Bicycle Adventures Blog, what's new on the bicycle-adventures.com website

May 24, Discover Bangkok on bicycle!

Thu, 24 May 2012 03:59:00 PDT

Bangkok is not exactly the city you imagine to get a bicycle to explore, right? Smelly, stinky, busy and yet ... there is an excellent bicycle tour to do in Bangkok...

7.30AM at the Bangkok Royal Palace, still quiet

May 22, Srinagar, Kashmir

Tue, 22 May 2012 01:18:43 PDT

It's in my opinion one of the most spectacular valleys in the world with Srinagar as center. Kashmir is absolute stunning and worth a visit from ever traveler. Curiously there is also a small Mosque claiming to be the place where Jesus had been burried but after too much attention has been relocated. Up to you to believe or not.

May 17, How To Find Your Perfect Touring Bicycle

Thu, 17 May 2012 15:56:35 PDT

Starting a bicycle adventure starts with the right choice a bicycle. Don't just go for the cheapest, go for the bicycle you need. Different bicycles for different ways of cycling. Here tips what to look for when choosing your perfect bicycle.

May 14, The use of Tibet guide books on the road to Ali

Sun, 13 May 2012 20:41:51 PDT

This is a story about hitching to Ali in the far west of China and Tibet. It describes the first two days and the beauty of the journey. I have wonderful memories about this journey.

May 13, Selection of hotels in Hanoi

Sun, 13 May 2012 09:35:15 PDT

In November I was in Hanoi, checked a couple of hotels, budget and slightly above. Some really nice ones:

Ho Kiem district

May 12, Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the world

Sat, 12 May 2012 08:55:11 PDT

The Taj Mahal is one of the wonders of the world. It's a mausoleum ... oh well.. no need to tell you the whole story here... either you know it and love it, or you read it here:

View from my guesthouse in Agra to the Taj

May 9, Adventure and bicycle tours:

Tue, 08 May 2012 21:02:54 PDT

My guess is that everybody gets inspired by reading and seeing adventure and bicycle tours. Think about it... what do you think when you read: Lord of the Rings adventure tour? Or 7 tours to Antartica? Doing it is verse two, but it might get you moving:)

Bicycle journey to Angkor

May 8, Lhasa Adventures

Tue, 08 May 2012 03:44:33 PDT

I remember the first time I arrived (by plane from Kathmandu) in Lhasa. It was a magical moment. In a sense I felt this was the end of all my travels, as if I had reached my final destination. Of course it wasn't like that. But the magic of the Tibetan capital was there, in all its full glory in the Potala, Barkor Square and many other places. I went back two more times and every time I felt the magic as nowhere else. Lhasa is still a big part of my life. A truly wonderful experience.

Probably my favorite photo I made in Lhasa

May 7, Secrets of a Life on a Bicycle

Mon, 07 May 2012 02:02:32 PDT

Discover the secrets to traveling by bicycle. Here are some amazing facts about bicycle touring… and why you shouldn’t even think about going on a bike tour until you’ve read every word on this page!

What's the secret of being on the road???

May 6, GPS for cyclists

Sun, 06 May 2012 02:35:32 PDT

Most travelers nowadays seem to carry cell phones with them. Some bring their laptops, Ipads, Iphones etc. Cyclists usually have their odometers on the bicycle. The GPS technics have become now so cheap some manufacturers have included them in speed/odo meters.

May 6, Your bicycle repair kit

Sat, 05 May 2012 18:43:49 PDT

What do you have to include in your most basic bicycle repair kit? You ask "a cyclist" and you get "an answer", everyone has different ideas what to include. I think the basics are quite simple and I have worked them out for you: (talk about bringing it back to basics:)

May 5, Mavic rims

Fri, 04 May 2012 22:02:06 PDT

My bicycle adventure started wiuth Mavic X517 rims, too light to carry me and the luggage. It was a mistake of Koga Miyata at the time to get these light rims on my Worldtraveler. Those days are over. I have learned a lot. Once I started using Mavic D rims I knew these were the best to get. But I cycled in a hole in Laos and had to replace them in Bangkok for Bontrager Mustangs. These were equally brilliant. Last years I changed back to Mavic, now X618, equally strong as the original Mavic D series.

