#Bike Tours in Vietnam

[vietnam-by-bike]

One of the most beautiful holidays in Vietnam By Bike - https://vietnambybike.com/blog/mai-chau-bike-tours

[pnguyenst]

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[hsmagazine254]

Unveiling the Charms of Hanoi: A Journey through History, Culture, and Delights

Live Fully in Vietnam: Explore, Relax, Play   Exploring the Vibrant Capital of Vietnam Hanoi, the bustling capital city of Vietnam, beckons adventurers with its rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine. From ancient temples and colonial architecture to bustling markets and serene lakes, Hanoi offers a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. In this travel guide, we invite you…

[jynzandtonic]

Ooooo how would any/all of the boys react to turning 40???

*Sigh* 40 is a damn fine age. Please accept these snaccs:

Charlie Barber: Henry's all set up to stay with his cousins for the week so you two can get away to the little villa he's booked in Tuscany for the two of you. You'll have the whole time to drink red wine, make homemade pasta, and fuck in the sunshine on the deck off the master bedroom.

Clyde Logan: He feels so damn lucky to be alive, to be with you. Growin' up with Jimmy, two tours in Iraq, all his adventures and misadventures, and he's finally settled down with you and happy as can be. All he wants is to sit with ya on the porch swing and watch the sunset with a beer in hand—but he won't say no to the butterscotch cake ya baked him.

Adam Sackler: Can't really believe he's fuckin' forty. He promises to put some of his commercial money in an IRA and take enough of a break from acting for a little staycation to fuck on every surface of your apartment together.

Flip Zimmerman: You sure you don't want to have a baby, sugar?

Phillip Altman: Perpetual man child. He offers to get matching cougar tattoos with you.

Rick Smolan: Motorcycle tour of Vietnam together, letting you take photos on his DSLR while you ride on the back of his bike.

Ronnie Peterson: Cabo San Lucas with you and all your friends. He wants to drink daiquiris, sing karaoke, and maybe get a sunburn at a nude beach!

[justforbooks]

Long before Dave Myers, one half of the TV duo the Hairy Bikers, was hairy, or a biker, he was a cook. While still a child, he prepared family meals when his mother, a former shipyard crane driver, became so debilitated by multiple sclerosis she was scarcely able to leave her bed. “Dad and I became Mam’s carers, muddling through each day,” said Myers, who has died aged 66. “Sometimes I got out a cookbook and made a pie or a stew out of whatever ingredients we had in.”

His mother had been “a fabulous cook and was often preparing food while I played at her feet”. His father, the foreman of a local paper mill, would put little Dave on the saddle of his motorbike so he could pretend to ride. “I loved the smell of oil and machinery and rubber; just one whiff would set my pulse racing.”

But it was only half a lifetime later that Myers, after many years of working as a television makeup artist, managed to make an onscreen career by combining these two childhood passions. In 2004, when he was 45, Myers and his friend Simon King, a locations manager on the Harry Potter films, pitched their idea for a TV show focusing on motorbikes and food to the BBC. “It was midlife crisis time and you can’t have more of a midlife crisis than going off on a motorbike,” said Myers.

The show’s premise was that two burly, hirsute motorcyclists would visit foreign locales, often getting off their bikes to cook by the roadside. In the first episode of The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook (2006), the pair motored through Namibia, stopping off to cook crocodile satay and oryx rolls.

This culinary travelogue ran across three series, taking them to Portugal, Vietnam, Turkey and Mexico, and became such a hit with the viewers that a memo circulated the BBC praising the two men for winning over “a difficult-to-reach audience”. “Basically a ‘difficult-to-reach audience’ translates as ‘normal people’,” said King.

The two self-taught cooks had a disarmingly unpretentious love of food and easy on-screen banter redolent of Keith Floyd, if less bibulous, or Clarissa Dickson Wright and Jennifer Paterson, if less posh. In a sense, Myers and King were the male northern riposte to the Two Fat Ladies. What’s more, their two fat lads were refreshing fare in the age of telegenic cooks such as Nigella Lawson or angry chefs like Gordon Ramsay.

Spin-off shows followed, including The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain (2009), The Hairy Bikers: Mums Know Best (2010), The Hairy Bikers’ Mississippi Adventure (2012) and The Hairy Bikers’ Asian Adventure (2014), along with allied cookbooks and a 2015 memoir, The Hairy Bikers Blood, Sweat and Tyres.

What was the secret of their success? “We are mates, it’s not something that’s been manufactured,” said Myers. “We’re not snobby about food. We’re very happy with egg and chips, as long as it’s very good-quality eggs and good-quality potatoes. About 95% of good cooking is good shopping.”

They met by chance in a Newcastle pub in the 1990s when Myers was working there as makeup artist and prosthetics technician on an adaptation of Catherine Cookson’s The Gambling Man starring Robson Green. King, an assistant director on the project, was at the bar ordering a curry. The barman told King that if he ordered two curries he would qualify for a special offer: four poppadoms instead of one. “I just stepped up and said, ‘I’ll have the other curry’,” Myers said.

The pair cemented their friendship with road trips up the west coast of Scotland, travelling with a pan, a single-burner stove, some butter, a lemon and some brown bread. “We’d go up round Loch Assynt, up by Lochinver, and catch wild brown trout.” The idea for the television series was born from these trips.

