Why is this workshop a good investment?

​

This workshop offers significant benefits in terms of cost savings and streamlining the trip, both administratively (handling visas, transport tickets, planning, etc.) and technically (bike-related aspects). It equips participants to proactively address various eventualities, including potential issues like corruption, crime, accidents, etc., which can be particularly challenging and costly when encountered overseas.

​

The two-day course is specifically designed for participants planning long-term trips or bike expeditions (e.g., the Silk Road or the Panamericana) or those seeking to enhance their knowledge of cycle touring. Special emphasis is given to developing problem-solving skills to foster greater autonomy during the journey.

​

1. Help choosing the right equipment (before you leave home!)

​

• Selecting quality equipment suitable for touring or bike packing to ensure better value for your money.

• Providing a comprehensive list of essential items, tools, and spare parts to take on your trip.

• Assisting in choosing a suitable airline or means of transport to save time and money (maximizing benefits while minimizing unnecessary expenses related to the workshop).

 

2. Bike and equipment how-to:

​

• Demonstrating how to re-assemble your bike after it has been packed for transport.

• Personalizing and adjusting your bike setup for maximum efficiency and comfort (to prevent discomfort in areas like bums, wrists, neck, and knees).

• Teaching essential bike repairs, including puncture fixing, tire changing, brake adjustments, chain and spoke replacement, and more.

• Maintaining and servicing your bike and equipment during the journey.

• Equipping you with skills for makeshift repairs in remote areas until you can visit a bike mechanic.

 

3. First Aid:

​

• Securing accident locations for effective intervention.

• Introduction to first aid apps on cell phones or tablets.

• Emergency contact numbers and useful apps.

 

4. Training and physical condition:

​

• Building confidence in physical abilities if needed.

• Planning journeys to improve fitness.

• Organizing training sessions, including basic fitness, peak efforts, and recovery strategies.

• Teaching how to embrace effort and handle physical challenges.

 

5. Riding a touring bike, health, and safety:

​

• Ensuring secure storage of your bike and gear to prevent theft.

• Encouraging enjoyment of riding a loaded bike for long durations.

• Learning efficient techniques for climbing and descending with a loaded bike.

• Riding safely in diverse weather conditions.

• Preventing muscle strains and injuries.

• Navigating safely in large cities, particularly Metro/Megapolitan areas.

 

6. Nutrition how-to:

​

• Understanding the right food types and quantities required for cycle touring and maintaining good health.

• Staying adequately hydrated.

• Preventing and dealing with hypoglycemia.

• Managing weight (losing or gaining) along the way.

 

7. Navigation how-to:

​

• Effectively using smartphones or maps to find cycle paths or quiet roads.

• Planning trips and creating achievable itineraries.

• Identifying roads with minimal traffic, considering factors like distance, climbs, and weather conditions.

 

8. Cultural awareness, local tips, and cost-saving ideas how-to:

​

• Overcoming language barriers to avoid paying exorbitant prices for services in English-speaking places.

• Understanding relevant cultural awareness unique to each region.

• Finding accommodation according to your budget.

• Locating suitable food options for cycling in local shops or restaurants (avoiding a month of fast food).

• Utilizing cycle touring networks and organizations along the route.

• Sharing helpful tips gathered during our travels to enhance your experience while saving money and time.

 

9. What are the potential risks and how to deal with them

 

Please note: Hazards can happen; abroad as much as at home. It is important to be aware of such risks and to act in a way to prevent them occuring so if something happens out of the blue its always good to know the best way to deal with a problem before it occurs.

 ​

• Raising awareness of potential hazards that can occur both abroad and at home.

• Providing information about common risks, such as scams, corruption, prostitution, theft, accidents, etc.

• Offering strategies for prevention and avoidance of hazards.

• Guiding participants on appropriate behavior in tricky situations.

• Advising on actions to avoid and emergency phone numbers to call in case of theft or loss of essential documents.

 

10. Camping:

​

• Informing about legal allowances for free camping.

• Sharing tips on finding suitable locations for free camping.

• Addressing hazards related to weather, animals, diseases, and erosion on slopes.

• Providing information on space-saving and lightweight camping equipment.

 

11. Ride Along:

​

• Conducting a 20-50 km group ride over the 2-day workshop to simulate a true cycle touring day (the distance can be adjusted based on fitness levels and conditions).

• Dividing the distance into stages to ensure a manageable experience for participants.