Journal
Observations, logistics and reflections from long-distance cycling across multiple continents.
The journal documents the practical realities of life on the road — transportation systems, border crossings, remote routes, mechanical problems, budgeting and the quieter moments between destinations.
Rather than focusing on speed or performance, Roads and Chains explores bicycle travel as a long-term way of moving through landscapes, cities and different ways of living.
Below you’ll find field notes, route journals and practical insights gathered over thousands of kilometers of independent travel.
Money Hacks Around the World
June 27, 2026
Money Hacks Around the World Standard ATMs and card payments are not always the most efficient way to access money. In some countries, there are better options — sometimes significantly better. Thailand ATMs in Thailand charge a foreign transaction fee without exception — but there is a workaround. Walk into a Bangkok Bank branch and
Ruta 40: Cycling Argentina’s Most Legendary Road
June 9, 2026
I cannot speak for the entire length of Ruta 40 — it runs for thousands of kilometers through Argentina and I have only ridden a portion of it. But the stretch from the Bolivian border down to the Paso Agua Negra turnoff is reason enough to make the trip. The Route My ride started at
The Karakoram Highway: From Kashgar to Islamabad by Bicycle
June 1, 2026
The Karakoram Highway runs from Kashgar in western China through northern Pakistan to the plains beyond the Babusar Pass — and for long stretches it passes through some of the most impressive mountain scenery I have encountered anywhere in the world. I rode this route as part of a longer journey from the Pamir Highway,
The Alcohol Stove: Why I Still Cook with a Beer Can After 140,000 Kilometers
May 30, 2026
There are three realistic fuel options for long-distance bicycle travel: gas, petrol and alcohol. After years of riding across dozens of countries, I settled on alcohol — and more specifically, on a stove I built myself from a single beer can. This is not the fastest or most comfortable option. But for long-term travel, it
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Bicycle Brake Pads
May 16, 2026
Brake pads can wear out extremely fast depending on the conditions. What matters more than long descents or frequent braking is often contamination of the braking system: sand, dirty water after rain, mud, or fine dust all act like grinding paste and can destroy pads surprisingly quickly. On average, I’d say brake pads last somewhere
The Hidden Cockpit Issues
May 15, 2026
Handlebars & Sweat: Why You Should Replace Your Bar Tape Regularly The handlebar is one of the parts of the bike that stays in constant contact with sweat — especially on long rides in hot and humid conditions. When sweat cannot dry properly (for example, trapped under the bar tape), it creates a very aggressive