Biggest Bicycle Touring Mistakes ( …not what you might think! )

This video is about the biggest bicycle touring mistakes we made on our world bicycle tour. I share our experiences and hopefully you can learn a thing or two for your own adventures!
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[@WheelstoWander]

Hi Everybody! Curious if you found any good pointers here in the video? What are some of your biggest mistakes while on tour?

[@PerfectBackpacker]

The biggest mistake I made on my trip is rushing to the point rather than enjoying the tour! #perfectbackpacker KZbin channel...

[@weedhopp]

Your final thoughts were very similar to mine Very good tips I am glad you two survived the pressures 👍

[@WheelstoWander]

Important experience to go through for everyone ;) Take Care!

[@WheelstoWander]

Indeed, almost exactly ;) Thanks!!

[@weedhopp]

Now I understand that you asked if I had already seen the video hahahahahaa

[@chrisgrootwassink7488]

Hey thanks for these vids, I'm 19 and I took one year of to start biketouring myself. These videos really helped me on my first tour. One tip for other bikepackers. Make sure everything you have is waterproof. Cycle around your own hometown on a rainy day and camp in your backgarden, because rain is one of the toughest conditions when you don't know what to do.

[@ridetillidie8090]

ha! get off my lawn you whippersnapper! what have I got to learn from a 19 year old? i'm 65, I know everything! and I'm glad I read this and rode around in the rain the other day and found out my main tail bag leaked. you da man Chris. :D stay safe!

[@chrisgrootwassink7488]

@@ridetillidie8090 hope you have a great journey! 😁

[@babybirdhome]

Dude, this is wise! I’m 49 and while I would have considered camping out in my back yard just for fun, I’m not sure I would’ve thought to do it in inclement conditions so I know how my equipment will behave when I need to rely on it and don’t have any fallbacks. Great tip!

[@Kingslayerrock]

And cold, and heat!

[@mpt12345]

A lot of your advice apply not just to bike touring, but life in general. Thanks for sharing!

[@WheelstoWander]

Very kind of you to say Mikheil! Thank you & All the Best

[@stewheart]

I really appreciate how level headed your approach is.

[@WheelstoWander]

Thank you Stewart, really appreciated! We always try to be... some hick-ups here and there though ;)

[@rkentwenger5095]

Lots of great points! My two biggest mistakes: 1. Not doing it sooner; 2. Not finding a partner to tour with. All of my other mistakes are trivial in comparison. One of the things I was happiest with was not having a fixed plan, and giving myself the flexibility to stop whenever I got to an interesting place, needed to rest, etc.

[@cristibaluta]

Probably your 1st mistake was to not do it sooner because you didn't had a partner?

[@rkentwenger5095]

@@cristibaluta No, not really. More just overall life circumstances, and letting myself get pulled off-course.

[@GarGri]

My dad says you learn by your mistakes but it is easier and cheaper to learn by other peoples mistakes. Several points you raise have also been raised by others in books and on youtube. I'm cycling alone from the UK to the Costa Blanca and I'm going to take time to enjoy the journey. Although I will have a route planned I'm not going to set daily targets. Thanks for your pointers.

[@tgrainman6678]

How was it?

[@garymitchell5899]

​@@tgrainman6678unlikely they went

[@ohwell2790]

Got so tired of gel and other seats. I have always looked at Brooks B-17 saddle but the cost has put me off. So, after a little hour ride ( I am 78 ) finally bought me a Brooks B-17, will arrive next month Oct. When it is comfortable for a 2 year ride it will do me just fine. Thanks for sharing your gear. My day rides are about 26 k everyday as I live in the desert in North West Arizona US.

[@tomsitzman3952]

Make sure you break you B-17 in good, you butt will you. . I'm on my second Brook's. This one I got 32 years ago. I'm 80 and getting ready for my next tour. Enjoy your trip.

[@avici0182]

From the Philippines here and now living in 🇨🇦 but I totally admire my culture's hospitality and gratefulness even with the limited and little opportunity that they have access to. ❤

[@ralfhedin]

Fantastic video! You really gave advice on a "deeper" level than most videos, and subjects that can profoundly influence the experience.

[@WheelstoWander]

Thank you Ralph! That means a lot 🙏🏼 All the Best

[@landsman420]

Exactly what I needed. My biggest concern is my psychology on the planned journey, but everyone only talks about equipment and survival gear.