But, while the Hairy Bikers became celebrated and their cookbooks successful, some worried that their recipes were unhealthy. Their banana French toast recipe, consisting of brioche, bananas, peanut butter and cream, was ominously dedicated to Elvis Presley. One critic suggested that their full-English shakshuka, featuring sausages, lardons and black pudding, “looks as if it should come with a diagram on how to administer CPR”.

Indeed, as their fame expanded, so did their waistbands. By 2012, Myers recalled, he was taking tablets for high blood pressure and to lower his cholesterol, and both he and King were diagnosed as being morbidly obese during a medical. He weighed 17st 12lb, with a 49in waist, while King weighed in at 19st 6lb, with a 50in waistline. “I was prediabetic; human foie gras, basically,” Myers said.

The diagnoses pushed them to make the series The Hairy Dieters: How to Love Food and Lose Weight. Both men lost 3st 7lb during filming and published their most successful series of books afterwards under the general title Hairy Dieters. “Doing it publicly was the thing that encouraged us to make it work. People admired the honesty. We sold about 1.3m copies of our first book. We learned an awful lot from it.”

The following year, 2013, Myers appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, performing a “Tartan tango” to the tune of The Proclaimers’ I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) with his dance partner, Karen Hauer, and becoming, in the words of the show’s judge Len Goodman, “the people’s champion”, winning the weekly popular vote despite sometimes low marks from judges and armchair critics deriding his “ungainly boogying”. He didn’t win, but the Hairy Biker received the longest standing ovation for, fittingly enough, a Meat Loaf-themed paso doble.

Myers, the only child of Jim and Margaret, was born in Barrow-in-Furness ( then in Lancashire but now in Cumbria) and attended the town’s grammar school for boys, where an inspirational teacher, Mr Eaton, encouraged him to develop his artistic skills. He took a fine art degree at Goldsmiths, University of London and a master’s degree in art history.

His first job was as a trainee makeup artist at the BBC. He worked there for 23 years, including a stint on Top of the Pops, before the Hairy Bikers got together. While filming the show in Romania, Myers met Liliana Orzac. “In our hotel there was a striking woman on reception. Nudging Si, I whispered: ‘I fancy her!’” They married in 2011.

In 2022, Myers announced on the podcast Hairy Bikers – Agony Uncles that he had been diagnosed with cancer. He and King made a moving return to the screen in The Hairy Bikers: Coming Home for Christmas in December 2023, in which they discussed his illness and treatment; and had filmed a new series, The Hairy Bikers Go West, which is currently screening on BBC Two, and which King described as “a celebration of a joyous and creative friendship”.

Myers is survived by Liliana and her children, Iza and Sergiu.

🔔 David James Myers, chef and television presenter, born 8 September 1957; died 28 February 2024

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at Just for Books…?

[die-drei-m-in-vietnam]

T5 Neblige Berge

PLATSCH PLATSCH PLATSCH. Regen hämmert auf das Blechdach unseres Hostels. Es ist sechs Uhr morgens, und wir werden alle wach. Draußen regnet es in Strömen, aber an die Geräuschkulisse gewöhnt man sich schnell, und wir schlafen wieder ein. Schließlich ist Regen ja auch etwas Entspannendes. Nach weiteren zwei Stunden Schlaf stehen wir dann auf – es regnet immer noch. Vor unserem Hostel haben sich große Pfützen gebildet, und ein Ende des Regens ist erstmal nicht in Sicht. Das hält unsere Truppe jedoch nicht auf: Nach einem Frühstück geht es auf die Bikes und weiter. Die Berge bieten heute eine ganz andere Aussicht – oder auch nicht, denn alles ist in dichten Nebel gehüllt. Es sieht unglaublich schön aus. Außerdem ist es echt interessant zu beobachten, wie viel Wasser hier in den letzten paar Stunden vom Himmel gekommen ist. Die Straße führt immer einen kleinen Fluss mit sich. Leider haben wir nicht wirklich Bilder gemacht, weil das im Regen auf einem Motorrad nicht so angenehm ist.

Kurz vor dem Mittagessen hört der Regen dann auf, und das Essen schmeckt wie gewohnt zauberhaft lecker. Als wir weiterfahren, klart der Himmel ganz langsam immer mehr auf. Wir fahren jetzt durch einen der schönsten Abschnitte der Tour: Die Berge werden klippenartig, und unten im Tal schlängelt sich ein großer Fluss seinen Weg durch das Gebirge. Man kommt aus dem Staunen gar nicht mehr heraus. Normalerweise würde jetzt eine kleine Kanutour auf dem Plan stehen, aber in der Regenzeit fällt das weg. Stattdessen geht es für uns zur „Cliff of Death“. Das ist eine Steinplattform, die wirklich beängstigend aus einem Berg herausragt. Mit schlotternden Knien machen wir Bilder, und dann ist auch schon der Nächste dran. Das ist hier ein richtiger Touri-Spot, aber das ist auch verständlich.

