(Taitung Taiwan 2010)

Bikepacking?

This concept of travelling with your bicycle I believe is not new.  Probably touring by bicycle, which you can see it happening more and more nowadays, came about when travellers want the freedom of being able to move around freely instead of having to rely on the overbearing tour guides, the so often unreliable taxis and to void the local touts.

From my experience as backpacker, when I first arrive at a city, my biggest concern is how to get around the city conveniently and visit interesting places without being ripped off and taken for a ride?  And if you bikepack, not only you have this freedom of movement but it also saves you on taxi fairs and travelling expenses

But of course it's not without it's hassle.  You will face issues like where to park your bike to avoid being stolen?  What if your foldie needs a tyre replacement and we know most bike shops do not carry a 20" tyre?  Can you carry your bike into your motel room? What happens when it rains or snows?

Yes, you need to be prepared to face all these hassles, but its part of the fun in travelling !

So should you carry a normal 26" or 700c bike or a foldie?  With a foldie you can fold it up and carry it in a soft carrying bag as lagguage.  But foldie or not inevitably you still will face the problem of storage.  How can you effectively carry with you your personal effects, clothings, notebook, etc. I have tried (as you can see from the photo) carrying a big backpack while cycling in China and Taiwan and I know the real problems. 

As bikepackers grow in numbers, I hope there will be more incentives for bike accessory manufacturers to come out with more revolutionary products to make such mode of travel more comfortable, secure and economical

Bikepacking is a great way to travel, just do it !  

If you have any questions, prefix your subject with "Bikepacking:".  Happy cycling and bikepacking !

Dshee

walin@howei.com

012 423 1163