[@garymitchell5899]

You need equipment, you don't need survival gear. The psychology is fine, you'll have ups and downs same as any day.

[@waltersmithat70]

I totally agree with you guys, when I have bicycle tour in the past always took my time and other people would pass me and other people would set their ultimate mileage goal higher but I feel that I was able to stop and enjoy taking my time planning ahead and just plain enjoying because isn't that what it's all about?

[@WheelstoWander]

Nice to hear you have the same kind of experience!

[@PedalPowerTouring]

Cheers you two from Florida. All great advice you gave out! #1 is very funny and so true. The next country, those people are so bad, be careful, they're going to steal your stuff, ... blah blah... and then when you get there, those folks say the same about the country you just left. Too funny! Also, yes the "rigid" daily routine. I think this is probably true for all long term travelers when they first start out and not just cycle tourers. We heard from a few other long term travelers before going on our big big ride in 2013 that it takes about 90 days to find your groove and this was pretty much the same with us. At first it was go go go, and then... bam things just changed. Spending time with someone 24/7 is hard and you're right, there are many couples that split up following a long trip. Sucks but it happens. It's not easy that is for sure, but if you're still together afterwards then you're probably meant to be together. We're still together (35ish years now), but we have a lot of history with each other so unless I (Ron) don't piss off Petra too bad, we'll be ok and I won't find myself in a shallow grave or being pushed off a cliff somewhere in a remote and exotic country. :-) On the 24th of June (about 3 weeks from now), we are flying to Deadhorse, Alaska with our bikes and gear with the hopes and dreams of reaching Ushuaia, Argentina. Fingers crossed that all goes well! Until the next time, cheers and thanks for your videos and motivation to keep our dream alive. Your friends in Florida, Ron & Petra!

[@mreroots]

"only just experience to learn from" - this should be a moto for majority! anything you try, even if it fails, is an experience.

[@TravelTourTaste]

Completely agree with you my friend x

[@Chriswilliams-lx9mx]

It’s not very often I put pen to paper so to speak but this video is one of if not the best I’ve watched on KZbin about getting over some of the niggles of long term traveling on bikes,so a big thanks all the best stay safe it’s a jungle out there 🚴🏻⛺️🔥🍷👍

[@andyyeates28]

Having done a tour for a 8 months I can wholeheartedly support these insightful conclusions!

[@WheelstoWander]

😅 Thanks, glad I am not the only one ;) All the Best

[@karinacabrerizo2968]

Totally agree with you! A journey is about the road, not so much about the destination! Carpe diem is the way to go! Do like the fact that you point out all these things!

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Excellent video! I got burned out on road tours for the same reasons you stated: noise, traffic, danger. They create a lot of stress, just the loud din of passing vehicles increases stress, adding to fatigue. After riding several rail trails in the U.S. for hundreds of miles, I decided to ride the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route summer 2021.

[@doniboydsimonson3601]

Cool! I appreciate your sharing. For me, taking pictures became a distraction. I couldn't find a balance and was spending more time writing and taking pictures than I was doing anything else. It wasn't good to get sucked into serious relationships either.

[@WheelstoWander]

To everybody his or her own I guess! So many people so many ways...

[@doniboydsimonson3601]

And, yes, of course, I was speaking only for myself. Peace. :)

[@audreytracks]

Those are very good tips. When I look back on my travels, I also made those mistakes. It is part of it and you have to find out for yourself. After 30 years of bicycle touring experiences, I still make the same mistakes sometimes. When you leave for a few months or even years, you will naturally find your best way.

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks for sharing Audrey! We hope to learn from our mistakes and minimise repeating them ;) Wishing you many more years!!

[@robertgraves3215]

Hey Man! Good to see you again! I have been doing local tours in Connecticut, USA, combining one overnighter with fly fishing. The round trip is 60 miles, and relatively easy , especially if I get on the road before rush hour or come home after dark. However, the fishing gear weighs a lot , so that's a bit of a drag. I hope to leave again tomorrow AM. I get tired of answering the "20 questions" from standoffish people who are trying to figure out if I'm homeless (I am not) . I struggle sometimes with being polite to the "Karens". But then down the road I meet and actually have a fun interaction with somebody who is cool. So, you go through that emotional rollercoaster. How to maintain decency and boundaries. Oh yes and the paranoia. I hear that. There are lots of people who throw down ten thousand dollars to do a two week fully supported tour with vans, chefs, and an itinerary. And they definitely won't go into the backroads of Vietnam and Cambodia (or was that Laos?) like you guys did. That right there was priceless. From what I've seen on your gear and prep, I don't think anyone could do that any better on an organic, "unsupported " platform (I mean, no SAG vans, not your You Tube community). Everyone always asks for some sort of comforting "guarantee" that they'll be happy, secure, safe, and funded. The road teaches us that that is the price of freedom. Life is full of risk, there are no guarantees.

