An Indian Adventure
Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL INFORMATION
What is the Indian Adventure?
The Indian Adventure bicycle expedition offers an adventure of a lifetime to anyone who is in good physical condition and willing to push beyond their comfort zone. The Indian Adventure takes almost 2 months to cover the 4,200 km from Agra to Kanyakumari on two wheels. The most important characteristics required are the will power and the guts to dare to cross India by bike.
How do you define an expedition?
We run pioneering cycling Tours in areas that often do not have the infrastructure and standard of living that you are probably accustomed to. Furthermore, many of these areas do not adhere to the same safety standards as western countries. The Tours often travel across lands where there may be political or economic instability and there may be some risks involved. Do not join one of our Tours unless you are prepared to accept these risks.
Who organizes the Indian Adventure?
Our permanent staff members are avid cyclists, outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, humanitarians, and adventurers. We have created a series of transcontinental and shorter cycling tours on “roads less travelled” that offer unique challenges and experiences to biking enthusiasts and fellow explorers from around the world.
Can I speak with someone in my area who has done the tour?
Many of our former riders are more than happy to answer questions and share their experiences. Contact our office and we will attempt to put you in touch with one of our alumni riders.
The Indian Adventure bicycle expedition offers an adventure of a lifetime to anyone who is in good physical condition and willing to push beyond their comfort zone. The Indian Adventure takes almost 2 months to cover the 4,200 km from Agra to Kanyakumari on two wheels. The most important characteristics required are the will power and the guts to dare to cross India by bike.
We run pioneering cycling Tours in areas that often do not have the infrastructure and standard of living that you are probably accustomed to. Furthermore, many of these areas do not adhere to the same safety standards as western countries. The Tours often travel across lands where there may be political or economic instability and there may be some risks involved. Do not join one of our Tours unless you are prepared to accept these risks.
Our permanent staff members are avid cyclists, outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, humanitarians, and adventurers. We have created a series of transcontinental and shorter cycling tours on “roads less travelled” that offer unique challenges and experiences to biking enthusiasts and fellow explorers from around the world.
Many of our former riders are more than happy to answer questions and share their experiences. Contact our office and we will attempt to put you in touch with one of our alumni riders.
DAILY LOGISTICS
Do you supply maps of the daily route?
No, the Tour d'Afrique Race/Expedition is a “self-guided tour with support”. Directions for each day are provided on a white board during the previous evening’s rider meeting and can be reviewed by riders at breakfast and lunch. Otherwise riders are expected to be independent and responsible for their own well being. The Tour is set up to provide reasonable support and safety. This includes flagging tape at crucial turns, a midday check point and the retrieval of all riders still on the road one hour before darkness.
Waht is the typical day like?
A typical riding day will begin at 7:30 AM. By then you will have packed your gear, checked out of your room, had your breakfast, filled your water bottles, and readied your bike. Just past or around the half way point each day (biking days vary from 40km on rough country roads to 140km on paved roads with wind at your back) the lunch truck will be awaiting your arrival with sandwiches, fruit and drinks and some words of encouragement. After a brief lunch you are on your way to the next hotel where a warm welcome awaits. You check in to your room, clean up, do some basic bike maintenance, and get ready for dinner and the next day. Depending on how fast you cycle, you will have plenty of opportunity to explore the town and surrounding area.
What about baggage?
Our support vehicles will carry everything that you don't need for the day. While riding, you only have to carry some basic tools, a spare tube, water, a snack, and some optional stuff, depending on your interests, such as camera, binoculars and a map. Everything else we take for you. We ask that you use some common sense and consideration for the other participants when deciding what to bring on the Tour as space is quite limited on the support vehicles. Additional packing information will be available in the Registration and Information Kit sent to registered riders.
Where do we sleep?
Unlike most of our other expeditions every night on The Indian Adventure is spent in a hotel. They will vary from luxurious Rajasthani palaces to basic Indian lodges.
What will we eat?
On riding days you will have breakfast in the hotel each morning. Lunch will be served roadside at about the halfway point. At night, you will eat at the hotel where a buffet dinner is the general rule. We will also supply fresh, clean water for the day's ride.
Of course, you are free to eat on your own at any time. Certainly the local cuisines available throughout the day's ride will prove to be an irresistable temptation.
No, the Tour d'Afrique Race/Expedition is a “self-guided tour with support”. Directions for each day are provided on a white board during the previous evening’s rider meeting and can be reviewed by riders at breakfast and lunch. Otherwise riders are expected to be independent and responsible for their own well being. The Tour is set up to provide reasonable support and safety. This includes flagging tape at crucial turns, a midday check point and the retrieval of all riders still on the road one hour before darkness.
