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cycle touring in india

Adventurous journeys by bike

Routes, rides and resources for overland expeditions around the world

Welcome to Really Big Bike Ride

Welcome to my overland adventure travel blog. I guess you’re here to learn more about the art of overland travel. After more than a decade of crossing continents by bike, I’ve a few lessons from the road to share to help you get started on an overland adventure of your own.

You’re in the right place.

An Old-Fashioned Bicycle Touring Blogger


Over the years, I’ve written extensive travel journals about each of my cycle tours, including my solo adventures. If you’re looking for stories about a multi-month tour of Europe or a long-distance bicycle tour across continents, or even a five-day coast-to-coast in the UK, we have it covered.

My Ultimate Guide to Bicycle Touring is a good place to start for those planning a first cycle tour. If you’re in the market for an awesome touring bike then don’t read about my Dawes Galaxy (it was discontinued in 2020). Do find out why a steel touring bike is best for long distance bike adventures.

And you really should read about my bikepacking fails – so you can avoid these rookie mistakes. I’ve also written Bike Touring 101 to answer the essential questions and to get you started on a lightweight bikepacking set up.

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and my Substack for all the latest from the road.

The Mountains are calling! – James

Overland Adventure Travel Enthusiast

My overland adventures started with a humble bicycle ride and, over the years, progressed to include Himalayan motorcycle adventures and even Arabian family road trips. My aim is to share the joy and wonder of overland travel.

In these blog posts, you’ll find everything you need to know about getting set up for long-distance bicycle touring or planning a self-supported motorcycle adventure. Whether you’re looking for RTW bicycle trip resources or curious about riding a motorcycle in India, I’ve shared my first-hand experiences from around the world.

More recently, I’ve found myself living in India as a long-term expat. Having cycled and motorcycled the high Himalayas numerous times, I’ve begun offering guided tours to some of my favourite places.

Join me this summer on The Great Himalayan Motorcycle Tour

Upcoming tours

The Great Spiti Valley Motorcycle Adventure

1st to 15th September

14 days

£2950

Ride the Spiti Valley Grand Loop 13 Days | 1 Rest Day | 1,900+ km of Pure Himalayan Adventure Test your mettle with 13 days of riding cliff roads, river crossings, and high-altitude chaos across Himachal Pradesh, Spiti, Pangi and beyond. A True Himalayan Odyssey. ADV Himalaya This isn’t your average motorbike tour. This is … Read more

Latest blog posts

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Cycling Mallorca: Iconic Climbs, Cafe Culture And A Road To Nowhere

My Favourite Cycling Routes in Mallorca And How Not To Cycle Sa Calobra Last summer, I enjoyed a series of day rides cycling around Mallorca. I was staying with friends in Binissalem for a few weeks and decided to take my bike. Mallorca is a cyclist’s dream. Quiet roads, clean tarmac, and a café on … Read more
Decathlon Electric Cargo Bike Review

Giro de Familia: A Week in Sunny Italy with the Decathlon Electric Cargo Bike

My 350km review of the Rear Loading Electric Longtail Decathlon BTWIN R500E Cargo Bike In September, riding the latest Decathlon Electric Cargo Bike, I spent several days exploring Frasso Telesino, a small village tucked into the Campania hills of southern Italy. The roads twist and climb through olive groves and stone-walled lanes. It’s the kind … Read more
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Awesome Ski Trips in Asia for Powder Hungry Expats

As an expat living in India these are my top picks for winter sports in Asia For expats in the UAE, India or Southeast Asia looking for winter adventure, these are the ski trips that deliver real snow and big mountains. For most expats living in Asia, winter means palm trees and beaches. But just … Read more

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Go Nice Places, Do Good Things

 

wild camping along the pamir highway where a bike touring stove is essential kit
Field Image: wild camping along the pamir highway where a bike touring stove is essential - shop your kit now!