[@WheelstoWander]

Hi Robert! Many people are busy with their own importance. It comes with the species ;) It's difficult not to react to that "stinging" feeling you can get with those interactions. Great to hear you are getting out there and enjoying yourself! Life is full of risks so better to live with them than always be sheltered from them. All the best & Tailwinds!

[@ramimalik3132]

I really enjoyed your video. I've found all those points, are so true. I hate riding in traffic and the Dutch are so lucky with dedicated cycle ways away from roads. I also use Google street view to check out routes as sometimes pavement can be OK if there's virtually no traffic, like in the South Island of NZ. Travelling light not just eases travel but it's cathartic to ditch the clutter that builds up in commerce ridden acquisitive lifestyle. It's a revelation to find how little is really required to eat, sleep and cycle. I tried to get by without a sleeping mat, You know use straw, pine needles etc. That was my mistake. I love my titanium spoon though. Keep on cycling....

[@joeshmoe7967]

WOW! Over packed for sure in my book. I am a super light packer. I haven't done a long bicycle tour but I am getting the itch. You had more stuff than I pack on a long motorcycle trip. Hardest thing for me is deciding which camera gear to leave behind. Thinking about it and doing it, two completely different things, so I congratulate you for doing it. These tips are great. - Cheers

[@WheelstoWander]

We had some heavy duty gear we we're happy to have but for sure we can shave many kilos off. But then again we are piling on the camera equipment to shoot these videos 😅 Thanks

[@mikeb2207]

I am getting ready to tour across the USA next year with my son… I really appreciate the insights so that I can be calm and comfortable doing this… I have never taken more than a few days off work so this will be a new adventure that hopefully starts a new chapter in my life.

[@Biking360]

Thanks, Eric, I got tons out of this. I'm going away next week for a month down to the deep south of Thailand. I think on my last trip I made a lot of these mistakes. Coming from more of a road cycling background I was too focused on the miles. Now I've relaxed more and realize it's all about the smiles and the journey rather than the destination. Good luck on your next ride. Where are you going and when?

[@WheelstoWander]

Your welcome :) Great to hear it provided some valuable info! Wishing you all the best for your upcoming tour in Thailand. Such a nice and relaxed place to cycle! Enjoy... We are still not sure yet, also working obligations at the moment and waiting for restrictions to lift a bit more.

[@hartmutehuber]

I share your point about going light. We once used hiking maps for an extendet tour from northern France northern Spain and back and we had so many small roads and forest paths! Even when i had more luggage than the others in our group (I was the group mechanic) I guess that i had only about half of your luggage!

[@tomsitzman3952]

You really don't need much to live comfortably. Remember less is more. People forget there are stores along the way and you can buy what you need and give away what you don't need or mail it home. Eating one meal a day adds a little cost to the trip, but you learn so much about the area by talking to the locals. People seem more comfortable talking to people traveling on a bike than someone who travels by auto.

[@roadtripmitch]

Excellent! You nailed road trips, Thank You. Actually the biggest mistake is not to go... Safe and Enjoyable Travels!

[@WheelstoWander]

Haha, yes, you must hit the road to be able to make those mistakes 😉

[@tpe54]

Good advice!.... Being tired can lead to stupid mistakes on the road. When I find a nice campsite I stay for 2 nights. Cannabis helps take the edge off a grouchy day.

[@WheelstoWander]

Nice to stay an extra day and absorb the place! We hope to relax a bit more and do that to ;) All the Best

[@lukespack]

I would never advise splitting up for a week unless you are in a very safe place. Too many bad things can happen to a lone female cyclist. Your biggest asset was being a pair of cyclists. You had an amazing two years. I hope you are able to reach north america on your next tour.

[@donaldwalter1317]

One of your very important points was to break up a long extended tour into sections to be done over in several shorter journeys. This way it could give you a chance to research each area in closer detail and experience local culture. This is often what cyclists complain of motorists don’t get to see because they go through an area too fast, it too can happen with cyclists also! I missed so much on my European tours which I wish I could have taken in but I was so intent on doing A to B each day.