Gegen Abend trudelt unsere Truppe dann in einer größeren Stadt ein, wo wir auf einen alten Feind stoßen: den Reiswein. Ja, es ist wieder soweit – unsere Easy Rider haben sichtlich Spaß daran, unsere verzerrten Gesichter zu sehen. Weil in dem Hotel noch ein Karaoke-Pub im Keller ist, gehen wir nach dem Essen und mehreren Reiswein-Shots nach unten. Karaoke ist wirklich das Ding in Vietnam, wenn man Party macht. Der ganze Club besteht eigentlich nur aus Leuten, die mit dem Motorrad unterwegs sind. Es ist wieder ein richtig witziger Abend, den Mira und Maya dann mit einer Runde Mäxle mit unserer Gruppe beenden, und ich mit einem Telefonat mit Salo.

[gogetyrshovel]

hello i am visiting chicago for the first time in march and have no clue what to do do you have suggestions …

YES !!!

feel free to PM me with specifics if u want (neighborhood you're staying in, dietary restrictions, interests) so i can make better recs but here are some general must dos

Attractions:

The Art Institute of Chicago is beautiful, huge, and world class and so you will not see everything but they have an app-guided tour that will take you around to some of the most famous works in their collection

The Museum of Science and Industry is a childhood fave but the interactive exhibits still hold up tbh. You can look at anatomical slices of real human bodies and simulate a tornado!

The Shedd Aquarium is amazing but pretty $$ ($40!!) so would recommend if you're super interested but maybe save your money if it doesnt seem worth it to you.

Millenium Park is a must see--weather is kinda touch and go in March but if you get a warm/sunny day I recommend renting a Divvy bike and checking out the Lakefront Trail (side note: Lake Michigan is way bigger than u think it is)

Navy Pier is largely a tourist trap and nothing special I would skip it LOL 1

The Architecture Tours are also amazing and worth it !! Plus the views from the river are unmatched.

Neighborhoods to check out/Food to eat:

(I'm assuming you're staying in the loop but if not I can give you more suggestions based on where you're staying/what's accessible via transit)

Wicker Park/Logan Square

Cool bookstores, record stores, thrifting, good breakfast/brunch, coffee shops up the wazoo. Easily accessible via the blue line (more on transit later), one of my favorite meals ever is the Chicken Fried Chicken from Dove's Luncheonette.

Chinatown

The Chinese American Museum is pretty interesting if you're into history, but the biggest draw of Chinatown is the food. Chiu Quon Bakery has delicious pork buns and egg tarts that are ridiculously affordable, Hing Kee's soup dumplings are top tier. Go4Food is another local favorite and I recommend Happy Lamb if you're looking for hot pot.

Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park Zoo is free!! Check out the lily ponds and the Lincoln Park Conservatory. The coffee and baked goods at Verzenay are a little $$ but totally worth it.

Andersonville:

My biggest pet peeve is when people tell queer tourists to go to Boystown just cuz they have the gay bars and rainbow sidewalks. Andersonville doesn't have as many lesbians as it used to, but the vibes are a lot more inclusive and it feels way less yuppie gay white guy in my humble lesbian opinion. Lots of cute boutiques and good food. Kopi Cafe is unique and has really great vegetarian/pescatarian sandwiches and snacks. Not too far from Little Vietnam either, get a big bowl of pho or a banh mi at Pho 888.

Getting around:

I will wax poetic about the CTA, but it can definitely be intimidating if you're not familiar with it! You can get the Ventra app on your phone and tap it at the turnstiles/on buses --any chip card will work too. The best bang for your buck is to get a 3-day pass or a 5-day pass depending on how long you'll be here, because those give you unlimited rides and you'll probably be doing a lot of running around. The L (for elevated trains) is generally faster than the buses and are named by color (e.g. the red line, blue line, green line etc). Buses are numbered and sometimes have letters too. Google Maps' transit directions are usually solid but estimated arrival times are more accurate on the Ventra app itself.

[plenilune]

tagged by @endquestionmark an age and a half ago but I lost it in a tab. however I love to do a little Survey like it's 2004 on Xanga.

relationship status: ecstatically partnered, but non-monogamous

favorite color: the specific pale green smoothing to black of oxidised copper, and the dark dark pine green that is its companion.

favorite food: god I love food. favourite categories include: inventive sandwiches with many layers, very simple and perfect sandwiches (peanut butter, nice salami, ham on brioche with kewpie mayo, tamago sando, the old American man version of tamago sando which is very mustardy egg salad on toasted pumpernickel), tomato soup, buttered toast, ramens and stir fries, anything of the put an egg on it variety, Corey's chicken cooked in herbs and butter and white wine, Corey's strip steak, hot dogs from the roller grill at Speedway, anything you can order at a diner at 3am, Fancy Pizza, anything that goes in a fry-up, quiche, marble rye, beer bread, fresh baguette with cheddar, rosemary bread, focaccia, savoury scones, sourdough, bread, also bread, other bread, more bread,

song stuck in my head: perpetually the main riff from Charles Mingus' "Moanin'" (specifically this version), a tune which Corey and I have decided is just the soundtrack to an easily imagined animated piece about small terriers getting into Trouble. thus it has become the melody to at least a third of the little songs we sing to and about our small terrier when he is, getting himself into Trouble.