A typical riding day will begin at 7:30 AM. By then you will have packed your gear, checked out of your room, had your breakfast, filled your water bottles, and readied your bike. Just past or around the half way point each day (biking days vary from 40km on rough country roads to 140km on paved roads with wind at your back) the lunch truck will be awaiting your arrival with sandwiches, fruit and drinks and some words of encouragement. After a brief lunch you are on your way to the next hotel where a warm welcome awaits. You check in to your room, clean up, do some basic bike maintenance, and get ready for dinner and the next day. Depending on how fast you cycle, you will have plenty of opportunity to explore the town and surrounding area.
Our support vehicles will carry everything that you don't need for the day. While riding, you only have to carry some basic tools, a spare tube, water, a snack, and some optional stuff, depending on your interests, such as camera, binoculars and a map. Everything else we take for you. We ask that you use some common sense and consideration for the other participants when deciding what to bring on the Tour as space is quite limited on the support vehicles. Additional packing information will be available in the Registration and Information Kit sent to registered riders.
Unlike most of our other expeditions every night on The Indian Adventure is spent in a hotel. They will vary from luxurious Rajasthani palaces to basic Indian lodges.
On riding days you will have breakfast in the hotel each morning. Lunch will be served roadside at about the halfway point. At night, you will eat at the hotel where a buffet dinner is the general rule. We will also supply fresh, clean water for the day's ride.
Of course, you are free to eat on your own at any time. Certainly the local cuisines available throughout the day's ride will prove to be an irresistable temptation.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Is it safe to travel by bicycle through India?
We think so. We constantly monitor the current political climate in the country. We also conduct scouting missions to get a first hand insight. While on tour, if we determine that a certain area has become unstable we will change the route at short notice. Based on our combined international experience we are confident that there will be no serious safety issues, but as with all travel to unfamiliar territory the possibility of danger exists. In order to reduce risks it is important to always respect the local culture and people and to observe the local law. Your greatest hazard is, in fact, the motorized vehicles, as it is for cyclists everywhere, so appropriate safety/visibility gear is essential.
Do I need travel medical insurance?
Yes, travel medical insurance is required, and we will need copies of these documents before the start of the tour. No one will be allowed on the Tour without proof of travel medical insurance. This will ensure smooth processing in case of emergency. You should also obtain trip cancellation insurance, in the event that you have to leave the tour unexpectedly, or a portion of the tour has to be cancelled due to reasons beyond Tour d'Afrique's control, as this will enable you to recoup the costs of any changes to or additional air tickets.
What about health?
Undoubtedly health is a major concern on an expedition of such length. You will need to check with your doctor or a local travel medical clinic, well in advance of your tour, to determine what vaccinations and any other medications you will need for travel in India. The most likely problems we will encounter will be sunburn, saddle sores, scrapes cuts and blisters, and diarrhoea (Dehli Belly). A good personal health and sanitation routine, including regular hand washing, is key to avoiding bugs in general as well as more serious illnesses. There is an important section on personal health in the Registration and Information Kit sent to registered riders
We think so. We constantly monitor the current political climate in the country. We also conduct scouting missions to get a first hand insight. While on tour, if we determine that a certain area has become unstable we will change the route at short notice. Based on our combined international experience we are confident that there will be no serious safety issues, but as with all travel to unfamiliar territory the possibility of danger exists. In order to reduce risks it is important to always respect the local culture and people and to observe the local law. Your greatest hazard is, in fact, the motorized vehicles, as it is for cyclists everywhere, so appropriate safety/visibility gear is essential.
Yes, travel medical insurance is required, and we will need copies of these documents before the start of the tour. No one will be allowed on the Tour without proof of travel medical insurance. This will ensure smooth processing in case of emergency. You should also obtain trip cancellation insurance, in the event that you have to leave the tour unexpectedly, or a portion of the tour has to be cancelled due to reasons beyond Tour d'Afrique's control, as this will enable you to recoup the costs of any changes to or additional air tickets.
Undoubtedly health is a major concern on an expedition of such length. You will need to check with your doctor or a local travel medical clinic, well in advance of your tour, to determine what vaccinations and any other medications you will need for travel in India. The most likely problems we will encounter will be sunburn, saddle sores, scrapes cuts and blisters, and diarrhoea (Dehli Belly). A good personal health and sanitation routine, including regular hand washing, is key to avoiding bugs in general as well as more serious illnesses. There is an important section on personal health in the Registration and Information Kit sent to registered riders
WHAT ARE THE COSTS?
How much does it cost?
Please refer to the In Depth page for details on pricing, including the full tour and sectional entry fees.
What other expenses will I likely have before and during the Tour?
Do I need a visa?
Yes, a visa for India is required by most nationalities and must be obtained in advance. Contact the Indian embassy and/or consulate nearest to your home for details. Much of this information is available on embassy websites
What does my entry fee include?