May 4, Shimano bicycle accessories

Fri, 04 May 2012 06:32:31 PDT

You ask me, I use only Shimano XT anymore. Yes, I have used other brand names, usually cheaper and usually because I couldn't get it better too. And sometimes it was budget too because ... Shimano XT materials are not cheap. That said... you CAN get good deals...

May 3, Kampong Chaam to Kratie and Stung Treng

Wed, 02 May 2012 21:50:39 PDT

When I cycled in Cambodia late 2010, I took the road from Kampong Chaam to Stung Treng, a relative well traveled road, at least by cyclists. And not for nothing, it's a really nice road to do! See for yourself.

Sunset over the Mekong river in Kratie

May 1, Get your bike and start your bicycle journey

Tue, 01 May 2012 16:45:16 PDT

Nice said but where to start ... I hear that a lot. In fact it is all quite easy. To some extend it's no more than: get a bicycle and start riding ... or not? It is a little more complicated ... I have an ebook that explains in detail where to start and how to prepare:

May 1, Bikaner and the rat temple

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:16:35 PDT

I've spend a year in total in India, it wasn't enough. Looking back at photos and pages I wrote it, it doesn't nearly just to the magnificence of the country. Still, it does give an impression (and no more than that!). But I was now reading back my impressions of Bikaner and thought... YOU might like to have a new view on this page too... it's one of those lesser visited cities in Rajasthan but very much worth visiting!

There are thousands of rats in the Karni Mata Temple near Bikaner

Apr 30, Tours in Yangshuo

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 21:02:51 PDT

If there is one place in China where to a large extend cycling is part of the deal, it's Yangshuo. Before there were even hotels, people already offered bicycle tours around town. Nowadays, with plenty of hotels, cycling is still a popular way to explore the surrounding karst mountains. I cycled in 1997 with a guide around and every time I came back to Yangshuo, I still cycle around (next time will be in June/July). Our tours include cycling to some beautiful and quite hidden places ....

Farmers working in the fields with Pudi in the back

Apr 29, Bicycle tours in Myanmar

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 16:12:26 PDT

One of the more untouched countries in Asia (by mass tourism) is without a doubt Myanmar (Burma). It's great cycling here. We have several tours available to explore the wonders of Myanmar. And there are many!

At Iwama floating market

Apr 29, The components of your bicycle

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 18:00:47 PDT

It is not necessary to buy all the best quality materials, but if you are for long time on the road, you will have the best possible with you. Shimano XT is the best possible, Mavic rims are the best. Tubus racks are the best. Sure, you CAN do with lesser quality. But staying in the middle of Iran with a broken rim or a worn out crank (happened to me in Indonesia, crank only one year old! but lousy quality) you have a problem. See this page for more recommendations:

The front rack broken at two places on this site.
The damage on the other side is not visible on this photo.

Apr 28, Tonghai and Jianshui

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:29:24 PDT

Few travelers take the time to visit south east Yunnan, especially Tonghai and Jianshui. When I visited this area in 2001, I was quite surprised about how beautiful and interesting this area really is. And as it is now almost 12 years ago, it's a good moment to cycle this road again. That will happen on my way from Kunming to Gejiu and Vietnam in June/July this year.

Seventeen Span Bridge near Jianshui

Apr 28, Bicycle Adventures Blog, what's new on the bicycle-adventures.com website

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:43:30 PDT

The bicycle adventures blog keeps you up to date with additions and updates of the www.bicycle-adventures.com website. It will includes also additional anecdotes from down the road.

Apr 26, Cycling in Cambodia

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:46:37 PDT

Cambodia is a great country for cycling. There is of course the world famous Angkor but it's a cool country to cycle as is. The north west, the roads to Laos, heck even Phnom Penh and the south are fun cycling. Having crisscrossed through Cambodia, I can only say...I want to go again!

Apr 26, The road to Cilacap

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:56:06 PDT

When I cycled Bali and Java in 2010 I really enjoyed Java. It was so much nicer than I had remember from years earlier when I thought Java was the place NOT to ride a bicycle. I was wrong. When I cycled Java I realized why many (including me the first time in Java) think it's crazy to cycle here... the main ongoing roads around some big cities are busy but for the rest... see for yourself this page about central Java.