last thing i googled: kdjsshjkghs. well. it was "bicycle in tenebrae" because I watched the opening to Argento's Tenebrae last night and discovered the protagonist spends the first scene riding a MOTHERFUCKING CELESTE BIANCHI to the JFK airport and I needed to know if any other bicycle enthusiasts were talking about this. (a Bianchi is a very iconic Italian racing bicycle, often painted a highly recognisable shade of oxidised-copper blue-green called Celeste. anyway I happen to have one from the mid-80s because Corey, who works as a bike mechanic and salesperson at a terrible little bike shop that is absolutely exploiting them, scored a frame in perfect condition in my exact size and has been refurbishing her since like, August, and she is my pride and joy and the fastest and most beautiful bicycle in the WORLD.) the most ABSURD special-interest collision I've had in months. anyway Corey was able to identify the bike in the film down to the model and the approximate model year, which I thought was very sexy of them.

local time: 5:19 pm

dream trip: I want to show Corey (and everyone else I love) New York, the city I fell in love with, and Corey wants to show me London, which they fell in love with as a teenager, and we both want terribly to spend a month in Scotland, walking Edinburgh for hours and bicycling through the otherworldly green hills. I want to go back to Boston. I want to go back to West Virginia. I want to go back to Nova Scotia, and explore the plains of Canada as well, and I want to drive up the entire west coast and get my head lost on those long strange highways. I want to see Prague, and Tokyo, and Berlin, and Vienna, and Mumbai, and Sao Paolo, and Paris, and Beijing, and, everywhere that's a city that has become a myth of a city. I want to see places I'd never considered and fall in love with the unexpectedness of them. I want to take every single subway in the world. I want to go on a food tour of Italy, and Vietnam, and Turkey, and Morocco. I want to see forests that are older than any building I've ever touched. I want to see Australia, and Galapagos, and I want to get stoned as fuck with Rebecca and Britt in Atlanta and then go hiking, and for Corey and Rowan and Dylan and I to all cook a big meal together and then scream about tv, and go thrifting with JD in Texas, and have Kater show me her best weird secondhand shops in upstate New York, and Avery I want to lie on the floor with you and the record player and get so fucking lost, and I want all the people I love best to show me the places they love best, and tell me why it matters to them and try to see the ways in which they love that place and if I can get it inside of me, too. I want to see so much. I want to see everything.

[canonicallyobserving911]

Buck & Eddie: CANON Songs of Their Love Story continues…6x4

Their LOVE story is continuing to be told in CANON by the songs included in their scenes. The links to previous posts have been included below:  

Seasons 2 through 5

6x1 Let the Games Begin

6x2 Crash and Learn

Separate posts for each episode will be uploaded weekly provided there were any songs that pertain to their story included in that week’s episode.  There was 1 song in 6x4 that related to Buck and Eddie’s CANON love story.

6x4 “Animal Instincts”

Scene: The 118 responded to a car vs. bicycle accident

Song: Bicycle by Queen

Lyrics: 

Chorus: Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle. I want to ride my bicycle, bicycle, bicycle, I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike, I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride it where I like.  

Verse: You say black, I say white, You say bark, I say bite, You say shark, I say hey man, Jaws was never my scene, And I don't like Star Wars, You say Rolls, I say Royce, You say God give me a choice, You say Lord, I say Christ, I don't believe in Peter Pan, Frankenstein or Superman, All I wanna do is,

Chorus: Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle. I want to ride my bicycle, bicycle, bicycle, I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike, I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bicycle.

Verse: races are coming your way, So forget all your duties, oh yeah. Fat bottomed girls, they'll be riding today. So look out for those beauties, oh yeah. On your marks, get set, go.

Chorus: Bicycle race, bicycle race, bicycle race, Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle, I want to ride my bicycle, bicycle, bicycle, bicycle, (I want a) bicycle race.

Verse: You say coke, I say 'caine, You say John, I say Wayne, Hot dog, I say cool it man, I don't wanna be the President of America, You say smile, I say cheese, Cartier, I say please, Income tax, I say Jesus, I don't wanna be a candidate, For Vietnam or Watergate, 'Cause all I want to do is

Chorus: Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle, I want to ride my bicycle, bicycle (c'mon), bicycle, I want to ride my, bicycle, I want to ride my bike, I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride it where I like.”

Freddie Mercury was the lead singer of Queen and he wrote the song “Bicycle”. He was quoted as saying he wrote it after watching the Tour de France bicycle race in 1978.  Even though the word “bicycle” and the lyric “I want to ride my bicycle” are mentioned several times throughout the song, it’s important to note the song is not about bicycles; it’s actually about one’s “personal freedom”.  When translated the song is about a person “living their life the way they choose to live it” not the way they believe they are “supposed to” or the way people expect for them to live it.

The song starts with Queen singing, “Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle!” right after Eddie says, “Buck, where the he!! you going?” and Buck sped past him riding the victim’s bicycle. 

Buck was following the drunk driver because Chimney was trapped inside of the car with him but it’s important to note that Buck did not follow the police during the high-speed chase.

He followed his own path and by doing so he was able to stop the car without anyone being injured before the police arrived.  Therefore Buck’s actions allowed him to do exactly what the lyrics in Queen’s song “Bicycle” alludes to because Buck followed his instincts and made his own personal choices during that car chase instead of doing what everyone thought he should do.

