PLANNING
There are some points to consider when setting our route. In fact, when we were completing our equipment section, we made some decisions based on where to go and in which geography and in which climates.
It is up to you how detailed the route will be. Will you use a GPS device? Would you prefer a map? Are you going to use mobile phone navigation? Or do you want to get lost?
If you use GPS device(bicycle computer); With the help of GPS satellite system and GLONASS satellite system, we are able to determine our route by utilizing the location determination services. It is possible to find many different types of bicycle computers on the market. Most devices now support two satellite systems. The GLONASS satellite system is a satellite communication system used by the Russians.
Do we have to use a bicycle computer?
Of course we are not, but these devices offer great benefits. They are very durable and are particularly protected against falling impact. They are very light. Battery life is very long. With an average drive (6 hours a day) you can use the device for 3-4 days. There are models with a battery life of 15 to 25 hours. They are charging fast. In addition to its own battery, there are also batteries that can be reinforced. This type of model can also be preferred if you have a long pedaling situation in areas away from people and settlements. The screens are designed to be easily visible under the direct sun. Besides these; when cycling, you can set the values you need to be displayed on the screen, and they are always easy to follow in front of your eyes.
In order to upload our routes to our cycling computer, you have to draw your route on the maps by hand and transfer them to the device. There are many websites and android apps that are handy to these job-specific interfaces. You can create your own routes or other programs that are specific to the cycling computer you use.
When the route is drawn, it also makes the slope map. In this way, the alternative route can be determined by eliminating the inclined roads, or in particular the areas where climbing is abundant. The post here will vary according to your needs.
Some of the programs used are; There are many programs like endomondo, runtastic, strava, mapmyride, ridewithgps and garminconnect. These programs have their own interfaces, routing modules and supported file extensions.
I use a Garmin model as a cycling computer, and since I have the device, I can register a Garminconnect account. The Garminconnect application is a nice application, but the restrictions on the number of routes you can create were the most annoying thing when using program. It can only keep 10 routes in his memory, which is something I don't want. Therefore I am using another application. This app is ridewithgps app. You can create unlimited routes, turn your route to any extension and use it wherever you want, and the interface is very handy. Would definitely recommend.
You can create your routes and transfer them to your device and look at your way.
Today, mobile phones also considerable place in our lives. You can also use the mobile phone for GPS navigation. Everybody is actively using it, especially on daily trips or a little longer. The mobile phone holders can be attached to the handlebars so that you can easily see them. However, when using the mobile phone as a cycling computer, some handicaps can come up. Some of these; mobile phones are gentle devices, it is very likely that that phone will become unusable if it falls to the ground while going on the road. It can be very difficult to see the phone screen in the sunlight and it can go to very high temperatures under the sun. They may become unusable.
Moreover; This situation happened to me while pedaling in Montenegro - I charged my mobile phone in the tent at night and switched off in the morning, the weather started to glow seriously in the afternoon due to the sun and I took my mobile phone out of the bag to check something. The phone is not switching on. Although it is full and wrapped in the top of the phone case and inside the handlebar bag. I had to take to the phone dealer, so this type of situation can occur. This is not the case with bicycle computers. Another important situation is; charging time. Needless to say, the GPS of the phones and also how quickly the battery runs out when the screen is on. Phones on the other hand are also very expensive devices, so if you are going to use your phone it may also make sense to use a second-hand cheaper model.
If you use paper map; most handlebar bags have ports on the top where you can secure your paper maps. You can use protective transport containers specific to paper maps. This way, your map is always protected in front of your eyes. They have a pleasant nostalgic atmosphere also. There are some books with maps specially prepared for cycling routes in some countries. You can also get benefit from these books. And you can print and use the route you have drawn yourself.
Fully adventure mode; I don't need a map, friend. What if I find my own way, or I get lost? If you say you probably made the best choice :)
A full adventurous mode awaits you :)
EQUİPMENT
First of all, let's talk about the essential equipment in a tour (at least one overnighter tour).
No need to mention about the bike :) At least one rear rack and a pair of bicycle pannier, tent, sleeping bag, matress, head lamp, camping stove, cookware, cutlery, cup, at least one inner tube, patch set , pump, two plastic tire remover crowbar, multitool, allen set, and other repair elements, 1-2 pieces of water bottle, seasonal clothes, helmets, tablets / phones or mp3 players that you can not make without them. Apart from these, you will enjoy the other elements you will take with you. With this kind of adjustment, you can go on a tour of a few days or even a few weeks.
If we have a longer-term tour plan, depending on the country you will be in, climate change situations, land conditions, how long we will be away from food and beverage sources, while traveling on the road; You will need to make changes to your equipment, the volume of your bags, the contents, additions to your repair equipment, extra water bag, etc.
The equipment types (lightness, volume) that we will carry with us will vary according to the type of tour bike we choose and the bag layout.
You can find all the equipments used according to Tour Cycling or Bikepacking styles in the related sections in detail.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
Commuting to work, camping nearby at the weekend, participating in an organization, cycling on annual permit or world tour; Depending on the tour you prefer, the materials and equipment you will take with you will vary.