[@peterweber4094]

Good sensible content. Thank you for sharing. I am planning a solo long distance trip. Found you advice insightful and practical. Will definitely keep what you said in mind, go slow, go light, go off road, interact with the local people, yes, thank you.

[@RogerMain]

That's what life becomes when we let goals take over... Thanks so much for your abilities to learn from experiences 🙏 😊 ❤ 💕

[@WheelstoWander]

We try to Roger! Sometimes we succeed, sometimes we fail ;)

[@macanalista]

Well said! Pondering over the experience is a gain for the next trip. That's evolution.

[@joeshmoe7967]

2 really good points. I have spent time shooting pics and video, and sometimes you get so caught up in it you don't experience the moment. I have shot concerts and not really remembered if it was a good show. The other part was where your trip was seeming like a job, get up go to work riding. Definitely the opposite of doing such a tour, but you realized that and made changes. That sketchy trail reminds me of a motorcycle trip I made, where the map said 'highway', turned out to be a dirt road. I was on an 800 pound tour bike with street tires. I didn't feel like turning back, so I rode it, not something I would want too do on the same bike again. Of course if all our trips went perfect, we wouldn't have any interesting stories!! - Cheers

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks for sharing your experience Joe! Indeed some things have to give, perfection would be boring ;) All the Best

[@bikeandsee1647]

For me this has been the best video you have produced till now. As in many cases the most personal is the best.

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks so much :)

[@paulkim1384]

Very well done Erik! 👍😊 I absolutely agree with you on many things that you've mentioned. We all make some some mistakes and learn from it and it's a part of our lifelong journey. Few lessons that I've learned from my first trip in 1983 was being flexible: no daily mileage/destination and travel SLOW and get in touch with nature and local people rather than big towns.🙏😊 Stay OPEN minded: regardless of religion, ideology and political differences. People are people and we all strive for same thing. (Happiness and not suffering) Embrace any opportunities/misfortunes: someday not so nice things could happen and still be humble and be thankful that you're safe and healthy. Travel with LESS stuff: don't want to be a slave to my own things Having opportunity to travel around the 🌎 is a huge blessing let's enjoy every moment of life. Cheers and sending you and Maudi peace and love🤗 from Virginia, USA today. Carpe Diem~ pk

[@BluecollarBackcountry]

Great solid advice Eric. People seem to be not intimidated by cyclists and are very friendly. Also locals can offer great ideas for things to check out along the way to break up the monotony. It's more enjoyable when it's an adventure and not a race.

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks 😊 That's our experience too! An adventure is so much more enjoyable for us. All the best!!

[@AmalaBhakti108]

Lots of realistic advice from experienced travellers. Dankjewel.💓 Mijn dochter(12) wil alleen lopend op avontuur, en wil geen camera mee....Travelling with kids slows you down , makes you conscious of your surrounding, aware of the reality you're in...pay attention to every detail...etc...I can definitely recommend "walk-travel" with your children.

[@tangodayoo]

This video really inspired me

[@TravelTourTaste]

Completely agree with you my friend x

[@dropeipromundo]

I am on my Tour Right now, thanks for that, it’s help a lot 🙌

[@WheelstoWander]

That's great Zeck! Enjoy :)

[@TravelTourTaste]

Have a great tour my friend x

[@bobkids009]

Very good tips and advice from actual experience .......thanks for sharing.....!

[@WheelstoWander]

Good to hear Bobby! Thanks 😊 All the best!

[@TravelTourTaste]

Hey guys great to see you again. So sorry we haven't been able to visit you for a while we have been busy moving house etc. But great to catch up with you again. Awesome tips, hints and advice. Stay safe my friends. See you again soon x

[@WheelstoWander]

No problem of course! Live takes it's course ;) Thanks! Hoping the move went well and your settled and feeling good! All the Best

[@78kombi]

The couple bubble comment blew my mind. Most folks in the USA operate their relationship this way. Ive just never heard it put into such an easily understandable sentence.

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks for the compliment! Great :)

[@selfemployeed101]

This is wisdom. Thank you for sharing.

[@WheelstoWander]

I hope so 😅 Thanks Marty!