Please refer to the In Depth page for details on pricing, including the full tour and sectional entry fees.
- Flight
- Bicycle, spare parts, gear & accessories
- Equipment including tent, camping mattress and sleeping bag
- Vaccinations
- Personal electronics, medical supplies, and any other personal needs
- Visas
- Food on rest days plus dinner on nights before rest days
- Souvenirs (optional)
- Gratuities for field staff (optional)
Yes, a visa for India is required by most nationalities and must be obtained in advance. Contact the Indian embassy and/or consulate nearest to your home for details. Much of this information is available on embassy websites
- Tour organization, management and staff. Tour staff typically include Tour Directors, drivers, mechanic, and others as needed
- One night hotel accommodation in Agra & Kanyakumari
- Hotels along the route
- Meals on riding days
- Vehicle support to carry baggage and sick/injured riders
TOURISM
Will I have time to enjoy some of the exotic palces along the way?
Absolutely! The tour has been designed to enable riders to explore some of the most fascinating places in the world on their rest days. And since the average biking day will be five to seven hours, there will often be plenty of time to explore the local environment on riding days as well.
Waht are some of the touristic highlights of the tour?
What are some of the hidden gems - places that we go that are off the tourist trail?
Absolutely! The tour has been designed to enable riders to explore some of the most fascinating places in the world on their rest days. And since the average biking day will be five to seven hours, there will often be plenty of time to explore the local environment on riding days as well.
- The Taj Mahal
- The Blue City of Jodhpur
- The holy city of Pushkar
- The Gateway of India
- The ruins at Hampi
- The Princely city of Mysore
- Tea plantations at Munnar
- Fort Cochin
- The backwaters of Kerala
- Kanyakumari
- Hidden forts in Rajasthan
- Rural stay at Fort Dhamli
- Former Maharaja's Hunting Lodge at Jambaghoda
- Saputara Hill Station
- Ferry ride out of Mumbai
- Coastal ride south of Mumbai
- Isolated Wildlife reserves
- The Silk City
- The Loom City
- Endless streches of undiscovered back roads
PREPARING TO RIDE
What kind of bike should I bring?
There is no one style of bike that is perfectly suited to our Expeditions, but there are several that do the job well. A traditional road bike is not ideal as each tour includes some lengthy and tough off road sections. Nor is a full suspension mountain bike which will be both relatively slow and energy consuming on pavement.
Here are the three principal options, each of which will do the job well. Choose the one that suits you best:
Mountain Bike with Front Suspension – A hard tail mountain bike is the most versatile and popular choice, as it provides suspension for the off roads, relative comfort, and with a thinner set of tires a decent ride on paved roads. The drawback is that with smaller diameter tires and front suspension, it will be a little slower, a little heavier, and a little less efficient than other bikes on pavement. Having locking front suspension is key, as you can “lock out” on the smooth roads and “lock in” on the rougher roads.
Cyclocross bike - This bike is also very popular among our clients, as it combines the ruggedness of a mountain bike, with the speed and design of a road bike. With slick tires these bikes are fast on the good roads. While they do accommodate wider off road tires, riders will be seriously challenged on the rougher off-road sections. Cyclecross bikes are recommended for relatively fit and strong people who can handle the abuse of the rough roads while benefitting from the increased performance on the good roads.
Hybrid bike -This bike has the same wheel size as a Cyclocross bike, but with straight handlebars instead of road style drop bars. Hybrids often also have front suspension and suspension in the seatpost. Hybrids are designed more for comfort and leisure rather than performance.
We always preach to riders that simplicity and durability are best because the availability of replacement parts is greatly limited in most of the countries on our tours, and our mechanics will not have some of the tools or skills to work with complex or unusual assemblies. A steel frame is preferred (if not steel than aluminum is the best choice), with simple components, simple suspension, and no hydraulics.
What kind of training should I undertake?
You should be in good physical shape and have the ability to consistently bike more than 100km per day. A recommended detailed training schedule is provided to Registered Riders.
How do I transport my bicycle to the starting point and back home after the tour?
Most airlines now charge a set oversize or sports equipment fee for bike boxes ($ or Euros 100-200 is typical) which you will be lucky to avoid and should anticipate paying upon check-in with the airline. Most bike stores will be able to help you package your bike in a cardboard bike box for the flight. This involves removing the pedals, turning the handlebars sideways, deflating the tires, and ensuring the key parts of the bike (ie the drive train) are well protected by foam tubing or clothing inside the box. Make sure the box is well taped and labeled. We generally recycle the boxes of participants who join the tour along the way. Otherwise, we will help you locate one at a local bicycle store or elsewhere at the end of the Tour. Please note no bicycle hard cases are allowed on Tour.
