Trails
In principle, you should avoid highways in the north of the country, such as NH1, running through Harijana, or NH2 from Delhi to Calcutta, due to heavy traffic, especially trucks. The other routes are much safer and more scenic, such as country roads, each kilometer of which is marked with a huge roadside stone. A basic knowledge of the language of this country will be useful, to read signs and signposts, because not all of them are translated into English.
It is very pleasant to drive along the rivers and canals. Some states have special paths for cyclists, next to expressways.
Lovers of mountain bike tours, who are discouraged by the unstable status of Kashmir, may go to Himacal Pradesh. Cyclists crossing the border rarely encounter any difficulties. This way you can easily get to Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. Unlike car and motorcycle drivers, they do not need to present any documents (apart from the passport, of course). Only bicycles are checked, in order to prevent smuggling.
Distances
Tourists who are not experienced in bicycle trade should start from 20 do 40 km, in order to gradually get the body used to a greater effort, because long-distance driving requires excellent physical condition. There is nothing to be ashamed of, if you have to get off the bicycle and drive it on steep ascents. Experienced cyclists, who can easily endure the hardships of an 8-hour drive, stay daily from 125 do 150 km, and in mountainous areas – 80-100 km.
Accommodation
Because it is not difficult to find inexpensive and comfortable accommodation on the route, no need to take a tent with you, which was smashed by the road, it would only attract crowds of onlookers. A stove and a gas cylinder are also redundant (unless you hate Indian food), because you can come across tea houses or restaurants almost everywhere you go, called hotels in India; looking for accommodation, you have to ask for lodges. The Indian motorist inn is called dhaba. If a dozen or so trucks are parked in front of one of them, means, that the dishes served there are tasty and inexpensive (or alcohol is being sold there!). The coach houses in these inn serve not only as tables and benches, but also beds for tired drivers. Stopping over there overnight, do not part with the bicycle. Overnight in a dhaba is not the most comfortable, because there are no bathrooms or toilets, and the noise from the road keeps you awake. Women should rather avoid these inns.
How to ask for directions?
If you absolutely have to ask for directions, it's best to choose a person, who knows English and is in no hurry. It also doesn't hurt to ask the same question to another person, then compare the two versions. As a last resort, you can ask for help from a police officer. Talking about this topic requires a lot of patience and attention, especially since the Hindus do not distinguish between the concepts of right and left.
Transporting a bicycle
The easiest way to transport them is by plane. With a bit of luck, you may be able to convince the unfamiliar staff at the airport, that bicycles are transported without disassembly i… for free. After obtaining permission, remove all cargo from the trunk and let some air out of the wheels.
Rules for transporting a bicycle by bus vary from state to state. Light sports bikes are usually mounted on the roof, without paying an additional fee. Before leaving, make sure, the bicycle is securely lashed, and take your luggage with you on the bus.
The train journey requires a bit more preparation. When buying a ticket, must be ticked, that you also take your bike. The cashier then directs the tourist to the luggage office, where he must complete a special form in three copies. In addition to the serial number of the bicycle, a detailed description of the vehicle must be provided there. Just like on airplanes and buses, Here too, all luggage and all additional elements should be removed from the bike before traveling, it was equipped with. One of the copies of the form is attached to the bicycle's saddle, the second is handed to the owner, the fate of the third is unknown. Only thanks to this document, after reaching your destination, you can retrieve the bike from the luggage room. If you are traveling with changes, take care of transporting the bike personally!
Concluding remarks Traveling by bicycle in India is becoming more and more popular. Calculates, that approx. 2000 foreign tourists, and their number grows from year to year. Indians also set out on similar expeditions – mostly youth and students.
The Cycle Federation of India operates in India, Yamun Velodrome, Delhi. Thanks to it, you can get in touch with other lovers of cycling trips. The cyclists setting off on the trail can only wish a safe journey and a lot of pleasant impressions.