Generic Touring Thread

It seems odd that we don't have a thread to chuck up ideas about routes, places, etc.

A place to plan, and to dream, and share knowledge, and chat (yet more) shit.

So to get the ball rolling.
I'm toying up a double hitter this summer (well May)
10 days in Iran, followed by 10 days Oregon-SF....
This will change, undoubtedly, but Iran is looking like a winner.

Things I need to work out include- where the hell do I leave my bike bag?
Visas.
Routes (though both are very well toured)
Farsi.
Kit.

I did notice that, we got touring equipment, bikepacking, individual tour, touring bike porn and that about it I think.

Wontchya get wolloped by the modesty police for wearing cycling garmz?

Seriously though, would love to hear every detail about this Iran trip.

Wontchya get wolloped by the modesty police for wearing cycling garmz?

I have hear and read stories about that, for female it's essential, but for men it's fine as long they have a linen trouser to put on when going into a settlement.

eyebrows, if you haven't already, i'd recommend reading Full Tilt by Dervla Murphy, amazing book.

Eyebrows, if you are serious about Iran, I'd get professional help with your visa from a travel agent here in the UK. I was refused a few years ago after simply filling in the application and sending it off. Apparently, they can be quite picky about who gets a visa issued to them.

thinking of doing some credit card touring with a friend in Corsica, next year, probably 4-7 days, doing some of the coast roads that the tour rode on.
So I'm imagining, riding with a small pannier, not much clothing, and sleeping in a b&b of an evening. Thinking we would block up in one location and ride the roads round there, before riding to new location.

Any tips or thoughts feel free to post up.

Bike packing or big carradice saddlebag will be enough, credit card in a warm countries mean you don't need a lots of layer.

eyebrows, if you haven't already, i'd recommend reading Full Tilt by Dervla Murphy, amazing book.

Haven't read it, but its now on the amazon list.

Eyebrows, if you are serious about Iran, I'd get professional help with your visa from a travel agent here in the UK. I was refused a few years ago after simply filling in the application and sending it off. Apparently, they can be quite picky about who gets a visa issued to them.

Have been looking into this, there seem to be 2 good agencies acc. Lonely Planet.

I'd say I was 75% serious so far.
The West Coast tour is already planned (ish).

west coast tour would be amazing, I did the train from san fran to portland and then seattle and the countryside there was just eye popping. Many a sweeping vista..

In that case Corny (and H), you'll like this;

http://railpass.tumblr.com/

I just miss the West Coast. This summer's short tour was fun as hell, and the ease of touring the US for me is a massive draw- but it will always be easy.

Iran seems to be undergoing a semi-detente, so it seems like a great time to see what must be one of the most spectacular countries:

(P.S. if anyone would be interested in going touring with me, let me know.)

I was in Iran in 2004, both Tehran and Isfahan. Definitely go through Isfahan. It's < 200 miles as the crow flies.

I'm keen on touring in Iran//Oregon, but gotta be fixed again.

west coast tour would be amazing, I did the train from san fran to portland and then seattle and the countryside there was just eye popping. Many a sweeping vista..

Did Corsica coast-to-coast on foot a couple of years ago, awesome refuges in the mountains. Would thoroughly recommend. Can't say anything about it by bike. There's a diesel train that runs from Bastia north-east to south-west across the island which might take bikes.

Id love to go to Iran, but would spend much longer there if I did go or at least go into neighbouring countries.

I've been thinking about a tour of the uk, all the way round the coast, for a while now. With some sort of trailer + surfboard setup. Might need to build a new bike for this, something with fat tires that will still cruise nicely on roads. Camping on beaches, surfing hidden breaks, camp fires...

In that case Corny (and H), you'll like this;

http://railpass.tumblr.com/

his bike bag is brilliant https://vine.co/v/hrrHjagjwuA

Who makes that? I know Scott made one a while back....

Has anyone either toured or contemplated touring on a bullitt bike ? seems like a good idea

There's no reason why not, as long the bike fit you perfectly well.

e.g.

A reason not to is too keep the weight (and the temptation to overpack) down.

It might be good if you are with a much weaker rider (like kids) and you're carrying two loads

A reason not to is too keep the weight (and the temptation to overpack) down.

That's pretty much why I wanted one so that even if I did relatively few miles I could be much more free about what I pack

Since the Bullitt is designed to cope with a lots of weight (more than a touring bike), it's not a question of overpacking it, but whether the gear range will be suitable.

Test ride one when you have the chance, it's one of the bike I would want to own in the future to keep this car-free malarkey up.