A transfer from New Delhi to Agra and from Kanyakumari to Trivandrum will be available at an additional cost.
What kind of tires are best for the tour?
You should have two sets of puncture resistant tires in very good or better condition; a narrower set and a wider set.
The most popular brand is: Schwalbe Marathon Plus.
How can I make my bike more comfortable & practical for the Tour?
There is no one style of bike that is perfectly suited to our Expeditions, but there are several that do the job well. A traditional road bike is not ideal as each tour includes some lengthy and tough off road sections. Nor is a full suspension mountain bike which will be both relatively slow and energy consuming on pavement.
Here are the three principal options, each of which will do the job well. Choose the one that suits you best:
Mountain Bike with Front Suspension – A hard tail mountain bike is the most versatile and popular choice, as it provides suspension for the off roads, relative comfort, and with a thinner set of tires a decent ride on paved roads. The drawback is that with smaller diameter tires and front suspension, it will be a little slower, a little heavier, and a little less efficient than other bikes on pavement. Having locking front suspension is key, as you can “lock out” on the smooth roads and “lock in” on the rougher roads.
Cyclocross bike - This bike is also very popular among our clients, as it combines the ruggedness of a mountain bike, with the speed and design of a road bike. With slick tires these bikes are fast on the good roads. While they do accommodate wider off road tires, riders will be seriously challenged on the rougher off-road sections. Cyclecross bikes are recommended for relatively fit and strong people who can handle the abuse of the rough roads while benefitting from the increased performance on the good roads.
Hybrid bike -This bike has the same wheel size as a Cyclocross bike, but with straight handlebars instead of road style drop bars. Hybrids often also have front suspension and suspension in the seatpost. Hybrids are designed more for comfort and leisure rather than performance.
We always preach to riders that simplicity and durability are best because the availability of replacement parts is greatly limited in most of the countries on our tours, and our mechanics will not have some of the tools or skills to work with complex or unusual assemblies. A steel frame is preferred (if not steel than aluminum is the best choice), with simple components, simple suspension, and no hydraulics.
You should be in good physical shape and have the ability to consistently bike more than 100km per day. A recommended detailed training schedule is provided to Registered Riders.
Most airlines now charge a set oversize or sports equipment fee for bike boxes ($ or Euros 100-200 is typical) which you will be lucky to avoid and should anticipate paying upon check-in with the airline. Most bike stores will be able to help you package your bike in a cardboard bike box for the flight. This involves removing the pedals, turning the handlebars sideways, deflating the tires, and ensuring the key parts of the bike (ie the drive train) are well protected by foam tubing or clothing inside the box. Make sure the box is well taped and labeled. We generally recycle the boxes of participants who join the tour along the way. Otherwise, we will help you locate one at a local bicycle store or elsewhere at the end of the Tour. Please note no bicycle hard cases are allowed on Tour.
A transfer from New Delhi to Agra and from Kanyakumari to Trivandrum will be available at an additional cost.
You should have two sets of puncture resistant tires in very good or better condition; a narrower set and a wider set.
The most popular brand is: Schwalbe Marathon Plus.
- For bikes that do not have any suspension, the purchase and installation of a Cane Creek Thudbuster seat post will save your butt on the roughest days.
- Make sure you have a good seat that is comfortable for you. You might have to try out different styles of seats on longer rides in order to gauge which is best for you.
- There are lots of ways to carry your limited gear for the day (tools, spare tube(s), camera etc) on your bike including handlebar bags, rear rack bags, etc. One of the best products on the market is the Arkel Tailrider bag.
- If your drive train has more than 1000 km on it, make sure you have it replaced, including the rear cassette, derailleurs, chain, and front chain rings, prior to the tour.
- Lists of the recommended spare parts and pre Tour services that your bike should have are provided to registered clients in our Rider Updates.
SECTIONAL RIDERS
I want to ride the whole tour, but I have time constraints. Can I pay the full entry fee but split the tour over two years?
Our office staff will give you the details of where the group is staying close to your date of departure. We will also advise you on how to get from the airport to the hotel.
How can I know which section is right for me?
Our website is full of great information on each section, including dates, terrain, highlights, and ratings for difficulty, comfort, and exotic-ness. This should give you a good sense of what the different tour sections entail. If you are unsure of which section or sections to choose, please contact our staff who will gladly give you their recommendations.
Yes absolutely.
How will I know where to meet the group?Our office staff will give you the details of where the group is staying close to your date of departure. We will also advise you on how to get from the airport to the hotel.
Our website is full of great information on each section, including dates, terrain, highlights, and ratings for difficulty, comfort, and exotic-ness. This should give you a good sense of what the different tour sections entail. If you are unsure of which section or sections to choose, please contact our staff who will gladly give you their recommendations.
