Hi
New to the forum and was advised to put something up about a recent big trip.
If anyone is thinking about doing a Europe to Asia ride or is thinking of tourning with their teenage 'child', check-out my blog:
www.bugbitten.com/father_son_cycle
My son Sam & I cycled around 9,700 miles from the west coast of Ireland (Dingle) in August 2008, reaching Tokyo in March 2009. The route went via Wales, France, along the Danube through Germany, Austria & Hungary, then through Rumania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, India (Pakistan was closed so did India S to N then W to E to make up for it), Thailand (Burma was also closed!), Cambodia, Laos, N.Vietnam, China, South Korea and Japan.
We rode Dawes Super Galaxies and had very few problems. We covered 83 miles a day average overall but took a couple of 3 week holidays en route. The trip cost about £8k. I'd have spent more than that staying at home!
The father & son bit (I was 50, he was 18) was tough at times but very worthwhile. I thought it would be a big learning experience for him but in fact I think I grew the most. We had a fairly good relationship before we started. Relationship was tense (he blamed me for pushing him but didn't want to take control) in parts. We're very close now but it took a few months to settle afterwards.
Key cycling points (all opinion of course) -
1. 700c wheel touring bike is the best unless you are going way off road, BUT get your rims drilled in advance to take Schrader valves. Although 700c innertubes are harder to find, the presta valve type are near impossible outside Western Europe. We used Schwalbe Marathon Plus. Two sets (changed in India along with cassette & Wipperman chain) and I only got one puncture. Sam had straight Marathons up to India and got 15 punctures due to thistles whilst looking for a place to camp in Turkey.
2. Don't take too much stuff. Especially clothes. You can always buy more. 2 pairs of padded cycle shorts + 2 Lycra tops / football shirts. Long sleeved best or you'll use tons of sun cream. Lightweight performance trousers for evenings + 2 shirts & microfleece. 1 lightweight waterproof cycle jacket. 5 pairs of socks & 2 pairs of underpants. Lightweight surf shorts for swimming or casual wear. Cap / hat for avoiding sunstroke. That's it. We started 1st Week of August and had warm weather up to China (March).
Camped in Europe then mostly hostals & cheap hotels after Budapest. Camping necessary in Iran though due to 100 miles plus between towns (hardly any villages even).
Any questions, let me know.
Mark
New to the forum and was advised to put something up about a recent big trip.
If anyone is thinking about doing a Europe to Asia ride or is thinking of tourning with their teenage 'child', check-out my blog:
www.bugbitten.com/father_son_cycle
My son Sam & I cycled around 9,700 miles from the west coast of Ireland (Dingle) in August 2008, reaching Tokyo in March 2009. The route went via Wales, France, along the Danube through Germany, Austria & Hungary, then through Rumania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, India (Pakistan was closed so did India S to N then W to E to make up for it), Thailand (Burma was also closed!), Cambodia, Laos, N.Vietnam, China, South Korea and Japan.
We rode Dawes Super Galaxies and had very few problems. We covered 83 miles a day average overall but took a couple of 3 week holidays en route. The trip cost about £8k. I'd have spent more than that staying at home!
The father & son bit (I was 50, he was 18) was tough at times but very worthwhile. I thought it would be a big learning experience for him but in fact I think I grew the most. We had a fairly good relationship before we started. Relationship was tense (he blamed me for pushing him but didn't want to take control) in parts. We're very close now but it took a few months to settle afterwards.
Key cycling points (all opinion of course) -
1. 700c wheel touring bike is the best unless you are going way off road, BUT get your rims drilled in advance to take Schrader valves. Although 700c innertubes are harder to find, the presta valve type are near impossible outside Western Europe. We used Schwalbe Marathon Plus. Two sets (changed in India along with cassette & Wipperman chain) and I only got one puncture. Sam had straight Marathons up to India and got 15 punctures due to thistles whilst looking for a place to camp in Turkey.
2. Don't take too much stuff. Especially clothes. You can always buy more. 2 pairs of padded cycle shorts + 2 Lycra tops / football shirts. Long sleeved best or you'll use tons of sun cream. Lightweight performance trousers for evenings + 2 shirts & microfleece. 1 lightweight waterproof cycle jacket. 5 pairs of socks & 2 pairs of underpants. Lightweight surf shorts for swimming or casual wear. Cap / hat for avoiding sunstroke. That's it. We started 1st Week of August and had warm weather up to China (March).
Camped in Europe then mostly hostals & cheap hotels after Budapest. Camping necessary in Iran though due to 100 miles plus between towns (hardly any villages even).
Any questions, let me know.
Mark
