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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.

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

overland adventure travel and tour guide james thomas at the baralachala pass 4850m 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 Bikepacking 101 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). And you really should read about my bikepacking fails – so you can avoid these rookie mistakes.

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

The Mountains are calling! – James

Upcoming tours

manali to leh cycling tour roadside vista

Manali to Leh Cycling Tour

May – September

11 days

£1111

Join a select band of riders on the Manali to Leh Cycling Tour for a once in a lifetime high altitude bicycle adventure
a guided motorcycle tour in the indian himalaya; crossing the Zoji La paas

The Great Himalayan Motorcycle Tour: Kashmir Ladakh Loop

May – Sept

14 Days

£2950

Book the adventure of a lifetime on the Great Himalayan Motorcycle Tour with Really Big Bike Ride

Latest blog posts

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My Life-Affirming Motorcycle Adventure to Ancient Himalayan Kingdoms

In this comprehensive Himalayan Kingdoms trip report, I share my experience guiding a group motorcycle tour of the Indian Himalayas through the ancient and remote Kingdoms of Ladakh and Kashmir and the gloriously green state of Himachal Pradesh.
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Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Review 2025: The Ultimate Budget Adventure Bike?

My Goan road test ride of the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 adventure motorcycle in India In this post, I share my Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 review. I’ll be the first to admit that I loved the 411 and found that bike a capable machine in the Indian Himalayas last summer. Read my Himalayan Kingdoms Motorcycle … Read more
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Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 Expedition Review: Is It a Reliable Adventure Bike?

My 15,728km Riders Review of the Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 Across Ladakh and Kashmir For years, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 has been a go-to machine for adventure riders in India and beyond. It’s taken me through the high passes of Ladakh to the remote Kingdom of Kashmir, the rugged trails of Spiti, and the … Read more