In 2008, Scotsman Mark Beaumont (pictured) broke the world record for cycling around planet in 195 days. The current record for the 18,000-mile ride is a slightly ridiculous 106 days and 10 hours.
Wide open road —
In 2008, Scotsman Mark Beaumont (pictured) broke the world record for cycling around planet in 195 days. The current record for the 18,000-mile ride is a slightly ridiculous 106 days and 10 hours.
Courtesy Mark Beaumont
Several round-the-world cyclists have completed the journey on bikes with Rohloff hub gears. They're expensive but are sealed away from the dust and dirt of the road. In theory, they're largely maintenance free.
Gear change —
Several round-the-world cyclists have completed the journey on bikes with Rohloff hub gears. They're expensive but are sealed away from the dust and dirt of the road. In theory, they're largely maintenance free.
Courtesy Rohloff
Every ounce of pack weight counts says Beaumont. "The golden rule with kit is to take less than you think you need -- you have to lug that all uphill, and no matter how frugal you are, you will find yourself after a week's touring at the post office with a box of stuff being posted home."
Pack carefully —
Every ounce of pack weight counts says Beaumont. "The golden rule with kit is to take less than you think you need -- you have to lug that all uphill, and no matter how frugal you are, you will find yourself after a week's touring at the post office with a box of stuff being posted home."
Ishara S.KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images
Beaumont completed his global cycle trek on a sturdy Koga cycle. Round-the-world trips require bikes that can endure plenty of wear and tear both on and off road.
Koga cycles —
Beaumont completed his global cycle trek on a sturdy Koga cycle. Round-the-world trips require bikes that can endure plenty of wear and tear both on and off road.
Courtesy Kona
Round-the-world cycling purists once insisted upon steel frames because repairs could be made with rudimentary equipment anywhere. But modern alloy frames are pretty bombproof and can be repaired with standardized parts available in almost any major city repair shop.
Repairs on the road —
Round-the-world cycling purists once insisted upon steel frames because repairs could be made with rudimentary equipment anywhere. But modern alloy frames are pretty bombproof and can be repaired with standardized parts available in almost any major city repair shop.
Barry Neild/CNN
A good set of panniers -- Beaumont recommends watertight Ortlieb roll-tops -- should carry everything the round-the-world cyclist needs.
Panniers —
A good set of panniers -- Beaumont recommends watertight Ortlieb roll-tops -- should carry everything the round-the-world cyclist needs.
Courtesy Ortlieb panniers
One of the highlights of round-the-world cycling is the scenery. Cyclist Peter Walker says his highlights included the eerily empty Tibetan plateau.
Beautiful scenery —
One of the highlights of round-the-world cycling is the scenery. Cyclist Peter Walker says his highlights included the eerily empty Tibetan plateau.
Martin Lunz - www.weltenbummler2003.de
Numerous round-the-world cyclists recommend Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires. Made with reinforced sides and thick skins, they're acclaimed for their puncture-resistant properties.
Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires —
Numerous round-the-world cyclists recommend Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires. Made with reinforced sides and thick skins, they're acclaimed for their puncture-resistant properties.
Courtesy Schwalbe
Beaumont's trip took him from the UK to France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Portugal and Spain.
Riding routes —
Beaumont's trip took him from the UK to France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Portugal and Spain.
Courtesy Mark Beaumont
Beaumont sums up the joy of bike travel: "The unknown around the corner. And that at the speed of a bike you see so much, but experience it all, unlike any other mode of transport."
Joys of bike travel —
Beaumont sums up the joy of bike travel: "The unknown around the corner. And that at the speed of a bike you see so much, but experience it all, unlike any other mode of transport."
STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP/Getty Images