The meaning of the song “Bicycle” correlates with the conversations Buck had with three older men right before all of them died; Thomas in 2x8 “Buck Actually”, Red in 3x16 “The One that Got Away” and Lev in 6x2 “Crash and Learn”. They all imparted wisdom to Buck during their conversations with him and the things Buck should have learned from those talks all revolve around him living his life the way he wants to live it instead of living it the way society and other people expect or want him to live it. Buck is supposed to make his own choices so that he can experience his own personal freedoms. Thomas told Buck how he and Mitchell lived their lives the way they wanted to because they loved each other and they didn’t allow other people to dictate the way they chose to live.  He also told Buck the meaning of love was to “make it” which meant he could fall in love with whomever he chooses to and that he can build a life and a family with that person.  Red told Buck if he kept putting his job as a firefighter first while continuing to neglect building a life and family of his own, he would end up dying alone with regrets just like Red did.  Lev told Buck that he spent 40 years living his life the way people thought he was “supposed to” live it but he wasn’t happy. He didn’t realize until right before he died that he could have been happy a long time ago if he had chosen to live his life the way he wanted to instead of the way people told him to.  All three of them told Buck about living his life on his own terms instead of doing the expected things that other people do but he is continuing to misunderstand the assignment.  He’s still searching for happiness in all the wrong places instead of looking right in front of him for the family he built with Eddie more than four years ago.

Currently Buck is doing the exact opposite of living his life the way he wants to since he’s continuing to allow people like Connor to manipulate him.  Being a sperm donor for someone when Buck knows in his heart that he wants a family of his own is not emotionally or mentally healthy for him (related post). He’s been manipulated by so many people in the past that he doesn’t see how the life and family he already built with Eddie and Christopher are right there and have been for a long time (related GIF set).  Eddie and Christopher have been and continue to wait for Buck to realize they are his family but it appears the show is going to keep Buck on a path of self-destruction until he has a mental breakdown like Eddie did in 5x13 “Fear-O-Phobia”.

In previous seasons and in episode 6x1, all the songs’ lyrics were in sync with Buck and Eddie’s conversations and mannerisms; but the song in 6x4 is similar to those that were in 6x2 because it was used to foreshadow things that are set to happen in the near future for them as a couple and for Buck as an individual. As season 6 continues, 9-1-1 has shown the audience that they will continue to be VERY LOUD regarding their plan of making Buck and Eddie a CANON couple.

[bikeit]

Packing: Van-Supported + Hotel Tour

(part 3 of 5) I'm gradually going through past trip notebooks and jotting down all my packing lists down in one place. I'm writing out my packing list for an upcoming trip now so I figured I might as well copy and paste it onto the blog as well...

In 2022 I went on a multi-week vehicle-supported stay-in-hotels tour: a ~1200 mile ride through Vietnam and Cambodia with TdA Global Cycling. Typically for this type of trip there’s a support van that transports one large duffel bag to the next night’s hotel for you, freeing you to just carry daily essentials on the bike.

The extra capacity combined with our more remote travel including gravel/dirt roads led me to pack heavier. My packing list for this type, climate, and length of trip (retroactively revised based on what I wished I’d had, or brought but didn’t use):

Clothes:

In general, I packed enough clothes to do laundry every six days (this bike tour was organized so we’d ride at most five full days in a row between days off), plus overnight hotel-room-sink laundry for crucial fast-drying items, and wool Ts I can wear multiple days.

Bike clothes:

(3-4x) padded bike shorts [two pairs is enough if washing in the sink each night, but when it’s raining or there isn’t an easy place to hang it to dry it’s nice to be able to take a day off laundry]

(6x) socks

(2x) shorts with pockets (“mountain bike style”) to wear over padded shorts, also fine to walk around town in

(2x) light merino wool t-shirts to both bike and walk around in

(1x) synthetic souvenir jersey from some past trip (conversation starter!)

mesh t-shirt to bike in on the hottest days (there isn't much I find comfortable to bike in on 90-100F sunny + humid days, but the AeroTech Delta Cooling T-shirt was pretty good)

lightweight cycle cap

bandana (can soak in water to cool down on the hottest days)

sun sleeves

arm warmers, leg warmers, leg sun shields [never needed, omit in this climate]

fingerless gloves

[tbd future] full finger waterproof gloves– there was one cold and rainy day at elevation they would have been appreciated

general-purpose bike-and-walk shoes

backup pair of shoes (in case first get wet and don’t dry by the next day)-- this only came up twice after very rainy days, but I was glad to have them. I save an ancient worn-out pair of shoes just for this.

flip-flops / crocs

[tbd future] hiking shoes with better arch support, or insoles [would be bulky, but on one many-hour hike on a rest day I was wishing I had these]

[tbd future] bike helmet brim (e.g. Da Brim) [wished I had more of a helmet visor some days, and this was great on the past Utah MTB dirt tour – on the other hands, it also catches the wind if biking faster]

[tbd future] hi-vis biking vest, especially for days with some dark road tunnels

Other Clothes:

gym shorts to change into after ride

(2x) long pants (one lpermethrin treated since I was in a malaria zone)

(3x) light t-shirts

(2x) long sleeve button up shirt (one quick-dry hiking style, one ‘dressy’)

bathing suit

brimmed hat

light pack towel in case of roadside swimming holes [didn’t end up carrying daily or using, may omit]

