Hacks for Cycle Touring in Asia
                     
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. 


Ride with Clip less MTB Pedals and Shoes

 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.


Tools and Spare Parts

 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.


Sun Protection Cooling Sleeves

 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).


Gilet or Windproof Vest
 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.


Wear Over-Shorts
 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.


Cotton Wool for the Arid 
Land

 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.


Zip lock Bags
 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.


Power-Bank and 
Navigation

 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.


THANK YOU