Hacks for Cycle Touring in Asia
                     
Hacks for Cycle Touring in Asia





For an independent intrepid traveller, a cycling tour is

one of the most exciting tasks. Exploring the world on

two wheels and replacing the deluxe travel experience

with tents and wilderness is a different kind of

adrenaline rush in itself.

Long-distance cycle tours have become really popular

among travellers who are looking for affordable yet

challenging options. A lot of people do not associate

with any cycling community and create their own

personal goals.


 If you are undertaking a cycling tour in Asia, it is 

important to start your journey with the right gears 

and equipment. 

 This would provide you comfort and ease 

irrespective of the terrain or climatic conditions you 

might encounter.

 In case you are using some new gear or 

equipment, make sure you have practiced cycling 

with them before you set out so that you can avoid 

embarrassing falls.


 Cycling tours might not always be as exciting as they 

sound. You have to be well equipped for some erratic 

conditions. 

 A pump, tire levers, chain lube, two spare tubes, a 

couple of extra chain links and a multi-tool with a chain 

breaker are a few must-haves during your journey. 

 While packing, always go by the age-old adage – less is 
more. Before you add anything to your bag, make sure 

you ask yourself if you will be able to install/replace that 

particular part if something goes wrong.


 Cycling in Asia is not a waltz. Most of your touring might 

be during the day-time and you can’t afford to rest as 
much just because of the fiery sun. 

 Sun sleeves could come to your rescue and keep the 

sweat at bay. Besides this, they also lend a cooling 

effect to your arms which could prevent you from 

withering away in the heat. 

 It also saves you the trouble of applying sunscreen 

multiple times a day (especially when you have to do it 

with sweat and dust stuck to your arms).


 Some places like Borneo and Laos can experience 

tropical climate and heavy downpour. In such cases, 

waterproof jackets might not work in your favour as they 

get wet on the inside really fast due to sweating and 

heavy cycling.

 Gilets are made of water-resistant materials that keeps 

the heavy rain off your core but gives a cooling effect 

to your arms. They are easily packable and allow more 

breathing space as they are sleeveless.


 While a lot of cyclists might prefer wearing some clingy 

fabric or lycra, it might not be the most pleasant sight 

for some people. For instance, if you take a Bhutan 

cycling tour, you might come across some remote 

villages where the conservative people would not 

appreciate such sights.

 You might also miss the chance of visiting some 

beautiful temples or Dzongs just because of your 

inappropriate attire. Thus, it is advisable to carry some 

light over-shorts so that you can have an ideal travel 

experience and not be an obnoxious spectacle for the 

passersby.


 Thorns and punctures are inevitable while cycling 

through the scorched land in Asia. Even though 

changing tubes is not a herculean task for cyclists, 

it might be difficult to find that one thorn that 

interrupted your smooth journey.

 If you run a piece of cotton wool along the inside 

of the tire, you can easily pick and remove that 

invisible thorn.


 These light-weight bags are the most suitable for 

keeping phone, wallet or camera and can easily 

be placed in your shorts or jersey pocket. Since 

they are re-sealable, they are waterproof and 

keep the dust and dirt out. 

 Go for the zip lock bags if you are looking for a 

hassle-free cycling experience no matter what kind 

of weather you experience.


 Improved camera quality in the phones has reduced 

our travelling paraphernalia. We can access everything 

we need through one smartphone and also take 

pictures with the same device, while on tour. 

 You could use Google Maps or an app like Strava to 

track your speeds. The only problem with the mobile 

devices is their short battery lives. Carrying a power-

bank could help you overcome this problem while 

you’re away from a power source or situated in some 
remote location.