Wet Weather Gear

hi-vis yellow rain coat

[tbd future] loose rain poncho for rain in hot + humid weather, instead

rain pants and shoe covers [ineffective and sweaty after hours of riding, getting wet in a warm climate is OK, omitting]

Documents + Paper:

photocopies of passport ID page, visas, vaccination cards, travel insurance in a ziploc bag (I carry copies on me, leave originals in hotel bag)

high-level maps for the regions I’m going through

pocket phrase guide or one-page printout of common phrases and menu items

local travel guide

books / kindle

notebooks and pens

Medical + Hygiene

toiletries kit

on-bike travel medkit (including moleskin pads, ibuprofen, immodium)

antimalarials

antibiotic prescription

a few rapid Covid tests

masks

dry soap sheets

toilet paper + wet wipes in a ziploc bag

(2x) sunscreen

(2x) chamois cream

DEET

Basic Bike Tools

As per my standard “on the bike” list:

travel pump

patch kit

spare tube

tire levers

multitool including chain break and master link

grease-cutting hand wipes

More Bicycle Spare Parts and Tools

Since we’d be out in rural areas without easy access to bike shops, I packed additional parts in my hotel bag, as on a supported tour there was an emergency vehicle in case of a major breakdown):

(2x) spare tires (I did end up using one of them, when one tire accumulated multiple larger punctures)

(5x) spare tubes (managed to use 3 plus some patches on a month-long tour with moderately rough roads)

bicycle lube (Boeshield T-9 or other), double-bagged in two ziplocs in case of leak (the bottle did leak once-- I'm glad I bagged it)

rag for chain

(2x) spare brake cables and housings

(2x) spare shift cables and housings

(2x pairs) brake pads

(1x) spare set of pedals (likely unnecessary, omit next time)

(4x) spare spokes (the right length for the front wheel and drive and non-drive sides of the rear wheel– I had to chat with the original bike manufacturer to double-check these)

8mm allen L-key (stiffer than multitool, for pedals / seat during bike unpacking)

spare chain and master link

extra moist towelettes

zip ties

duct tape

Food 

This kind of supported tour generally offers a midday lunch / snack popup by the side of the road, and periodic towns where we could buy snacks, but I packed about one snack for every two days just to have some familiar options (peanut butter and dried pineapple) as well as some hydration salts.

Electronics:

(2x) outlet adapters

(2x) USB chargers

cables

small USB battery pack (enough to charge everything for one night-- occasionally a hotel didn't have enough working plugs)

bike computer / GPS

backup distance-only bike computer [didn't use, the phone is already my backup for my GPS, omit]

bright daylight-visible taillight (I like the Cygolite Hotshot Pro series)

bike headling

headlamp [somewhat redundant with headlight and phone, may omit]

waterproof camera [nice for taking photos on rainy days while keeping phone tucked away in a plastic bag, but may omit next time]

[tbd future] ipad or tiny laptop, if part of a longer trip where I may want to do some work or writing

Bags:

duffel bag (I've been happy with my 100L Patagonia Black Hole)

hip pack (for extra water (Evoc Hip Pack Pro = 1.5L), snacks, toiletries on bike [may omit now that I have a small frame bag]

day pack for hikes (don't need both this and hip pack)

single pannier for carrying clothing on rainy or cold days (usually not needed) or if going on a DIY side trip -- omit on next trip to simplify and allow me to remove bike rear rack as well

stem bag (for sunglasses, sunscreen, extra water)

top tube bag (snacks)

Other Misc

backup pair of glasses

glasses wipes

sunglasses

[tbd future] clothesline for hotel room / balcony: paracord + binder clips + two carabiners

[tbd future] ultralight sleeping bag liner (for a niche problem: there were a few days when it was too hot to sleep under a comforter, but the hotel didn’t provide a top sheet, and bugs or aggressive breeze from the hotel fan on my skin were distracting when trying to sleep, maybe this would help)

Weight:

Not counting the bike and helmet or the clothes I wore onto the plane, the original version of this packlist came to about 48lbs (22 kg) in the duffel bag. Once I was riding with some of it on the bike (hip pack, bike bags, tools, snack bars, and so on), the duffel that was transferred between hotels weighed about 40lbs (18kg).

The revised version of this packlist for a future trip (removing the strikeout items and adding most of the "tbd future" items) also came to about 48 lbs as checked on the plane total including the bike bags, or about 43 lbs / 19.5 kg once some items were carried on the bike. Not quite at my goal of 18kg but close... I could pack lighter and with fewer separate sub-bags, but I like being organized and bringing a few new pieces of clothing/gear to try each trip.

[vietnambikeadventure]

Elite Bikes, Exceptional Tours: Discover Now! #cycling #travel #vietnam...

[vietnam-by-bike]

1. Immersion in the Ancient Khmer Empire:

Cycling allows you to fully immerse yourself in the ancient wonders of the Khmer Empire, with Angkor Wat and Banteay Srei being the highlights. As you pedal through the temple complexes, you will witness the grandeur and intricate details that have been preserved for centuries. Unlike exploring these sites by car or bus, cycling provides a closer connection to the historical context, allowing you to observe the architecture, intricate carvings, and experience their sheer magnificence firsthand.

