Around the world by bike: you can get around the world in just over a year

Imagine: you wake up in the morning somewhere in a field, let’s say in Switzerland. You get on your bike and ride along a perfect road to neighboring Italy. You ride through amazingly beautiful expanses, meet herds of Alpine cows.

It is quite real. Nowadays bicycle tourism is quite developed, and to meet a cyclist on the road, who has already traveled a couple of cities, is not at all a wonder.

bicycle traveler

Traveled around the earth on two wheels for a year and three months. Tells about his experience and shares knowledge that will definitely be useful for a traveler who is ready to conquer all the roads of the world.

At first I rode around the city, then around the region, then I started traveling to other regions with a bicycle. And then I wanted to see other countries. Usually in spring I really want to go somewhere.

In 2009 in May I got the idea to go on a round-the-world trip on a bicycle. I quickly figured out the route and timing. I realized that I didn’t have time to prepare, that I would catch winter in the northern hemisphere. I decided to postpone the idea until next year.

The year passed, the idea remained, I had time to prepare and went.

What kind of bike do you need for the trip?

I don’t need a special bike. But you shouldn’t ride a “junk” bike either. The main criteria in choosing a bike are simplicity and reliability. I had a simple road bike on 28-inch wheels with v-brake brakes, aluminum frame and conventional attachments.

More often than not, you have to repair a bike on the road yourself, so the simpler the bike, the easier it is to fix it up. Simpler is not cheaper, but more reliable.

Don’t get a bike with hydraulic brakes on a carbon frame. If there are problems with these parts, it will be difficult to repair them yourself. In addition to the bike, you will need special attachments. A trunk or two, bike bags that will fit everything you need. A flask, water holders, flashlights.

How do I prepare for the trip and what will I need on the road?

Money, all camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, mat, burner), food, two sets of clothes, navigator, repair kit, for foreign countries – at least minimal knowledge of English.

Physically I did not do any special preparation, I just rode a bicycle and knew that I could ride 100-150 km per day. In the first week the body will adapt to the monotonous load, it will take a few days, and then it will get used to it.

I had a simple attitude, I will ride as long as I have the desire. I will go through Europe, and if I want to go further, I will go. And so stage after stage. And you should give yourself a rest and recover your strength.

If you look at the whole path from the beginning to the end, the scale can be frightening, but if you break it down into stages, it becomes easier.

What do I need to consider when packing?

• Don’t take bulky items “just in case”.
• It’s better to take less and buy something along the way if you really need it.
• Don’t hang a heavy backpack on your back. I would even recommend freeing up your back and shoulders altogether. Distribute all things on the bike only. Even a small weight on your back is immediately felt on your buttocks, back and shoulders – they will start to hurt very soon. And keeping in good physical condition is very important.
• Do not call someone with you on a trip just for company. Only if you are sure you want to share the trip with someone specific. If you are not sure of a companion, it is better to ride alone.

How do I fix my bike while traveling?

If you have bike repair skills, it’s not difficult. Anything that can’t be fixed on the spot can be fixed in a workshop. You can also always ask motorists for help: for example, ask for a ride to a town where there is a workshop. Wild places are an exception.

It is better to study the main breakdowns of bicycles, how to fix them and take with you some minimal set of keys.

What should you do if the weather turns bad and you need to keep riding?

If there is no time limit, you can wait it out. If there is a limit, you have to go. Over time, you get used to the fact that the weather has its own plans and you have your own. It can change every half hour.

It’s worth having one set of dry clothes and another set for riding in the rain. Take things that are in season with you.

Take into account that temperature differences between day and night can be big. Check the weather forecast that awaits you on the route.