Around the World by Bicycle: Stories and Philosophy of Long-Distance Travelers

In modern society, there is a group of people who have chosen one of the purest forms of travel: riding a bicycle to every corner of the world. They are not professional racers, nor are they chasing speed—they use the power of their legs to slowly measure the vastness of the Earth.

What is Bicycle Touring?

Bicycle Touring differs from regular road bike training or recreational riding; it is a way of traveling:

• Time scale: From a few weeks to several years
• Load: Carrying all luggage (sleeping bag, tent, cooking gear, etc.)
• Daily distance: Typically 60–120 km per day
• Route: Can be planned in advance, or spontaneous

Typical Global Long-Distance Routes

The Silk Road (Eurasian Route)

• Start: Lisbon, Portugal
• End: Tokyo, Japan (or the reverse)
• Distance: Approximately 15,000–20,000 km
• Time required: About 1–2 years
• Passing through: Spain, France, Italy, Turkey, Iran, Central Asian countries, China

The Pan-American Highway (North–South America)

• Start: Alaska, USA
• End: Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
• Distance: Approximately 30,000 km
• Passing through: All major countries of the Americas

The Pacific Rim Loop

• Departing from Taiwan, heading east through Japan, the USA, South America, and Australia, eventually returning to Taiwan
• Different riders have different route variations

What Kind of Bicycle Does a Long-Distance Traveler Need?

Touring Bike Features

Gear List (Basic Version)

Essential:

• Tent (lightweight, durable)
• Sleeping bag (depending on destination climate)
• Cooking gear (lightweight stove, pot)
• Repair tool kit
• First aid kit
• Waterproof panniers (brands such as Ortlieb)

The Philosophy of Riding: Why Slow Is the Real Travel?

Long-distance bicycle travelers often share similar insights:

“Your speed determines what you get to see”

By plane, you see airports; by car, you see highways; by bicycle, you see every village, every face, every small road.

A New Understanding of “Safety”

Many people worry about the safety of long-distance riding, but most travelers report that the world is friendlier than you think. In the poorest countries, you often encounter the most generous hospitality.

How Can Cyclists in Taiwan Get Started?

Start with Short Trips

There is no need to plan a round-the-world trip from the very beginning. Start with short trips within Taiwan:

1. A single day of 60–100 km, carrying minimal luggage
2. A three-day, two-night trip to another county
3. A one-week round-island plan
4. Then consider going abroad (Japan, Vietnam)

Join the Community

Taiwan has an active Bicycle Touring community:

• Facebook group “長途自行車旅遊台灣”: Sharing routes and experiences
• Warmshowers: A global couch-surfing network for bicycle travelers, where you can find cyclists worldwide willing to offer accommodation

Conclusion

Traveling around the world by bicycle is not about escaping life; it is about choosing a different way of living. Every climb is a symbol of overcoming difficulties; every descent is a moment of enjoying the rewards; every time you stop to talk with a stranger is a miracle of human connection.

This road has no end.

Related Reading

• The Ultimate Round-the-World Cycling Challenge for Modern Travelers
• The Complete Guide to Bicycle Touring: Pannier Packing, Route Planning, and Accommodation Choices for Long-Distance Trips
• World Records in Long-Distance Cycling: Guinness World Records for Round-the-World Rides and the Longest Solo Ride
• The Minimalism of Bicycle Travel: The Light-Travel Philosophy of Carrying Just One Bike and One Bag