Playing around a little earlier and I started to get a bit worried........
Q: What is the best Touring Bike?
Choosing the best touring bike depends on several factors, such as your budget, the type of terrain you will be riding on, the length of your trip, and your personal preferences. That said, there are several popular touring bike models that are well-regarded by touring cyclists:
- Surly Long Haul Trucker - This steel-framed touring bike is a favorite among touring cyclists for its durability, versatility, and comfortable ride. It can handle a variety of terrains and comes with a range of mounting options for racks and panniers.
- Trek 520 - The Trek 520 is a classic touring bike with a steel frame and a comfortable geometry that is perfect for long rides. It comes with a range of touring-specific features, such as a low gear ratio, long wheelbase, and plenty of clearance for fenders and racks.
- Co-Motion Pangea - The Co-Motion Pangea is a high-end touring bike that is designed to handle any terrain you can throw at it. It features a sturdy steel frame, wide tires, and a range of touring-specific components that make it perfect for off-road adventures.
- Salsa Marrakesh - The Salsa Marrakesh is a versatile touring bike that is designed to handle long rides on a variety of terrains. It comes with a steel frame, a comfortable geometry, and a range of touring-specific features, such as disc brakes, fender mounts, and plenty of clearance for wide tires.
- Kona Sutra - The Kona Sutra is a popular touring bike that is designed for long-distance rides on a variety of terrains. It comes with a steel frame, a comfortable geometry, and a range of touring-specific features, such as a low gear ratio, disc brakes, and mounts for racks and fenders.
These are just a few of the many touring bike options available, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. It's important to test ride several models and consider your specific needs and preferences before making a decision.
Q Which is better Bike Packing or Bike Touring?
Both bike packing and bike touring are great ways to explore the world on two wheels, but they have some fundamental differences that make them better suited for different types of trips and riders.
Bike touring is a more traditional style of bicycle travel that involves carrying everything you need for your trip on a bike-mounted pannier rack. This allows you to carry more gear and supplies, making it ideal for longer trips where you need to be self-sufficient. Bike touring is often done on paved roads or well-maintained gravel paths and is well-suited for riders who prefer comfort and convenience over speed and agility.
Bike packing, on the other hand, is a newer style of bicycle travel that involves carrying lightweight, compact gear on the frame of the bike, typically in bike bags or packs. This allows you to travel lighter and faster, making it ideal for off-road adventures or shorter trips where you don't need as much gear. Bike packing is often done on rough or unpaved terrain and is well-suited for riders who prefer a more adventurous, off-the-beaten-path experience.
Ultimately, the choice between bike packing and bike touring depends on your personal preferences, the type of trip you want to take, and the terrain you plan to ride on. Both styles of cycling offer unique challenges and rewards, so it's worth trying both to see which one is a better fit for you.
Q: What is the best bike Route Planner?
There are several bike route planners available, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Some popular options include:
- Google Maps - Google Maps is a popular choice for bike route planning because it offers turn-by-turn directions, elevation information, and the ability to customize your route. However, it may not always offer the most bike-friendly routes and can be limited in its ability to plan multi-day trips.
- Komoot - Komoot is a comprehensive route planner that allows you to plan and customize routes for a variety of outdoor activities, including cycling. It offers turn-by-turn directions, elevation information, and the ability to discover new routes based on user-generated content. However, the free version is somewhat limited, and the paid version can be expensive.
- Ride with GPS - Ride with GPS is a popular route planner for cyclists that offers turn-by-turn directions, elevation information, and the ability to customize your route. It also offers a range of other features, such as ride tracking, group ride planning, and training tools. However, the free version is somewhat limited, and the paid version can be expensive.
- Strava - Strava is primarily a social network for athletes, but it also offers a route planning tool that allows you to plan and customize your routes. It offers turn-by-turn directions and the ability to discover new routes based on user-generated content. However, it may not always offer the most bike-friendly routes.
Ultimately, the best bike route planner depends on your specific needs and preferences. It's a good idea to try several options and see which one works best for you.
Q Tell me about the Trampoline of Death
The Trampoline of Death is a nickname given to a dangerous road in southern Colombia. It is officially known as the "Camino de la Muerte" or "Road of Death." The road is a narrow, winding path that runs through the mountains between the cities of Mocoa and Pasto. It is known for its steep drops, sharp curves, and precarious cliffside location, which make it extremely dangerous to drive.
The Trampoline of Death earned its nickname due to the high number of fatalities that occur on the road each year. The road is particularly hazardous during the rainy season when landslides and rockfalls are common. The road is not officially maintained by the government and is often impassable due to landslides and erosion.