When you share the tour in your mind with people around you, you can hear some questions like these: are you crazy? Biking at this age? You can't! There will be negative reviews, but do not listen to them :)
If you are starting a world tour by bicycle, this sutiation turns a different story :) World tour with bicycle will take years and years. So you can not work in a regular company, you need to quit the job. In that case, the most important problem "time!" will be disappered. Woah! :)) Your are free now... Enjoy your ride.
I hope there will be an increase in the number of people going to world tour in the future. Usually before we start doing something, we wonder if anyone has done it before. For this reason, we start to search, search and search... Increasing the number of such samples will also allow other people to decide more easily.
Remember, you are the limit ...
DOMESTIC? ABROAD?
As a priority, I think we will agree that; we go out for the pleasure of cycling tours. Nobody tells anyone to ride a bike. Is not it? :) In order to maximize our enjoyment, there are serious problems about cycling in our country, we are all aware of it, but I think it is useful to prefer plenty of wooded and oxygenated roads such as mountain road, village road, forest road to keep our route away from traffic, noise and danger. In the stage of determining your route, Turkey road conditions and the need to take into account the level of respect of vehicles. In addition, it will not be a problem because we know our language and camp-accommodation procedures for traveling in our own country.
If you enjoy this activity, after a while in your country tours, you will start to be inadequate :) You may find yourself planning a route abroad.
If you are going to another country, there will be extra circumstances to consider and plan. Visa issues, language problems, the country's security situation, or the weather. The important point here is to see these situations as not a problem and to experience them and to see them as beautiful memories that you can overcome. It is very important for the continuation of your tour and the pleasure you will get. Experiencing new places, new people, even new animals will make you feel indescribable and you'll experience tremendous memories.
One of the biggest problems on the road is language. Shyness situations can occur from time to time, but you can overcome this difficulty in a short time.
I see many people have hesitations about going abroad. I think the biggest problem here is language. Although you can also deal with simpl body language from time to time. Do not be afraid of any kind of language you meet when you do not know, there is no such situation as you can not do this job. But when you know the language, you get better with that culture, chat, and learn more about the region. If you have a desire to live like a traveler, language is a must. It is imperative that you ask more detailed questions in order to go deep inside that culture and exchange more information with the local people so that you can reach detailed information. That's why it's important to know the language. Are you a tourist? A traveler? It is useful to answer these questions.
Another case is camping; Depending on what country are you travelling, each country may have different applications for the camp. There is no free or prohibited camp in every country. It is necessary to take into account the attitudes of countries on this issue. Nobody wants to stay in the wrong situation. Someone can see you in a camping area and complain about it. No need to argue with the police in the middle of the night :) This type of informations can be found on the internet or you can ask the public for camping spot. Is there a place that I can camp around here? Should not be too difficult to say. You can even ask the cops. They will try to help. You can also stay in places such as gas stations, firefighters, school gardens, churches and mosques. You can find food, toilets and sometimes even showers in gas stations. Or, depending on the situation of the wild / stealth camping / nature camp / wild camp, such as free forest camp :) Go to the inside forest and pitch yyour tent and enjoy wild camping :) Just do not appear yourself.
I will share the other situations in detail.
ALONE? GROUP? COUPLE?
This varies depending on the style of the person. Usually people like to have a partner for travelling. This can be a friend or a lover or a wife. The advantage of traveling with someone is that you'll have more fun. Whether there are other people around you, whether it is the waves passing over the disruptions that will occur on the road, you become someone you can instantly share your feelings when you are in a fascinating atmosphere. Some people who are afraid of camping alone, so this can also have a relaxing partner when you think about in this case. Pedaling together can also motivate each other. It can provide you with psychological support if you are tired or stuck. The can be frustrating of course :)
Another important point in crowded riding is that you are more visible on the road. It is even less noticeable a cyclist than a crowded group for a car driver. It is worth taking extra visibility measures when traveling alone. Especially when passing through tunnels, in foggy and low visibility conditions. Of course there are disadvantages. It is very difficult to act as a team and to be in perfect harmony. It will not be easy to keep up with every situation on the road at the same time. Motivations will fall, you'll have to tidy up, you'll have to wait for each other from time to time, etc. It won't be easy for everyone to keep going up. When choosing your partner, it will be useful to consider all moods and perspectives in order to increase the enjoyment of your journey.
What if people choose to travel alone if it is so advantageous to be in a group? Are they crazy?
Everyone has a different perspective on life. The philosophy is different. Behind everyone's success story, many different situations can be observed. Therefore, everyone draws his own way and behaves accordingly. As far as I'm concerned, the biggest plus of loneliness is "a little more freedom".
Moreover; before you go to such an adventure, how do you say, come, lets go quit your job, take a bike for 10-15 years travel?, What do you say if we go for a ride? How do you ask? Even in today's Turkey who dare to change their jobs, lives... People forget to dream about something and they are afraid even start to dream anything. Everyone can have their own justified reasons, of course, I can't say anything, but even if we can't realize that we shouldn't give up on this dream. At least it gives you a purpose.
Even though you are traveling alone, you will meet people in places you will go. Being alone is actually a very difficult situation. If you are crossing the desert, or you are in a place where there's little human density so you can be really alone. Because people are curious, they want to come and meet you when they see you. Don't worry you can't be alone anyway :)