[@TravelTourTaste]

Completely agree with you my friend x

[@mickhurley7305]

Very honest, insightful discussion, you can apply your tips to every type of ride. Thanks for sharing your honesty. You got a sub.

[@WheelstoWander]

Thank you Mick!!

[@michaelherron4306]

Great insights and reflection.

[@omare_biketonature]

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us the ones who want to embark in a long bicycle tour! Say hello to Maudi from us!

[@Velsbasketcase]

After doing US and Europe in the 90s I couldnt even look at my bike for years, if I only wouldve known about electrolytes in my water! Now Im 44 and wanting to tour again with more knowledge and maturity.

[@WheelstoWander]

Yeah, go for it!! Electrolytes are very important, especially when your sweating a lot on something like a bike! All the Best

[@AmbientWalking]

Very cool! Love this video a lot. Always happy to see something new from you!

[@WheelstoWander]

Thank you Ambient Walking :)

[@TravelTourTaste]

Me too my friend x

[@JoeOaken]

There is loads to take from this an absorb, brilliant video, thanks.

[@WheelstoWander]

Thank you for the feedback Joe! Best wishes

[@Longtack55]

When I was tramping in Las Yungas in Bolivia a local guy in Caranavi told me not to venture into the interior as there were tigers, and even showed me a "photo" he had taken. It was from National Geographic or similar. I saw no tigers, and at 4500m altitude a guy gave me his bed while he slept on the floor. In the morning I cooked breakfast (avena/rolled oats) for him and his little boy. That experience was in 1982 - easy to remember.

[@WheelstoWander]

Sounds like memorable experiences for sure!

[@helsdon71]

Love your videos and I hope one day I can go cycling with you guys

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks 😊 All the Best, E&M

[@craigmaberly8561]

Really like your trips and honesty, we have made very similar mistakes and nearly retired so have been planning for over a year for trips away and your videos have been valuable thanks. Craig

[@WheelstoWander]

Thank you Craig! Wishing you all the best for your upcoming plans 🙏🏼 Tailwinds!

[@paulfaulkner6299]

Your videos have been inspiring - thank you for sharing some of your experiences and advice

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks Paul 😊 All the Best, E&M

[@StarEssences]

All those areas you talked about were important and most of all truthful. Bike touring is at times not all about fun and games, there are serious matters to deal with too. Going on an adventure as a couple such as you two did can also reveal if you two really belong together and how both of you will deal with issues in your travels. A couple traveled across america, Ryan Duzer and Ally and such as you said in this video, shortly after their bike road trip they broke apart from their relationship. Thanks for sharing on tips in bike touring. Hope to see you two traveling in America.

[@LesCyclopreneurs]

Thanks for your videos, we are waiting for your next adventures!

[@AJGeeTV]

Great advice to budding Bikepackers. Wish I'd had something like this when I started touring, but there was no internet then (1986). My biggest mistake was not having enough water with me when wild-camping. It's better to take too much than too little, 4 litres absolute minimum when I set out looking for a spot to camp. And be careful it doesn't freeze solid in the night if you are in minus temperatures. That's why I carry water in disposable soft-drinks bottles - so I can cut them open if frozen and melt the ice with my stove to make tea and soup in the mornings. As a person who set out before technology came into vogue, I still tour that way, with paper maps and journals, no mobile phone, no internet, and only recently a small digital camera that I forget to charge now and then. When I see other tourers arrive in a town square with their loaded bikes, take out an iphone and study it for several minutes, nobody approaches them - they are in their own private world. Then they are gone. When I arrive in a town square and open my paper map out, I get local coming to me, asking if they can help, buying me a beer, and quite often offering me a place to stay. I think the iphone guys never get approached or asked anything? Sometimes it's just good to ease-off on the tech, like you said, you waited to capture the perfect moment to video or photograph. Maybe we bump into each other one day, since I set up home in NRW, Germany, close to the Dutch border. I often go for a week-long tour though The Netherlands :-D

[@andrewkitchenuk]

I've done a lot of travelling in camper vans and on motorbikes, not so much on bicycle and much prefer going alone as you are forced to interact with people whereas when travelling with someone you just speak with them.

[@the1andonly]

This is all very true and I've made the same mistakes, even after learning about them. Excellent video, thanks for sharing. Barbara and I are at different levels and with her I actually learned that taking more time ads value to our tour.

[@WheelstoWander]

Thank you for sharing Jorge! Great to hear your insights too :) All the best and Tailwinds for you guys!