On the road to Cilacap: from Purworejo to Kebumen

Apr 25, Cycling at the Teluk Senangin beach in Malaysia

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 03:40:34 PDT

One of the nicest beaches in Perak Malaysia is without a doubt Teluk Senangin... so this morning I thought... what the heck, it's a beautiful morning, let's go to the beach. Made some new photos, some video. As I cycled when I shot the video it's a little shaky but hey... it does give a nice idea about the Teluk Senangin beach!

Apr 25, Nepal is a spectacular country ...

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:59:20 PDT

Anyone who has been to Nepal knows... Nepal is a very spiritual country. Yes it's poor but it's amazingly scenic. And not only because of the Himalaya range that borders the whole north with Tibet. Nepal is a country for a lifetime experience:)!!!!

Apr 24, Traveling in Nepal

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 01:32:47 PDT

Some call it the Mountain Kingdom, others the Land of Magic. Regardles, there IS magic in Nepal. I've spend about 2 months in the country at the time. There's no point in recommending you anything as my experiences are 15 years old but you might enjoy having a look at photos and read some of my stories.

The Eyes of the Buddha of Boudhanath

Apr 23, How to dress when cycling?

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:24:57 PDT

I guess there will always be discussion about what to wear when you go out cycling. Personally I prefer cycling trousers and special SPD sandals as for specific cycling clothes. I don't wear a cycling shirt, normal t-shirt is fine and no socks unless I am off into cold climate. And no, I have never wore a helmet too. Here are my recommendations:

Always cycling shorts, cycling sandals, never a cycling short or helmet.
Here in Angkor, 2010

Apr 22, The Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng, Cambodia

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 22:09:40 PDT

Some countries in the world have seen too much horror. Cambodia is such a country. Nowadays Cambodia is a beautiful country to travel, especially by bicycle. It seems not all travelers do realize what kind of horror have the people here have seen. But for those who look around, they will see the results of that horror still all around ... I think any traveler who wants to understand some of Cambodia should visit Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields (there are many all over the country... ). Won't be a "fun" day but it will make you understand what has happened here.

The "skull" monument at the Killing Fields

Apr 21, Vietnam tours

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:59:38 PDT

You want to ride a bicycle in Vietnam but don't have the time to spend too much? Or you don't want to go on your own? Cool! We offer several really good Vietnam tours that show you the best and essential parts of this fascinating country....

Apr 19, More Langkawi photos

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 19:51:53 PDT

My last little visit to Langkawi made me realize how many good photos I have here about this beautiful island in north Malaysia. So, I thought it would make sense to give you even more ...

Apr 18, Cycling through Perlis and Kedah

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 07:15:06 PDT

Backpackers skip it, cyclists (partly) ignore it (Satun is the better option to visit Langkawi). Still, it's very pleasant cycling in Perlis and Kedah.

North Malaysia: ostrich farm close to the Thai-Malaysian border

Apr 18, Interview with Higher Level Business.com

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:46:21 PDT

Kristina from http://www.higherlevelbusiness.com asked me for an interview. We had a great talk on a Sunday (for me) morning. Here is the interview about how to run an internet business based on good quality content websites.

Apr 17, Bangkok - South Laos and Cambodia

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 22:49:00 PDT

Experience Thailand, Laos and Cambodia (including Angkor) on your bicycle with professional guides. A journey I have done myself and would recommend very much!

Angkor Wat, the master piece of the Khmer civilization

Apr 16, Satun, the border with Malaysia

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 02:32:31 PDT

The town itself has little of interest but it does see its share of travelers, mainly for visiting islands as Ko Lipe and Ko Ta Ru Tao and especially for the ferry to Langkawi.

A few kilometers before Chalung

Apr 16, Pak Barra

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 01:02:44 PDT

Pak Barra is one of the gateways to Ko Lipe and Ko Ta Ru Tao. The town, it's actually no more than a couple of houses, a resort or two and a jetty is still a nice overnight stop on your way to the islands or to Satun.

On the road to Thung Wa

Apr 16, Krabi to Trang

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 22:12:23 PDT

Cycling in south Thailand might bring you on the road from Krabi to Trang and/or Pak Beng. It's a pleasant though never spectacular road (unless you like stalls on the road side selling pineapples!)