Despite its dangers, the Trampoline of Death is a popular tourist attraction for thrill-seekers and adventure travelers who are looking for an adrenaline rush. However, traveling on the road is strongly discouraged, and visitors are advised to use extreme caution or avoid the road altogether.
Asking slightly different questions can generate different answers.
No controversy! No flaming!
Clearly very US-centric at the moment based on the bike recommendations.
Doesn't know Cycle.Travel, the greatest of all the route planners.
I wonder how long it will be before the Marketing departments become involved and try to influence it?
It appears to present the aggregate of knowledge on a subject, but perhaps a bit too much machine and not enough human......
Q What is the biggest challenge of a Bike Tour
Bike touring can be a wonderful adventure, but it also presents a variety of challenges that riders must be prepared to face. Some of the biggest challenges of a bike tour include:
- Physical endurance - Bike touring requires a high level of physical endurance to cover long distances, sometimes with a heavy load. Riders need to be prepared to spend several hours in the saddle each day and have the physical fitness to handle the rigors of long-distance cycling.
- Mechanical issues - Bike touring puts a lot of wear and tear on a bicycle, and riders may encounter mechanical issues such as flat tires, broken chains, or damaged spokes. It's important to be prepared with a basic toolkit and the knowledge to make minor repairs on the road.
- Weather conditions - Weather can be unpredictable on a bike tour, and riders may encounter extreme heat, cold, rain, or wind. It's important to be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear to stay comfortable and safe in any weather conditions.
- Navigation - Bike tours often involve traveling through unfamiliar terrain, and riders may face challenges with navigation, such as getting lost or taking a wrong turn. It's important to have a good map, GPS device, or smartphone app to help navigate the route.
- Safety - Bike touring involves sharing the road with motor vehicles, and riders need to be aware of traffic and road hazards. It's important to follow traffic laws, wear appropriate safety gear, and be prepared for unexpected situations.
While bike touring can present some challenges, with proper planning and preparation, these challenges can be overcome. Many cyclists find that the rewards of bike touring, such as the sense of adventure, the beautiful scenery, and the personal achievement of completing a long-distance ride, far outweigh the challenges.
Q Who are some famous bike tourists?
There have been many famous bike tourists over the years, some of whom have become well-known for their epic adventures on two wheels. Here are a few examples:
- Anne Mustoe - Anne Mustoe was a British schoolteacher who quit her job to cycle around the world in 1987. She wrote several books about her adventures, including "A Bike Ride: 12,000 Miles Around the World," and became known as one of the most inspirational bike tourists of her time.
- Heinz Stücke - Heinz Stücke is a German cyclist who has been traveling the world on his bicycle since 1962. He has visited over 200 countries and territories, covering over 600,000 miles in the process. He is considered one of the most experienced bike tourists in the world.
- Rob Lilwall - Rob Lilwall is a British adventurer who cycled from Siberia to the UK, a journey of over 30,000 miles. He documented his journey in the book "Cycling Home From Siberia" and later went on to complete a similar journey from Hong Kong to the UK.
- Alastair Humphreys - Alastair Humphreys is a British adventurer and author who has completed several bike tours, including a four-year, 46,000-mile journey around the world. He has written several books about his adventures, including "Moods of Future Joys" and "Thunder and Sunshine."
- Dervla Murphy - Dervla Murphy is an Irish author who has completed several bike tours around the world. She is known for her travel writing and has written several books about her adventures, including "Full Tilt: Ireland to India With a Bicycle" and "The Waiting Land: A Spell in Nepal."
These are just a few examples of the many famous bike tourists who have inspired others to explore the world on two wheels.
And.....
Can I ride Alto de Letras on a heavily loaded MTB?
Alto de Letras is a challenging climb in Colombia, with an elevation gain of over 10,000 feet and an average gradient of 7.2%. Riding it on a heavily loaded MTB can be very challenging, and it may not be the best option.
A heavily loaded MTB can be difficult to handle on steep climbs, and the extra weight can make the climb even more challenging. Additionally, the climb up Alto de Letras is long and demanding, and it requires a high level of physical fitness to complete.
If you are planning to ride Alto de Letras, it is recommended that you use a lightweight, road or gravel bike with a wide range of gears to help you handle the climb. This will make the climb easier and more enjoyable, and will help you reach the summit safely.
If you do choose to ride Alto de Letras on a heavily loaded MTB, make sure you are prepared with the right gear, including a lightweight frame and high-quality components. You should also train your body to handle the demands of the climb and be prepared to take frequent breaks to rest and refuel along the way.
It ain't wrong!
