: in an isolated campsite sit for a bit, have some tea or whatnot, and wait to see if you attract any attention from some hang around. They usually come over rather quickly and you can evaluate whether this is a good place to stay or if you should move on. Particularly important in the USA.
Hey, great video! I just wanna add something to your #3 tip - there's a service from Google which allows you to share your location with whomever you want. This service is called Location Sharing and it is accessible via Google maps app or from any browser. It's quite simple and can be set up with no hussle. Cheers!
I rode for six years (2003-2009) and never had a flat on the road. I did walk out to ride one morning and found a flat which had been an overnight slow leak. Lucky, I guess.
I second Sheelagh’s suggestion of using the toughest tires you can find. Schwalbe are great but on certain rims can be hard to take off and on. Get real familiar with flats because you will have lots of them.
Hey Paula! I don't use different helmets for different seasons -- I just make sure it's a good size that it will work with my raincoat or to put a thin winter hat under. I also look for helmets with MIPS technology for a little extra protection :)
I would say it's always a judgement call. If I know I want to go on a day trip I'll often pick that night to stay at a hostel so I can lock up my bike and all my belongings. Or if I'm staying with a warm showers host that's a nice opportunity to safely leave my stuff somewhere and adventure around on foot. It takes some creativity but it's doable!
Hi Sheelagh, great channel! Question along the same lines: any tips on making sure your bike is secure when going into a grocery store for resupply. A lock will take care of the bike obviously (most of the time!), but what about all the other gear that’s on the bike, such as camping equipment?
I would love to do the Silk route or perhaps North sea route or something of similar distance, however, how would I propose to take such a long annual leave from work to go on this kind of tour, how does it work for the rest of you guys? Or are you in a different circumstance
Great question! Did you check out some of those Facebook groups I mentioned? The question is asked in there sometimes and it's incredible how many different answers you read! Some people save for years and quit their job, some people work out a sabbatical/year off arrangement with their employers, some people stick to more seasonal work to make it easier to balance work and travel, some people work remotely on the road. There are a number of great options -- just depends what's right for you! You could also get some safety tips more specific to those routes and regions in the Facebook groups too :) Happy riding!
Hi, your video is wonderfull. Im about to started my bike tour. But im still practicing, and i got sexual harassment 4 days ago, and got me traumatized, so what do you thing should i do? Thank you
I am so sorry you experienced that. Trauma is very real and I hate that this happened to you. Unfortunately I’m not an expert and every person and situation is different so I can’t give you advice on what you should do. Personally, I would work with a licensed therapist (or free community supports if money is a concern) to work through the experience and what would help me feel safe and comfortable moving forward. I have also found it helpful to join women’s bike touring groups on Facebook to get their insights and support. Processing an experience like that is very personal and I hope you find the supports you need. Sending you much love.
@Michael Smith they'll get karma one of these days Michael haha when the rocks fly back at them and chip their precious brand new Toyota ute (which they use once a year)
Bonus tip #8: Learn some basic bike repair skills such as repairing a flat tire and taking care of your chain. Many local bike stores will offer classes so you can feel comfortable with the basics should you have bike issues on the road!
Tip 1: learn how to fix flats like you breath. Tip 2: use high grade automotive quality bolts to attach you racks, stainless doesn’t hold up to rough road vibration. Tip 3: in an isolated campsite sit for a bit, have some tea or whatnot, and wait to see if you attract any attention from some hang around. They usually come over rather quickly and you can evaluate whether this is a good place to stay or if you should move on. Particularly important in the USA.
Hey, great video!
I just wanna add something to your #3 tip - there's a service from Google which allows you to share your location with whomever you want. This service is called Location Sharing and it is accessible via Google maps app or from any browser. It's quite simple and can be set up with no hussle. Cheers!
Very cool! Thanks for sharing!
Loved the spidy sense comment !! Thanks.
Thanks Vinit!
I love cycling. I hope one day will do bicycle touring. Thanks
I can't wait to watch more of your videos!!
Thanks Cornelia!! ❤️
Yeah go solo bike tourers!!!! Very through video and info, happy riding :)
Thanks so much! Right back at you!
I rode for six years (2003-2009) and never had a flat on the road. I did walk out to ride one morning and found a flat which had been an overnight slow leak. Lucky, I guess.
That's quite the lucky streak Flono! :)
Share your luck; I am cycling through Mexico and already had 16 punctures in 3 months.
@@tdgdbs1 Oh goodness, that's brutal! I used Schwabe Marathon tires and didn't get a single puncture so highly recommend :)
I second Sheelagh’s suggestion of using the toughest tires you can find. Schwalbe are great but on certain rims can be hard to take off and on. Get real familiar with flats because you will have lots of them.
Great resources. Thx
My pleasure! Happy riding!
Very well said
Hey cool! Thanks for mentioning TrackMyTour! :)
Aww my pleasure! It's a great app!
Hi thanks for the information
My pleasure Jude! Happy riding!
what kind of helmet do you use, do you use different ones for different types of seasons? Great video thanks for the help.
Hey Paula! I don't use different helmets for different seasons -- I just make sure it's a good size that it will work with my raincoat or to put a thin winter hat under. I also look for helmets with MIPS technology for a little extra protection :)
How do people lock their stuff on a solo bike touring trip? For instance, if you want to go on a hike close to where you camped.
I would say it's always a judgement call. If I know I want to go on a day trip I'll often pick that night to stay at a hostel so I can lock up my bike and all my belongings. Or if I'm staying with a warm showers host that's a nice opportunity to safely leave my stuff somewhere and adventure around on foot. It takes some creativity but it's doable!
Sheelagh Daly Thanks! Hostels are a nice option:)
Hi Sheelagh, great channel! Question along the same lines: any tips on making sure your bike is secure when going into a grocery store for resupply. A lock will take care of the bike obviously (most of the time!), but what about all the other gear that’s on the bike, such as camping equipment?
Two words: peanut butter.
AMEI VER❤😍🇧🇷
I would love to do the Silk route or perhaps North sea route or something of similar distance, however, how would I propose to take such a long annual leave from work to go on this kind of tour, how does it work for the rest of you guys? Or are you in a different circumstance
Great question! Did you check out some of those Facebook groups I mentioned? The question is asked in there sometimes and it's incredible how many different answers you read! Some people save for years and quit their job, some people work out a sabbatical/year off arrangement with their employers, some people stick to more seasonal work to make it easier to balance work and travel, some people work remotely on the road. There are a number of great options -- just depends what's right for you! You could also get some safety tips more specific to those routes and regions in the Facebook groups too :) Happy riding!
Were you in a Stevie T vid?
It feels so long ago now but yes I was :)
Hi, your video is wonderfull. Im about to started my bike tour. But im still practicing, and i got sexual harassment 4 days ago, and got me traumatized, so what do you thing should i do? Thank you
I am so sorry you experienced that. Trauma is very real and I hate that this happened to you. Unfortunately I’m not an expert and every person and situation is different so I can’t give you advice on what you should do. Personally, I would work with a licensed therapist (or free community supports if money is a concern) to work through the experience and what would help me feel safe and comfortable moving forward. I have also found it helpful to join women’s bike touring groups on Facebook to get their insights and support. Processing an experience like that is very personal and I hope you find the supports you need. Sending you much love.
No one stops in Australia, they just drive faster to flick rocks at you. Lol
Oh goodness!
@Michael Smith they'll get karma one of these days Michael haha when the rocks fly back at them and chip their precious brand new Toyota ute (which they use once a year)
Yep - too many bogans