2. Off-the-beaten-path Adventure:

Venturing off the main tourist routes in Cambodia and Vietnam is made possible by cycling. Kampong Thom, located between Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh, presents an opportunity to delve into the rich Khmer culture and explore lesser-known temples, rice fields, and local villages. By exploring these hidden gems on a bike, you can witness authentic Cambodian life, interact with friendly locals, and gain a deeper appreciation for this enchanting region.

3. Unforgettable Cultural Experiences:

Cycling through Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital city of Cambodia, allows you to absorb the vibrant history and culture firsthand. Visit the haunting Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields for a profound understanding of Cambodia's dark past. Pedaling through local markets, sampling delicious street food, and interacting with friendly locals will provide irreplaceable cultural experiences that showcase the warmth and generosity of the Cambodian people.

4. Connection with Nature:

The journey through the Mekong Delta, a sprawling network of rivers, canals, and lush green landscapes, is a highlight of this cycling adventure. By cycling through this picturesque region, you can witness the daily life of locals living along the delta's banks, pass through verdant rice paddies, and explore charming villages. The peaceful and serene environment allows for a deeper connection with nature, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

5. Mekong River: Lifeline of Southeast Asia:

Following the Mekong River by bike offers an extraordinary perspective on the region's livelihood and biodiversity. As you cycle along the river, you will witness local fishermen casting their nets, witness traditional fishing villages, and witness a rich array of wildlife. Furthermore, a cycling adventure along the Mekong River allows you to witness the magnificent sunrises and sunsets that paint the river's banks with mesmerizing colors, creating postcard-worthy moments wherever you turn.

✅ Cycling in Cambodia and Vietnam 10 days offers an unforgettable experience that combines historical wonders, cultural immersion, and a connection with nature. By taking this unique, off-the-beaten-path approach, you have the opportunity to engage with local culture, witness breathtaking landscapes, and experience the region from a completely different perspective. So gear up, hop on a bike, and get ready for an adventure that will create lasting memories and leave you with a profound appreciation for the captivating destinations of Cambodia and Vietnam.

[pnguyenst]

Vietnam Biking Tours for the Adventurous Escapades

Want to explore an accelerating journey across various terrains? Explore the Vietnam biking tours to promise mountainous landscapes across the serene coastlines. Get ready to discover hidden gems in Vietnam and enjoy the flexibility and freedom that biking offers.

[vishwaaparyatan]

Planning a Global Adventure? The Best International Travel Agencies in Jaipur

Planning a global adventure can be both exciting and overwhelming. With countless destinations to choose from, varying travel requirements, and the logistics of planning an itinerary, it’s easy to feel lost. Fortunately, Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is home to a number of reputable international travel agency in Jaipur that can help streamline the process and make your travel dreams a reality. This article will explore the benefits of working with travel agencies in Jaipur and highlight how they can enhance your global adventure.

1. Understanding the Role of Travel Agencies

Expert Guidance

Destination Knowledge: Travel agencies have extensive knowledge of popular and off-the-beaten-path destinations. They can provide insights on the best times to visit, local customs, and must-see attractions.

Travel Restrictions and Requirements: With ever-changing travel restrictions, agencies can help you navigate visa requirements, health regulations, and safety protocols.

Customized Itineraries

Tailored Experiences: Agencies can create personalized itineraries based on your interests, whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion.

Flexibility: They can adjust plans based on your preferences, allowing for spontaneity during your trip.

2. Benefits of Choosing Jaipur-Based Travel Agencies

Local Expertise

Cultural Insights: Travel agencies in Jaipur often have deep roots in the local culture, enabling them to offer unique experiences and recommendations that you might not find in guidebooks.

Language Support: Many agencies provide services in multiple languages, making it easier for international travelers to communicate and understand local customs.

Comprehensive Services

All-Inclusive Packages: Many agencies offer comprehensive packages that cover flights, accommodation, transportation, and activities, providing a hassle-free experience.

24/7 Support: Reputable agencies offer around-the-clock support, ensuring you have assistance whenever needed during your travels.

3. Top International Destinations Offered by Jaipur Agencies

Europe

Cultural Richness: From the art of Paris to the historical landmarks of Rome, travel agencies can craft itineraries that encompass the best of Europe’s diverse cultures.

Multi-Country Tours: Agencies often provide options for multi-country tours, allowing you to explore several destinations in one trip.

Southeast Asia

Affordable Destinations: Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia are popular for their affordability and stunning landscapes. Agencies can help you find the best deals on flights and accommodations.

Adventure Activities: From trekking in the Himalayas to diving in the Andaman Sea, travel agencies can organize thrilling activities tailored to your adventure level.

North America

Diverse Experiences: Whether you’re interested in the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon or the urban excitement of New York City, agencies can help you plan comprehensive itineraries that cover major attractions.

Road Trips: For those looking to explore, agencies can suggest scenic road trip routes, complete with accommodations and activities along the way.

Australia and New Zealand

Unique Wildlife: Experience the Great Barrier Reef or the scenic landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island. Agencies can arrange guided tours and experiences that highlight the natural beauty of these regions.

Cultural Experiences: Engage with local cultures through tours that include indigenous experiences and culinary adventures.

4. Adventure Travel Options

Tailored Adventure Packages

Customized Itineraries: If you’re an adventure seeker, agencies can craft itineraries that include activities like hiking, biking, and water sports in breathtaking locations.

