On the Road

It’s best to train a bit before you go, and build up a bit once you are there. It’s surprising how easy it is once you are fit, and how hard it is on your ass when you start. Obviously, routes like the Karakoram Highway need really good fitness, whilst a little jaunt around Ireland’s coastline is dead easy. Remember that it’s about twice as hard to ride on dirt roads as tarmac and altitude also has a big effect on your work rate (and it affects people differently).

It’s good to have one day off every few days. Also, try to maintain a constant slow rate, rather than riding hard and then resting a long time (remember the hare and the tortoise).

For most people, 50 miles a day is fair going on tarmac, 30 on dirt. A hundred miles on a dirt road at 5000 metres can be done, but you won’t be going far the day after unless you are some kind of athletic champion in a hurry.

And remember how much care you need to take – third-world roads can be bloody dangerous places, with truck drivers on Speed (Pakistan, Thailand), cows in the road (India), psychopathic taxis with no respect for bikes (Russia) and much more besides. It’s best not to ride after dark in these places, lights or no lights.

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