Overland Adventure Travel & Bike Touring Blog

Adventurous journeys by bike

Routes, rides and resources for overland expeditions around the world

Welcome to Really Big Bike Ride

Welcome to my overland adventure travel blog. I guess you’re here to learn more about the art of overland travel. After more than a decade of crossing continents by bike, I’ve a few lessons from the road to share to help you get started on an overland adventure of your own.

You’re in the right place.

snoods caps and sunglasses are useful at altitude

An Old-Fashioned Bicycle Touring Blogger

Over the years, I’ve written extensive travel journals about each of my cycle tours, including my solo adventures. If you’re looking for stories about a multi-month tour of Europe or a long-distance bicycle tour across continents, or even a five-day coast-to-coast in the UK, we have it covered.

My Ultimate Guide to Bicycle Touring is a good place to start for those planning a first cycle tour. If you’re in the market for an awesome touring bike then don’t read about my Dawes Galaxy (it was discontinued in 2020). Do find out why a steel touring bike is best for long distance bike adventures.

And you really should read about my bikepacking fails – so you can avoid these rookie mistakes. I’ve also written Bike Touring 101 to answer the essential questions and to get you started on a lightweight bikepacking set up.

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and my Substack for all the latest from the road.

The Mountains are calling! – James

Overland Adventure Travel Enthusiast

My overland adventures started with a humble bicycle ride and, over the years, progressed to include Himalayan motorcycle adventures and even Arabian family road trips. My aim is to share the joy and wonder of overland travel.

In these blog posts, you’ll find everything you need to know about getting set up for long-distance bicycle touring or planning a self-supported motorcycle adventure. Whether you’re looking for RTW bicycle trip resources or curious about riding a motorcycle in India, I’ve shared my first-hand experiences from around the world.

More recently, I’ve found myself living in India as a long-term expat. Having cycled and motorcycled the high Himalayas numerous times, I’ve begun offering guided tours to some of my favourite places.

Join me this summer on The Great Hi malayan Motorcycle Tour

Upcoming tours

The Great Spiti Valley Motorcycle Adventure

1st to 15th September

14 days

£2950

Ride the Spiti Valley Grand Loop 13 Days | 1 Rest Day | 1,900+ km of Pure Himalayan Adventure Test your mettle with 13 days of riding cliff roads, river crossings, and high-altitude chaos across Himachal Pradesh, Spiti, Pangi and beyond. A True Himalayan Odyssey. ADV Himalaya This isn’t your average motorbike tour. This is … Read more

Latest blog posts

my dawes galaxy steel touring bike with luggage wrapped as a parcel for transport by train in india

How to Travel India by Train with a Bike

16 Apr ’25

Your guide to navigating Indian Railways with two wheels in tow India’s vast railway network is one of the best ways to cover long distances on a budget. In this extensive guide, I’ll share my top tips on travelling India by train with a bike. I’ve heard many questions about Indian Railways: what if you’re … Read more

camp cookware on a table in the molera national park in california

Camp Cookware For Bike Travel That Doesn’t Suck

10 Apr ’25

The Best Camp Cookware for Bicycle Touring, Bikepacking and ADV Bike Trips Camp cooking on two wheels? It’s a beautiful thing. There’s nothing quite like waking up in the wild, firing up your stove, and brewing a fresh cup of coffee while the sun climbs over the horizon. But to make that magic happen, you … Read more

My Ultimate Guide to Bicycle Touring: How I Plan, Ride & Thrive on Two Wheels

6 Apr ’25

Whether you’re planning your first overnight ride or a cross-continental epic, this bicycle touring guide covers everything you need to get started, stay safe, and enjoy the ride.