[@ninadbhatkar2127]

Thanks for your sincere suggestions. What good can achieving milestones do, if one hasn't enjoyed the journey! - from Mumbai, India.

[@alanendurace]

Aweeesome advices!! Any tips (beside the usual ones) on how to ride through heat and protect from sun and the after math of being long hours on the saddle (headache, nausea, ...)? thanks!!

[@tomsitzman3952]

A few tips to take into consideration that I have learned as a trip leader and a long time bike tourist. The most important consideration in heat is protect your self. break the trip into three segments Start early in the morning, find a nice cool stop in the afternoon, Ride in the late afternoon until almost dark. During the afternoon break eat, rest, drink plenty of water, eat your big meal of the day. On the road protect your arms , neck and face from the sun. cover your face with a cotton scarf or buff. Wear a hat and sun glasses to protect the face and eyes. Soak your buff in water and wear it around your neck. Carry a mister bottle to spray your face. If you are riding in the heat of the afternoon, take breaks every hour, Check on your partner. Don't push through the heat. Tell your partner when you need a break. Heat builds up in the body. Make sure you get 6 to 8 hours of cool down time at night. Check your urine for order and color. How long has it been since you had to pee?. keep track of how many bottle of water you drink. If you are on the road and there are no trees, set up your tent tarp between the bikes to make a sun shelter. Stop in a town and find a cool place. (the library, ice cream shop, museum) Make the trip enjoyable> After all it's the journey not the finish line that make life enjoyable.

[@riverthecat]

Thank you for this great insight of your experience..l find it inspirational...l have just purchased a brand new Genises touring bike..l am exited and frightened of thr prospect of wild caming in Ireland where l live (Dublin)..l look forward to using a lot of insights l have recived from your great videos..l would like to know more about how to edit and produce videos of my adventures..but mostly l need to get out there and ride..

[@jcoop4298]

My touring experiences have been exactly described in this video. Rule number 1 for me is not to set daily mileage targets. It is far too much pressure and it takes all the beauty away from the trip. As humans we want to get from A to B. What we forget is that the actual adventure happens in between. Why do we insist on rushing past the best bit??

[@WheelsonaBike]

Fantastic! Thank you for putting together a very thoughtful list of experiences to learn from.

[@WheelstoWander]

Thank you :) Happy you got something out of it!

[@TravelTourTaste]

Absolutely agree with you my friend x

[@piotrsetlak]

Biggest Bicycle Touring mistake is NOT TO BICYCLE TOUR :D

[@WheelstoWander]

😂 so true!

[@TravelTourTaste]

Lol, great answer my friend x

[@adamnorton748]

😄

[@rasmuswi]

One mistake I've made a few times is not taking weather into account. The distance you can comfortably cover on a warm, sunny day with no wind is a lot greater than the distance you can cover on a cold day with rain and head wind. If you're touring on a road bike with road tires as I did one year, rain is also likely to mean a lot of punctures, with will slow you down further and be really bad for your morale. If weather forecasts predict headwinds for the foreseeable future it might even be worth re-thinking the tour and going in an altogether different direction.

[@jaimebarbara6936]

Thanks you motivated me for a bike journey.

[@WheelstoWander]

That's great to hear :) Have fun and All the best!

[@bayangpunla6991]

Thank you EM for sharing this kind of Vlog, we learn a lot.ride safe..

[@WheelstoWander]

Thank you too Manolito :)

[@MrDemainJarrete]

* My biggest mistakes : - Have not enough water for the night... And the morning ! (That was super hard) - Now I try to have at least 3 liters of water to finish a day and start another, yes, I drink a lot of water :) - Take 2 days to prepare (perfectly) the road on a paper map with Google maps... For only 2-3 days on the bike (After that I've realize that it's crazy to waste your life to make (perfect) plans) - Now, I spot the cities on a paper map in the direction of my goal, and I take my bike... For the rest, I talk to people (on bicycles) I meet on the road, most of them well know their countryside, and they have better plans than Google maps ^^ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * The mistakes I've never done (but I've seen too much people do them) : - Make a "strict plan" to be somewhere at a precise moment (hotel reservations, rendez-vous with someone... )- (Not my way, it's stressful) I love to take my time, to lose myself and to do bivouac or if I pay for a camping (I've found on the road) it's because I need a hot shower (to relax) - Use a GPS and keep focus on the screen... - My choice : paper maps, first because they are like poetry :) , a surprise for anybody who wants to help

[@whatthehoeck]

Wow, great ideas. I think all of your points can be applied to travel in general. Pack light, be flexible, put down your camera and enjoy the moment.

