Fully revised and updated 3rd edition of the indispensable guide for anyone planning (or dreaming) about taking their bicycle on a long-distance adventure. This comprehensive guide will make that dream a reality whether it's cycling from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, across Asia, around Australia or the length of Africa. Contents includes: Part 1 Planning and preparation: What kind of ride? Seasons Budget and time Companions Researching information Documentation Visas Insurance Money Health Part 2 Bikes, Clothing & Camping Gear: Narrowing down your bike choices - Frame material and component options - Top touring bikes Comfort zone Tools and spares - Carrying luggage How much stuff? Bikepacking setup; Clothing Footwear; Camping Tents Sleeping bags and mats Stoves Treating water Kitchen essentials Electronic devices Part 3 On the road: Transporting your bike Navigating Staying in touch Health Hygiene Staying Safe Dirt-road riding Part 4 Route Outlines Europe to Asia & Australasia Practical information and touring tips for: Europe Southern route through Turkey, Iran and Pakistan Indian subcontinent Caucasus Central Asia Northern route through Russia & Mongolia East Asia South East Asia Australasia. Part 5 Route Outlines Africa Practical information and touring tips for: the Nile Route East and Southern Africa the Sahara West and Central Africa. Part 6 Route Outlines the Americas Practical information and touring tips for: Pan-American Highway - Alaska to the Lower 48 Pacific Coast Route Great Divide Mountain Bike Route Mexico and Central America Negotiating the Darien Gap Riding the Andes from Colombia to Patagonia . Part 7 Tales from the Saddle Seven first-hand accounts of spoke-bending biking adventures worldwide. Bicycle Maintenance Appendix The Handbook contains 32 pages of colour including 28 photos and 2-page world map showing Highlights of the Adventure Cycle-Touring World; over 250 black and white photos and 7 regional route outline maps."