Tom Allen's Blog

A reader writes:

Have you got any tips for maintaining motivation on a longer tour? I’m just past halfway through a Spain to Ireland tour, and I’ve just been feeling a bit burnt out. Been on the road since April with a bit of time off in July.

Thanks so much for the question! This is a really interesting one. Because you’ve touched on something not often mentioned about long-term bicycle travel, which is that it can sometimes be a draining, rather than a replenishing, experience.

A reader writes:

I’ve been following you for about five years now. Am retiring next summer and setting off in May 26 for a ride to Bali. I currently live in Bolton so it was Bolton to Bali but I’m moving when I retire to Lincoln where my son is based in the RAF. So I’ve rebranded – Lincoln to Lombok! My question is about malaria. What’s needed in terms of protection. I’ve read that you’ve had malaria – not nice. What do I need to do in terms of pre trip purchase and on the road?

Thanks f...

A reader writes:

I’ve been following you for about five years now. Am retiring next summer and setting off in May 26 for a ride to Bali. I currently live in Bolton so it was Bolton to Bali but I’m moving when I retire to Lincoln where my son is based in the RAF. So I’ve rebranded – Lincoln to Lombok! My question is about malaria. What’s needed in terms of protection. I’ve read that you’ve had malaria – not nice. What do I need to do in terms of pre trip purchase and on the road?

Thanks f...

A reader writes:

How do you keep the brain intellectually stimulated whilst on a long bicycle touring trip ? Reading, writing… any other tips?

Thanks for the question! Seriously, thank you. Now we’re into the good stuff!

I really wish more people would ask questions like this, instead of about the relative merits of 9- and 10-speed drivetrains and whether or not buying a vegan Brooks will help save the planet.

That’s because the details of your bike and gear are things you’ll forge...

A reader writes:

I love traveling, and I have a lot of experience backpacking, but I also ended up being “forced” (by her cuteness, affection, and a LOT of purring) into adopting a kitten a few years ago. I’m getting her used to going outside with me with a harness and leash, and I am hoping to get her into backpacking. How about bikepacking with a cat? Any info, recommendations, and advice on that?

Thanks for the question! The first thing to say is that I have no personal experience of ...

A reader writes:

I’m 60 and been a cyclist forever but, aside from a 2 week youth hostel JOGLE in 1993, I haven’t toured. I’m planning a 3 night first go to start a week on Monday. I have a great tent (second-hand Wild Country Helm 1) and all the basic stuff and all second-hand but how to pack away a damp tent? Do I just do it and hope the sun comes out and I air it at some point during the day or not worry about it until I set it up at the next stop?

Thanks for the question! There’s ple...

A reader writes:

I am going to order in September a new Oxford Bikes Expedition — what panniers would you suggest? I really only need to carry clothes, a very small tool kit and a lap top.

Basically, I want to ride to my office down various gravel tracks and roads — my office is 550 miles from home!

Thanks for the question! And congratulations on your excellent choice of bike – not that I’m biased or anything…

Anyhow. Along with a few other factors such as budget, pannier choice ha...

A reader writes:

My stupid question (asked with the understanding that you are not a medical professional but a great resource and researcher): Can biking on a touring bike be bad for your back? Can biking on inflated tires on bumpy roads – because you’re too lazy to reduce pressure or anxious about reinflating them – be bad for your back? How can you mitigate potential back problems from biking on a touring bike? Are recumbent bikes less safe on busy roads – they look that way to me, even w...

Last week I had the pleasure of hosting a French couple on a mission to cycle round the world – preferably without flying – who had spent eight months riding across Europe, Turkey and Georgia, and had recently arrived in Armenia after almost 10,000km of pedalling.

Their company evoked feelings of nostalgia for the time when, aged 24, I first arrived in Armenia on a mission to cycle round the world – preferably without flying – and had also spent eight months riding across Europe, Tu...

Several readers have written in with some version of the following question:

I want to go cycle touring on an e‑bike, but there are obstacles. Nobody seems to make electric touring bikes. E‑bikes are too heavy to fly with, and airlines won’t carry e‑bike batteries. And anyway, how am I going to keep it charged? Help!

Thanks for all the questions! Straight up: I have never toured on an e‑bike, and I don’t own an e‑bike, so the following advice is theoretical.

That said, I’ve received ...