Portugal: Leisurely Bike Touring Trip Report
Impressions and notes from a month of bike touring and sightseeing in southern Spain and Portugal.
Bicycle Touring
Bicycle touring is my favorite way to travel. At pedal-powered speed you see and feel everything – the wind, rain, sun, the bugs in your face, the smell of the foliage or the exhaust, the curiosity and kindness of the strangers you encounter.
Here you’ll find everything related to bicycle touring: route and country guides, gear reviews, and tips learned from many thousands of miles on the road.
If you tend to prefer dirt to pavement and saddle bags to panniers, check out the bikepacking section too.
Bikepacking vs. Bike Touring: How to Describe Your Bike Travel Vibe
Bikepacking vs touring: what’s the difference? Who cares?
Bikepacking & Touring Abroad: Common Questions Answered
Bikepacking is an incredible way to experience a new country, its scenic beauty, and its culture. Don’t be intimidated! Here are answers to some common concerns about bike travel abroad.
Bike Camping: How to Enjoy A Pedal-Powered Night Under the Stars
Looking for a creative new way to adventure? Try bike camping! Here’s how to get started on your pedal-powered camping trip.
Bike Routes Across America: Top Touring and Bikepacking Routes Compared
Wondering which bike route across America is the best? This post compares the most popular established options to help you choose the most fulfilling and exciting route for your cross-country journey.
The Great American Rail Trail: Thoughts on a Cross-Country Bike Ride
The Great American Rail Trail project aims for car-free riding across the entire USA, but it still has as long way to go. Here are my thoughts for prospective thru riders while the trail is still incomplete.
Surly Disc Trucker vs. Salsa Marrakesh: Detailed Comparison
The Salsa Marrakesh and Surly Disc Trucker are two respected and reliable touring bikes ready for long-haul adventures. Which is best? I analyze the specs to help you choose.
Surly Disc Trucker vs. Kona Sutra: Detailed Comparison
Debating between the Surly Disc Trucker and Kona Sutra? These two legendary touring bikes have a lot in common, but this article will walk you through their differences and why they might matter to you.
Surly Disc Trucker vs. Surly Straggler: Detailed Comparison
The Disc Trucker and Straggler are both touring-friendly drop bar steel road-ish bikes from Surly. Which is best for your dream adventures? Here’s a detailed comparison.
In-Depth Review: Old Man Mountain Divide Rack After 900 Rugged Miles
The Divide rack from Old Man Mountain is a strong and versatile rack that can mount to nearly any bike, even without rack eyelets (really!). This detailed review shares my experience with it during 900 miles in Central Asia.
In-Depth Review: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Tent (2000+ Miles of Bikepacking)
The Big Agnes Copper Spur 3 person tent has been our home away from home for 2000 miles of bikepacking. Here’s our long term review of this popular lightweight tent.
In-Depth Review: REI Co-op Link Panniers (900 Rugged Miles in Central Asia)
We took two sets of REI Co-op Link Panniers to Central Asia for a rugged 900 mile bikepacking trip. Here’s a detailed review of how they performed.
Jones Loop H-Bar vs. Surly Moloko: Side by Side Handlebar Comparison
The Jones Loop H-Bar and Surly Moloko are both popular “alt bars” offering loads of hand positions. Which one should you choose? Here’s a side-by-side comparison.
Central Asia Bikepacking Part 1: Biskhek to Almaty and “Kazakh Corner”
Part 1 of a dream bikepacking trip in Central Asia! This post covers southern Kazakhstan near Almaty between the Korday and Karkara border crossings with Kyrgyzstan.
Central Asia Bikepacking Part 2: Kyrgyzstan’s Stunning Tian Shan Traverse
Part 2 of our Central Asia bikepacking adventure, an epic ride in Kyrgyzstan on the Tian Shan Traverse.
Hiker Biker Campsites: How They Work and What to Expect
Hiker biker campsites are a cherished resource for self-powered travelers. Here’s where to find them, how to use them, and what to expect when you get there.
Selle Italia Diva Gel Superflow Bike Saddle: In-Depth Review After 1600+ Miles
The Selle Italia Diva Gel Superflow saddle is a super popular women’s bike saddle. Here’s how it’s working for me after 1600+ miles of intense bikepacking.
In-Depth Review: kLite Qube Dynamo Tail Light
My in-depth review of the kLite Qube, a highly visible, always-on, dynamo powered tail light for commuters, bikepackers, road cyclists, and anyone who wants to be seen and stay safe.
Naming Your Bike: Ideas to Suit Any Pedal-Powered Personality
When a new bike joins your family, naming it is almost as important as riding it! Here’s a long list of bike name examples and inspiration to get your wheels turning.
Cycling Saddle Sores: Prevent and Treat With These Expert Tips
Saddle sores can be a major bummer, but if ultra-distance cyclists can prevent and treat them successfully, you can too!
Can You Bikepack on a Road Bike?
Let’s talk bikepacking and road bikes. What kind of bikepacking? With which kind of road bike? Here’s everything you need to know.
Preventing Theft While Bikepacking & Touring
From lightweight bike locks to simple clever tricks, here’s how to prevent bike theft and keep your gear safe while bikepacking or touring.
11 Real-Life Mechanical Disasters From My Bike Trips (And Lessons Learned)
Curious about the kinds of mechanical issues that come up during 15,000 miles of bikepacking and touring? Here are twelve of my own bike repair disasters, how I fixed them, and what I learned.
Route Guide: Central California Mixed-Terrain Bike Tour
A 260 mile bike touring route through rural Central California linking a variety of towns, recreation sites, quiet back roads, and several stunning gravel climbs and descents.
