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cycle touring in india

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.

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 Himalayan 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

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Awesome Ski Trips in Asia for Powder Hungry Expats

As an expat living in India these are my top picks for winter sports in Asia For expats in the UAE, India or Southeast Asia looking for winter adventure, these are the ski trips that deliver real snow and big mountains. For most expats living in Asia, winter means palm trees and beaches. But just … Read more
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Fool In The Rain: My Waterproof Cycling Gear Review

Ride tested in real weather, from round-the-world trips to wet commutes at home. My bootstrapped, threadbare waterproof cycling gear has kept me dry and comforatble in all seasons (more or less). When you’ve been riding bikes for decades, through every kind of weather the planet throws at you, you learn what lasts. You learn what … Read more
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Cycling the Atlas Mountains in Morocco: The Complete Guide

Morocco is fast becoming the destination of choice for gravel hungry back country bike travellers Cycling the Atlas Mountains is accessible and adventurous which is why I believe it’s found such popualrity with the bikepacking and gravel communities. Few places stir the cycling imagination quite like Morocco. From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the … Read more

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Go Nice Places, Do Good Things

 

wild camping along the pamir highway where a bike touring stove is essential kit
Field Image: wild camping along the pamir highway where a bike touring stove is essential - shop your kit now!