Fresh pineapples on the road side

Apr 15, Bicycle tours in Laos

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 16:49:36 PDT

Laos is a great country to explore on bicycle. The roads are quiet, on going roads in good condition and most of the country is not wasted by mass tourism. The amazingly friendly people are what you want to find on your journey. Here are some great tours I can recommend in Laos:

Apr 14, Chengyang Qiao: the Wind and Rain Bridge

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:14:19 PDT

The Wind and Rain bridge of Chengyang Qiao is one of those must see attractions in Guizhou province in south China. For years it attracts tourists but only in recent years with the updated road from Guilin it sees more tourists. It makes sense also, the bridge, which is over 100 years old is a representation of the Dong culture in the region and Sanjiang is the center. A must visit!

Apr 13, Prambanan UNESCO World Heritage site

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 23:34:38 PDT

One of the must visit archeological sites in the world is UNESCO World Heritage site Prambanan. There can be little discussion about the relevance and beauty of this complex of towers and temples. I've been here twice, I was twice impressed.

At the Prambanan, left my bike outside though

Apr 12, Ladakh and Kashmir

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:22:12 PDT

One of the most spectacular areas in India to travel is without a doubt Ladakh and Kashmir. Here is a series of photos I made during my 2 visits to the north west of India:

The road to Ladakh

Apr 11, Yogyakarta, the cultural heart of Java, Indonesia

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 19:22:53 PDT

There can be little doubt that Yogyakarta is the cultural beating heart of not only Java but probably of all Indonesia. It's a magnificent city with plenty of history and culture in all its formats, dancing, music, architecture, you name it. You can't visit Indonesia and Nnot visit Yogyakarta, it would be like visiting France without going to Paris ...

Festivities in Vredeburg

Apr 10, Hampi Karnataka

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 22:53:20 PDT

Hampi in Karnataka is one of the most spectacular archaeological sites of India, and considering the large amount of sites, that means something ....

Apr 9, Essential Cambodia and Vietnam tour

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 07:06:18 PDT

Travel from Phnom Penh to Ha Long Bay in 12D/11N. Few places in the world are so beautiful and so full of history. Explore Indochina and travel from Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Danang - Hoi An - Hue - Hanoi - Halong Bay.

Apr 7, Surat Thani to Satun via Krabi

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 01:15:09 PDT

If you come from one of the islands on the east coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan,Koh Tao), sooner or later you will end up in Surat Thani. Here is a description of the road towards Krabi.

Apr 7, Cycling through Central Laos

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 18:15:29 PDT

November last year I finally found an opportunity to cycle from Vietnam to Savannakhet. Never done that because there was never an opportunity. Now I had cycled the north of Vietnam and didn't want to do south Vietnam (that's for another journey, probably later this year). So this is about the road from Lao Bao to Savannakhet:

Junction Savannakhet-Friendship Bridge II

Apr 6, Ban Sai Thong Resort, South Thailand

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 07:17:32 PDT

Many cyclists avoid the resorts but in Thailand sometimes you have little choice (unless you bring your tent). When I cycled in 2006 Prachuap Khiri Khan-Chumphon, I skipped Ban Saphan because in town someone told me the Ban Sai Thong Resort was nice and cheap. It was indeed very reasonable priced and I had a lot of fun with the staff. Read here why:

Apr 6, China, Guizhou province, Miao Minority Tour

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:57:07 PDT

See for yourself how this part of Guizhou looks like... wouldn't you want to visit?

Apr 6, Hotels in Krabi and Ao Nang

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:26:20 PDT

During my visit in February I found a lot of hotels in both Ao Nang and Krabi were full mostly because of internet bookings. The days you can count on a cheap room in the off season period in a touristy place seem to have been part of the past.

Apr 6, Phetchaburi

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:16:34 PDT

Although cycling to Phetchaburi from Bangkok was not the most inspiring ride I have ever done (he says with a feeling of understatement), Phetchaburi town was certainly worth to spend time...

Apr 5, Phang Nga to Krabi, a bicycle ride through the limestone mountains of south Thailand

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 04:11:12 PDT

Phang Nga to Krabi, a bicycle ride through the limestone mountains of south Thailand via Thap Put and Ao Luek