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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

royal enfield bear 650 scrambler review header

Royal Enfield Bear 650 Review: Retro Scrambler First Ride

Inspired by the iconic 1960’s Californian desert race, the Bear 650 is Royal Enfield’s retro-styled scrambler that’s ready to roar It’s bold. It’s burly. And it’s Royal Enfield’s most ambitious twin yet. I’ve spent the last few weeks putting the Bear 650 through its paces. From coastal highways to bustling tourist towns, this machine has … Read more

Cycle Touring Panniers and Bike Bags for RTW Adventures

The Ultimate Long-Distance Bike Travel Luggage Guide When you’re living on two wheels, your bags become your home. After travelling tens of thousands of kilometres across Europe, Central Asia, and the Indian Himalayas, I’ve dialled in a setup that’s rock-solid, waterproof, and built to last. In this guide, I’ll walk you through my current bike … Read more

My Complete Cycle Touring Kit List for Epic RTW Adventures

My recommended Cycle Touring Kit List from two decades of adventurous RTW bike travel. Reviews and brand links to get your bike trip road-ready for an epic adventure