Bicycle travel, how safe/ practical is it?

jasonluckett · Oct 16th, 2009, 19:41

Hi Xealot,

We are currently in southern India, just 2 of us, both blokes. The cycling and the people are just amazing, try and do it as much as possible.

My only concern for you is that you are going solo, this can be a real struggle if things start to go wrong. We've had nothing but amzingly friendly receptions, thousands of hellos and thumbs up. My mate cycles in lycra and looks like a right plonker but it just makes Indians laugh and be curious.

You would be well advised to do a prep trip of some sort in Oz asap, buying a good bike and bringing it with you is also a good idea. We bought a tricross bike and has suited us brill.

We've seen 2 dogs, one with rabies and one with tetanus, both in the throws of dying, no danger to us at the time. Advise strongly you get all the jabs you can just for extra precaution, i didn't get the rabies jabs in time and regret it as just makes you worry a little. The dogs are generally more wary of you and we've only had 2 dogs kind of half heartily chase us in 1000km.

definitely wouldn't camp but stay in cheap guesthouses easy to find in small villages, we've even had to stay in a temple.

get yourself a airhorn, my mate got one and it lets other drivers know you are there.

try and get someone else to go with you and have a great trip

indians are very warm and inquisitive and you sound like someone who would get along great here.

jason

Kingstonian · Oct 16th, 2009, 20:35

You're posting in a long-out-of-date thread, Jason - Xealot's long gone from IndiaMike - but your trip sounds really interesting ...

roj,roy · Oct 22nd, 2009, 02:58

I have cycled across India in 1997 for 3 months and it was a fantastic experience. It is as safe as any part of the world and the reception is amazing. So is the diversified culture from one place to another.

bragss5 · Oct 29th, 2009, 21:47

hi georgie,
i know ur post is years old but it sounded like a great adventure. could you do it? i was looking for info as i intend picking up cycling though i have done round the world in a small airplane.
regards,
anil

bragss5 · Oct 29th, 2009, 21:49

hi,
i intend picking up long distance cycling and u seem like a pro. could u give me some tips? what kind of bike should i buy. i do not want to splurge initially. thanks in advance,
anil

Oct 22nd, 2009, 02:58	#63
roj,roy Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kolkata Posts: 93	Cycling Across India I have cycled across India in 1997 for 3 months and it was a fantastic experience. It is as safe as any part of the world and the reception is amazing. So is the diversified culture from one place to another.

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Oct 16th, 2009, 19:41	#61
jasonluckett Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: UK Posts: 3	Hi Xealot, We are currently in southern India, just 2 of us, both blokes. The cycling and the people are just amazing, try and do it as much as possible. My only concern for you is that you are going solo, this can be a real struggle if things start to go wrong. We've had nothing but amzingly friendly receptions, thousands of hellos and thumbs up. My mate cycles in lycra and looks like a right plonker but it just makes Indians laugh and be curious. You would be well advised to do a prep trip of some sort in Oz asap, buying a good bike and bringing it with you is also a good idea. We bought a tricross bike and has suited us brill. We've seen 2 dogs, one with rabies and one with tetanus, both in the throws of dying, no danger to us at the time. Advise strongly you get all the jabs you can just for extra precaution, i didn't get the rabies jabs in time and regret it as just makes you worry a little. The dogs are generally more wary of you and we've only had 2 dogs kind of half heartily chase us in 1000km. definitely wouldn't camp but stay in cheap guesthouses easy to find in small villages, we've even had to stay in a temple. get yourself a airhorn, my mate got one and it lets other drivers know you are there. try and get someone else to go with you and have a great trip indians are very warm and inquisitive and you sound like someone who would get along great here. jason

Oct 16th, 2009, 20:35	#62
Kingstonian Still lurking Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: UK Posts: 1,118	You're posting in a long-out-of-date thread, Jason - Xealot's long gone from IndiaMike - but your trip sounds really interesting ...

Oct 29th, 2009, 21:47	#64
bragss5 Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: INDIA Posts: 2	hi georgie, i know ur post is years old but it sounded like a great adventure. could you do it? i was looking for info as i intend picking up cycling though i have done round the world in a small airplane. regards, anil

Oct 29th, 2009, 21:49	#65
bragss5 Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: INDIA Posts: 2	hi, i intend picking up long distance cycling and u seem like a pro. could u give me some tips? what kind of bike should i buy. i do not want to splurge initially. thanks in advance, anil