[@amaddoratotaj1106]

THANKS for sharing... well-articulated and great pointers from your experience and on your lessons learned. It's so important not to get self-consumed and be willing to listen and compromise when sharing an experience with someone. I enjoyed your video, Eric!

[@morganoshaughnessey5021]

Aloha from Hawaii Big Island! This was a fun one to watch, we've watched all of your tour videos this month, going about three a day. Loved your comment on tour pacing, and the trouble of always trying to get in the miles on schedule. Reminded me...the other week I rode up to the top of Kilauea volcano to go camping, did the last 1,000ft up and down racing against the clock to get to the grocery store for dinner supplies, then rode down a jungle road in total darkness through a cloud and a rainstorm with no fenders or rain jacket, DETERMINED to stay on schedule. I came up with a new saying, "Where there's a will...there's an idiot!" Fun campsite though, Kulanaokuaiki. If you're ever over here, make sure to stay there! And stop by my place after for a homebrew!

[@WheelstoWander]

Thank you Morgan :) I can totally find myself in your saying 😂 Thank you for your tip in Hawai. Sure hope to see her some day and taste that homebrew ;) All the Best, E&M

[@sipapito]

I hear lots of people brake up due to the stress and difficulty on the ride also different ways of doing things and that is one of the main reasons,hungry stress and lack of sleep with make you brake.

[@kvbcycles]

Good work guys, definitely agree with not taking time off point.

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks :) All the Best, E&M

[@tyedyetouring5821]

Thank you for the advise. I am doing my first two month tour. I have learned a lot from watching your videos.

[@WheelstoWander]

All the best with your first tour 👍🏼😄 Thanks

[@ianfisher7423]

in some ways I think to many people are doing a cycle tour to cater for an audience on social media platforms, encouraging more and more people to ''like and subscribe'' and donate money. My own experience is to do it for no one but myself, save the money, plan the ride as a rough guide and allow to change plans along the way, only carry one small camera for my own photographic memories.

[@WheelstoWander]

Good for you Ian! Touring is about enjoyment and we enjoy sharing our travels and it's no secret that we have a small income from it.

[@desert.mantis]

Great video, Eric. It's a great reminder that there's always room for learning and improvement but always remember to enjoy the journey and not the destination.

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks Desert Mantis :) Sometimes it's a bit difficult to see what is what but definitely the journey is where it's at! All the Best

[@hArtyTruffle]

Really good observations. I think many of them can be applied to life in general too. Thanks as ever 🫶🏻

[@ronkogels8998]

Good points mate, I think we all wressle to a greater or lesser extent with these challenges on our trips. Particularly not taking enough time to enjoy the moment.

[@WheelstoWander]

Thank you Ron! I guess we all do. I thought it would be good also to highlight the not so romantic sides of going on a bicycle tour! Enjoying the moment is something to aspire too! All the Best

[@jacobrodricson1554]

Biggest mistake for me is / was starting on an aluminum frame was good until mountain climbing i have steel frame now it is much better for pedaling and load carrying. He's right on all points eat good food and enjoy where you are if you can good luck out there. PS. They arent trying to hit you their on their cell phone.

[@thomascouture1346]

Dude, You are so on it! Well done, love your style and candid thoughts, looking forward to hearing more and watching you progress.

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks so much Thomas! I really appreciate your comment. All the Best

[@keithspangler4814]

Bravo....amazing I find this as I review a recent mini tour to the Carolinas and my big upcoming tour to Canada. Your points are well taken and experienced, I relate to you experiences and "tips." I mean all of it is what I experienced recently. When looking back at it I found myself pushing through the "tips" so not to get down. Oh, I won't bore you, but thank you for sharing this...I'll pass it along too. Cheers my traveling friends.

[@WheelstoWander]

Thank you Keith! Great to hear there was something for you in here! All the very best with your own touring :) Enjoy!!

[@gonebikeabout]

Very well thought through. Good luck and the road might rise to meet you

[@jennydavies6390]

Great advice ....can't wait for when you are both back on the road to Adventure again.

