Transport - Tibet - page 648

Bicycle
Long-distance cyclists, the majority of whom are Chinese, are an increasingly frequent
sight on the roads of Tibet, especially along the Friendship Hwy and Hwy 318 in eastern
Tibet. For foreign travellers, cycling is no longer a free and easy adventure in Tibet; like
everyone else, you'll need a guide, who will likely follow you in a support vehicle.
Most long-distance cyclists bring their own bikes to Tibet, though a few buy mountain
bikes in China or Lhasa. Nowadays it is possible to buy a Chinese-made or (better)
Taiwanese-made mountain bike in the capital. Standards aren't all that bad, although you
should check the gears and brakes in particular and do not expect the quality of these bikes
to be equal to those you might buy at home - bring plenty of spare parts. Bikes have a rel-
atively high resale value in Kathmandu and you might even make a profit if the bike is in
good shape (unlikely after a trip across Tibet!).
Tibet poses unique challenges to individual cyclists. The good news is that the main roads
are in surprisingly good condition (the Friendship Hwy was recently upgraded and roads
everywhere are under improvement) and the traffic is fairly light. The main physical chal-
lenges come from the climate, terrain and altitude: wind squalls and dust storms can make
your work particularly arduous; the warm summer months can bring flash flooding; and then
there is the question of your fitness in the face of Tibet's high-altitude mountainous terrain.
A full bicycle-repair kit, several spare inner tubes, and a spare tyre and chain are essen-
tial. Preferably bring an extra rim and some spare spokes. Extra brake wire and brake pads
are useful (you'll be descending 3000m from Lhasa to Kathmandu!). Other useful equip-
ment includes reflective clothing, a helmet, a dust mask, goggles, gloves and padded
trousers.
If going solo, you will also need to be prepared with supplies such as food, water-purify-
ing tablets and camping equipment, just as if you were trekking. Most long-distance cyclists
will probably find formal accommodation and restaurants only available at two- or three-day
intervals. It may be possible to stay with road repair camps (known as daoban in Chinese)
in remote places.
The Trailblazer guidebook Tibet Overland: A Route and Planning Guide for Mountain
Bikers and Other Overlanders, by Kym McConnell, has useful route plans and gradient
charts aimed at mountain bikers, with a notice board at www.tibetoverland.com . The web-
site www.bikechina.com is another good resource.
Obviously, you need to be physically fit to undertake road touring in Tibet. Spend some
time acclimatising to the altitude and taking leisurely rides around Lhasa (for example) be-
fore setting off on a long trip.