Safety and Logistics: Experienced travel agencies ensure that all activities prioritize safety and are conducted by qualified professionals.

Group Tours

Social Experience: Joining a group tour can be a great way to meet fellow travelers while exploring new destinations. Agencies often organize tours that cater to specific interests.

Cost-Effective: Group tours can be more economical, as costs are shared among participants, making it easier to explore expensive destinations.

5. Sustainable Travel Practices

Eco-Friendly Options

Responsible Travel: Many travel agencies in Jaipur promote eco-friendly travel practices, such as supporting local communities and minimizing environmental impact.

Cultural Respect: Agencies often encourage travelers to engage respectfully with local cultures, ensuring a positive impact on the communities they visit.

Community Engagement

Local Experiences: Agencies can arrange for travelers to participate in community projects or local workshops, providing a richer understanding of the region and its people.

Support Local Economies: By choosing local accommodations and activities, travelers contribute to the economic sustainability of the regions they visit.

6. Planning Your Trip Efficiently

Research and Comparison

Multiple Options: Work with several travel agencies to compare itineraries, pricing, and additional services. This can help you find the best fit for your travel style.

Read Reviews: Look for reviews from previous travelers to gauge the agency’s reliability and quality of service.

Budgeting

Transparent Pricing: Reputable agencies provide clear pricing structures, allowing you to understand what is included in your package.

Hidden Costs: Ensure that you are aware of any additional fees or costs that may arise during your trip, such as entrance fees or optional activities.

7. Conclusion

Planning a global adventure from Jaipur is an enriching experience, especially when you partner with a reputable travel agency. With their expert guidance, local knowledge, and access to tailored itineraries, these agencies can help you navigate the complexities of international travel while ensuring a memorable journey. From cultural experiences in Europe to adventure activities in Southeast Asia, the possibilities are endless. By choosing a travel agency, you not only simplify the planning process but also enhance your overall travel experience, allowing you to focus on the excitement of exploring new destinations. So, embark on your next adventure with confidence, and let the experts guide you to unforgettable experiences around the globe.

[threeland-travel]

Threeland Travel offers the Hoi An Bike Tour during Vietnam tours. which provides an immersive experience in the city's ancient streets and scenic surroundings. The city is located in the delta of the Co Co River, and the best time for a Hoi An bike tour is early morning or sunset, Threeland Travel caters to riders of all levels for your first experience.

[pronititravelagency]

Unleash Your Inner Explorer: Vietnam Adventure Tours With Proniti Travel

Vietnam, a Southeast Asian nation, is a land of captivating beauty and thrilling adventures. From the emerald rice terraces of Sapa to the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam offers something for every kind of traveler. But for those seeking an adrenaline rush and an authentic experience, Vietnam adventure tours are the perfect way to explore this captivating country.

Proniti Travel, a reputable travel agency specializing in customized tours, curates Vietnam adventure tours that take you beyond the tourist trail. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a first-time explorer, Proniti Travel can design the perfect itinerary to match your interests and fitness level.

Based on what I found on Proniti Travel's website here, here are some exciting adventure tours you can expect to find:

Trekking Adventures: Hike through breathtaking landscapes, from the majestic mountains of Sapa to the jungles of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. Explore hidden waterfalls, trek through rice paddies, and discover remote villages where time seems to stand still.

Cycling Adventures: Explore Vietnam's diverse landscapes on two wheels. Cycle through the charming countryside, navigate bustling city streets, or challenge yourself on a mountain bike ride.

Motorbike Adventures: Embark on an epic motorbike adventure and experience Vietnam like a local. Explore scenic coastal roads, navigate winding mountain passes, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Kayaking Adventures: Paddle through emerald waters, explore hidden caves, and discover the beauty of Ha Long Bay or Mekong Delta from a unique perspective.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Adventures: Dive into Vietnam's vibrant underwater world and explore coral reefs teeming with marine life. Whether you're a certified diver or a beginner, there are plenty of options to explore the wonders beneath the waves.

These are just a few examples, and Proniti Travel can tailor-make an adventure tour to suit your specific interests and preferences. Do you dream of spelunking in ancient caves? Perhaps white-water rafting down the Mekong River is more your style? Proniti Travel's travel experts can help you design the adventure of a lifetime.

Here are some of the benefits of booking your Vietnam adventure tour with Proniti Travel:

Customized itineraries: Proniti Travel understands that every traveler is unique. They will work with you to create a tour that perfectly matches your interests, fitness level, and budget.

Experienced guides: Proniti Travel's team of experienced and knowledgeable guides will ensure your safety and enjoyment throughout your adventure.

Local expertise: Proniti Travel has a deep understanding of Vietnam's culture, history, and hidden gems. They will take you off the beaten path and show you the authentic side of Vietnam.

Safety and comfort: Proniti Travel prioritizes your safety and comfort. They will provide you with all the necessary equipment and ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Beyond the activities mentioned above, Proniti Travel can also help you arrange other aspects of your trip, such as accommodation, transportation, and permits.

So, if you're looking for an adventure that will get your heart racing and create memories that will last a lifetime, then a Vietnam adventure tour with Proniti Travel is the perfect option for you. Visit Proniti Travel's website today to start planning your unforgettable adventure in Vietnam.

Ready to embark on your Vietnamese adventure? Let Proniti Travel be your guide!