[@WheelstoWander]

Thank you Jenny :) We do too... All the Best

[@awildanieves8744]

even i dont bike i always enjoy your videos n your experienses,waiting for your next trip sending my love to you n mary,thanks

[@WheelstoWander]

That's nice to hear Awilda! Happy you like the videos :) Thanks & All the Best

[@brucegelman5582]

Words of wisdom.Thanks.

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks Bruce 🙏🏼

[@michelepirovano4135]

Very nice video guys! This are some useful tips on the road! Expecially if you are a beginner it can really boost your mood and stear your thoughts away from thinking "I'm not made for this". I think this hacks are more useful and important than any piece of gear! Well done!!

[@davehoover8853]

I really enjoyed your videos and am glad to see that you have gained many insights from your travels and are thinking about how to apply this knowledge on your next trip. Traveling is not easy, traveling in foreign countries is even harder. Bike travel in foreign countries and working along the way has to be super tough! You two did well - I look forward to more!

[@WheelstoWander]

Thank you so much Dave :) We love to and are planning to create some more content for you in the future... All the Best, E&M

[@pollypupspueppchen]

these are real good tipps for avoiding mistakes!

[@125daxJ]

Thanks for the advice guys. Maybe we'll meet some day. In a few weeks it's departure time for me and my cat. The first real trip by bike and honestly my route is not even something I plan. Just a destination, vague directions and probably a lot of criss-cross and detours along the way. At some point I'll go back home in the Netherlands to visit my family and also taking the time to rediscover the country in another way then just by car like I used to do

[@erfahrungderwelt]

Thanks Eric, that's some good advice there. Very nicely said about learning from your experiences, absolutely true. We've been cycling for almost 10 months now and can definitely agree with the points you mentioned and we're learning something new about the world and us everyday.

[@WheelstoWander]

Thank you too :) Great to hear you have been cycling! Wishing you all the Best! Tailwinds

[@infour44]

My tips are: Eats lots of good stuff and organise your panniers so you know where everything is. Oh and most importantly enjoy the journey not just the destination.

[@WheelstoWander]

Great tips all around 👍🏼

[@shadow123494]

Really appreciate all your ideas and thoughts. Thank you for posting this ! Awesome points that I will apply on my bike tour. It's about being in the moment and enjoying the journey not necessarily the destination ! Keep the videos coming so inspiring !! All best to you both..stay safe and happy cycling 👍🤗🚵‍♂️

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks so much for your encouragement :) All the Best

[@mertemreaksit8809]

Thanks for your experiences 👋🏻 From Turkey 🇹🇷

[@WheelstoWander]

Your welcome Mert :) Greetings from the Netherlands!

[@donaldwalter1317]

I noted right immediately that you took way too much equipment on your tour! That 50 litre duffle bag on back had to go. I started my tours loaded like that but having switched to smaller panniers, occasionally foldable bikes even or gravel bikes has forced me to reduce my packed volume as much as 25-30 litres (10-15kg). Of course I’ve regretted some missing items but in long run I felt better for it.

[@mysurlytrucker7510]

Great insight Eric and for sure one of mine was the pushing on being so keen , the sort of ,( yes this is it am on my tour so great to be doing this I really must keep getting on my bike ,even hardly taking that much time for lunch wanting to like you say do miles,) fomo yes probably, but loving just doing it so much, that feeling of being out there ,I think we all just don't have enough fun in our day to day lifes, stay happy guys 😀😊 thanks guys great video.

[@joseenaman2226]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@sandraderby1628]

A wonderful video of truths you both experienced. I truly enjoy watching your Adventures.

[@WheelstoWander]

Thanks so much Sandra :) All the Best

[@amit2897]

Wow, so happy you spoke abt non verbal communication/sign language. .so so much fun...n thnx for deciding to loose weight for the nxt trip, too too heavy is taxing!! We learnt it the hard way while backpacking scandanavia...never again did we ever carry so much stuff :) will wait eagerly to watch your nxt set up

[@WheelstoWander]

It think it is a very important point to communicate well non verbally. It really can be an icebreaker! We working on the new setup... All the Best

[@amit2897]

@@WheelstoWander shedding is super easy and so so liberating :) ...it really starts at home (litrrellay) ...than translating it on a bike tour or hike is so much easier :)

[@Mickeyzzzz]

A quality video made by experienced people, very good tips, thanks for sharing.

[@WheelstoWander]

Your welcome :)

[@melbinkurianjohn4850]

Awesome video 😊, really helpful, got to know the real challenges faced.