Search found 8 matches

by leadale
19 May 2017, 2:46pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Cycle lane direction
Replies: 12
Views: 5849

Cycle lane direction

My Question:
Is it legal/OK to ride against the traffic direction in a cycle lane.? This would be safer than with traffic direction as you can see all oncoming traffic as opposed to having traffic behind you and unable to see how close it is therefore having enough time to take avoiding action.
by leadale
7 May 2017, 8:39pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Butterflies and Bats - Cycling Around the World
Replies: 15
Views: 7607

Re: Butterflies and Bats - Cycling Around the World

I cycled from the UK to Singapore in 84 my advice is your health is the big issue at your age. At a minimum get shots for hepatitis A B and C or you'll certainly get one of them, consider rabies shots as necessary and typhoid tetanus and yellow fever if you're going to Africa.
Take spares - I tyre 2 tubes, spare spokes, brake cables, and shifter cables you won't find any of these in the boondocks. Learn how to true a wheel, take a sheet sleeping bag and pillow case unless you relish grubby bedding in grubby hotels, always take your bike and gear into your room, it's not an issue doing this in most of the world. Keep your travel documents and money in a waterproof bag on you always, never leave them in your room.
In hot places, you need to drink a lot of water take quick action water purification tabs. Never unless unavoidable ride at night its too hard to see traffic and potholes. And make sure you have full insurance for accidents and repatriation should you have a bad accident, you don't want a broken leg fixed in a boondock clinic you will need to come home for that, insurance is vital.
It's a good idea to take a supply of vitamin and perhaps fish oil supplements to help with what might be a very basic diet at times. It's a long way around the world, so when you're feeling a bit worn out take time off and relax in a decent hotel and treat yourself to a little holiday.
You'll meet many helpful people and they will help you sort out many local problems, and a few who will cause you some stress especially at borders and checkpoints, never lose your cool and argue by shouting or gesticulating it will only cause more problems, in Africa and Asia losing face is a serious thing so politeness to officials is important, not like here. It is inevitable you will get sick probably stomach problems and diarrhea so take a supply of treatments your doctor will prescribe you a good range of medications for this if you tell him where you're going. - good luck and as my favorite adventurer - Bill Tilman said " All you need for an adventure is to put on a good pair of boots and walk out the door"
by leadale
7 May 2017, 6:36pm
Forum: Off-road Cycling.
Topic: Voodoo Bizango
Replies: 7
Views: 21970

Voodoo Bizango

Hi All
I'm contemplating my first MTB at age 68 to maintain some fitness and get away from the fast roads and traffic. Been looking at the Voodoo bizango as about my budget, I'm 5' 10" tall, and used to riding a good road bike (Diamondback XR3) 700 wheels.I want to get the right bike the first time - has anyone got the Bizango and what is your opinion of it as an all rounder - I won't be breaking any speed records its just to enjoy some long rides say up to 30 miles over the hills and trails mainly in West Pennines but may go over to Europe sometimes. Any opinion on the Bizango appreciated - thanks mick
by leadale
24 Apr 2017, 6:57pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Sicily touring anybody done that
Replies: 7
Views: 780

Re: Sicily touring anybody done that

Thanks Conrad and Raybo for the info and thoughts very much appreciated and lots for me to ponder
by leadale
21 Apr 2017, 12:03pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Sicily touring anybody done that
Replies: 7
Views: 780

Re: Sicily touring anybody done that

Thanks for the tip Thornie
by leadale
20 Apr 2017, 4:19pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Sicily touring anybody done that
Replies: 7
Views: 780

Sicily touring anybody done that

I hope to tour some of Sicily this summer but have no information or plan as yet, Has anyone got any past experience of good routes to follow, and best way of getting there with bike and kit, or possibly hiring for a week - thanks for any info -
by leadale
20 Apr 2017, 4:14pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Way of the Roses
Replies: 13
Views: 1242

Re: Way of the Roses

Did it last June, some climbs are quite hard, but when you're done in you just get off and walk them. It takes as long as you want, plenty B&Bs and hotels along the route are used to cyclists, it took us 5 days but others do it in 4 or less. The headwinds can be a strain sometimes, but the hardest part is spotting the waymark signs in overgrown hedges etc, you need to keep a sharp look out for the signs.
by leadale
20 Apr 2017, 4:03pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: cycling from england to asia
Replies: 26
Views: 2414

Re: cycling from england to asia

I did UK to Singapore in 1985 with 27inch x 1- 1/4 tyres no problems but don't use stainless steel spokes especially those thinned in the middle types they break under strain, ordinary standard rustless are best. Take a spare tyre and spare shifter and brake cables and all tools,learn how to true a wheel and take at least two spare inner tubes. Don't bother taking lights only a bloody fool would cycle at night in Asia. First aid kit essential as is insurance and rabies shots,also Hepatitis A<B<C,mosquito net and sheet sleeping bag. Always take your kit including bike into your room at night.