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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

things to do in muscat header

10 Awesome Things to Do in Muscat for Families

My Favourite Things to Do in Muscat with Children: An Adventure-Filled Family Guide When my daughter was two years old, we set off on an unforgettable road trip around Oman. Our seven-day adventure was filled with family-friendly activities, cultural discoveries, and unforgettable memories. Muscat, Oman’s capital, turned out to be the perfect starting point for … Read more
royal enfield thunderbird 350 review

My 8-Year Riders Review of the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350

30,000 km with the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 (2015) Still the best touring cruiser for India? Back in 2018, I bought a Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350. I’d just returned from an RTW cycling expedition and was looking for a machine that could handle India’s open roads, dusty backlanes and chaotic city streets. Fast forward eight … Read more
burley honey bee double bike trailer review

My First 500km With The Burley Bee Double Bike Trailer

First Impressions: Burley Honey Bee Bike Trailer Review When I first hit the cycle path with the Burley Honey Bee Double Bike Trailer in tow, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It was a new setup for our young family; two small passengers, one heavy touring bike, and me doing all the pedalling. Over the … 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
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