5 Mistakes To Avoid When You're Cycling Abroad

Cycling abroad and exploring new areas on your bike is great. Here are a few common mistakes that you should avoid.

If you're abroad on a training camp, tour, or, if you just happen to have an hour to get out on a borrowed bike, the chances are that it'll be far different to cycling at home – wherever that may be.

Riding in a different place is great. We love it. But, it does present different challenges, road customs, and laws which you may not be aware of.

Here are the top 5 mistakes that you should avoid!

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Leave us a comment below!

[paulhatcher]

Nice video. I think I'd add a couple of important points. Matt mentioned insurance briefly, which is good. I'd follow it up by saying.1. Make sure you take a bi/tri band mobile. Make sure it works in the country you are in.2. Know the emergency #s to call in case of emergency.3. Take some "emergency" phrases written down on a piece of paper.4. Always wear a helmet (repeate). I was ambivalent until I had an accident. Now I always wear one. It's not worth the risk.

[ornoth]

Barbados taught me this one: check whether your map is in metric or imperial. It's not pleasant to discover that 900-foot climb is actually 900 *meters*...

[ImanoffGolf]

You guys should create a video tutorial on how to pack your bike and your stuff for travelling abroad as well. Be it by train, car, or air.
Cheers

[ethancavill]

Australia's monsoon/wet season only applies to the Northern parts. In South Australia we have normal seasons.

[JohnnyKraut]

For the getting lost part, most smartphones have GPS capabilities even without data plans. I have used Maps.me (iOS and Android) for my travel in S. Korea, Japan, and the Philippines and have never been worried about getting lost. Just be sure to download the Offline Maps (open street maps) before going on your trip!

Thanks GC, love your vids!

[jab]

2:16 "ooo Matt knows geography!"
2:46 "oh wait never mind"

[SwedishHouseFifa]

4:20 Beware of local resting rlaws? Lol

[Xesc]

Thank you again for promoting Mallorca! Hope to see you back soon!

[Maxmaxz]

1:53 BE AWARE OF THE WEATHER
3:38 BE AWARE OF USING THE SAME TITLE TWICE

;)

[Barryens]

You forgot the number 1 mistake if you go abroad. If you hire a bike the brakes are the other way round! This can be interesting under hard

[tlove]

Monsoon season in Southern California in July and August? Umm no. Hot? yes Especially in September but no rain.

[briansteele]

Agree about right of way. Specifically in France is the little 'X' sign which signifies a priorité a droite. This rule catches a lot of people out and I have seen a couple of crashes and near crashes involving tourists. The X sign, or a lack of line at a junction, means that vehicles coming out of the next opening on your right may well enter your road suddenly. Also, don't expect French or Italian drivers to do indicate as clearly on roundabouts... often the do not at all. Otherwise, slap on the suncream and enjoy.

[TomsTenorHorn]

1:00 Matt's not taking any risks ... wearing a helmet on a turbo trainer!!

[richiewatkin]

"No such thing as over training only under resting" Now that comment is why Dan is called the boss!!

[bee_whisper]

Didnt realize gcn liked alien as the bikes are ridley, scott

[off-the-lip]

Careful also of massive phone bills!!! Strava uses GPS for its plotting, but accuracy is increased with data on (I've found) but if you wish to load the maps and have data roaming on, an hour long ride or more, will be constant downloads... and a large bill at the end!!

Plus the sync/upload won't happen if data is turned off, or you have no wifi.

[matthewstewart]

You guys should do a video on how to balance training between ones different cycling disciplines: how to balance between mountain, road, and cross

[Drzhounder]

No such thing as getting lost, its just discovering new roads or routes!

[MrPhotonjockey]

Horse feathers. There is no summer monsoon season in Southern California, unless you are crazy enough to ride in the eastern deserts - a summer faux pas if there ever was one due to scorching daytime temperatures.

[orritt]

3:11 also be aware of locals with strangely large heads!? you'll know how to spot one, if they ride a motorbike, their helmet wont fit properly, also they tend to hide behind fences and signs. you have been warned!!