"Travel. As much as you can. As far as you can. As long as you can. Life’s not meant to be lived in one place."

- Gentlemen’s Wisdom

There comes a time in your life when you focus solely on what you believe is right, regardless of what everybody else is doing

- Lee Alexander McQueen

To travel is to live

To move, to breathe, to fly, to float,
To gain all while you give,
To roam the roads of lands remote,
To travel is to live.

- Hans Christian Andersen

Part 1: Bike Parts Glossary [Italian]

Bloccaggio (blow KAH joe) - 
quick release skewer, plural bloccaggi

Borraccia (boar RAH cha) - 
water bottle, though it sounds more like a Latin American dance
Bike Parts Glossary(KHAM bio) - 
taken from the word for ‘change’, in this context it means the rear derailleur

Camera d’aria (KAH mayr ah DAR ee ah) - 
inner tube

Catena (kah TEN ah) - 
chain

Cerchio (CHAIR key oh) - 
rim

Comandi (koh MAHN dee) ERGO o STI - 
shift/brake levers

Copertoncino (koh pehr tone CHEE no) - 
clincher tire, Italians always refer to their tires specifically as clinchers or tubulars

Deragliatore (dee rall ya TOR ay) - 
front derailleur

Forcella (for CHEL lah) - 
fork

Forcellini (for CHEL lee nee) - 
these are the drop-outs, front and rear

Freni (FREN ee) - 
brakes

Guarnitura (gwar nee TUR ah) - 
crankset

Manubrio (mah NEW brio) - 
handlebar

Movimento Centrale (mow vee MEN tow chen TRAWL lay) - 
bottom bracket

Mozzo (MOTZ zo) - 
hub, plural mozzi

You know you’re on the right track when you become uninterested in looking back

We travel for romance, we travel for architecture, and we travel to be lost.
- Ray Bradbury

Add caption

Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.

- Anon

Way to Lansdowne, Uttarakhand, India

Travel, like being drunk, does not mask or change your true inner self, but rather it reveals it. A trip may disrupt our daily routine, but only for a little while, until we develop a new daily routine, and then we slide right back into our old patterns, but in new guises. Only the wallpaper’s different.

— Quote from Aaron Hamburger’s article Self-reinvention: One of travel’s classic delusions.

Travel Quote

You know you’re on the right track when you become uninterested in looking back...

A Trail near Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh, India

Learning to Use Mountain Bike Gears the Easy Way

The gears in mountain bikes just keep getting more
and more intricate.  The bikes of today have as many
as 27 gear ratios.  A mountain bike will use a 
combination of three different sized sprockets in
front and nine in the back to produce gear ratios.

The idea behind all these gears is to allow the
rider to crank the pedals at a constant pace no
matter what kind of slope the bike is on.  You can
understand this better by picturing a bike with 
just a single gear.  Each time you rotate the pedals
one turn, the rear wheel would rotate one turn
as well (1:1 gear ratio).

If the rear wheel is 26 inches in diameter, then 
with 1:1 gearing, one full twist on the pedals 
would result in the wheel covering 81.6 inches of
ground.  If you are pedaling at a speed of 50 RPM,
this means that the bike can cover over 340 feet of
ground per minute.  This is only 3.8 MPH, which 
is the equivalence of walking speed.  This is ideal
for climbing a steep hill, although bad for ground
or going downhill.

To go faster you’ll need a different ratio.  To 
ride downhill at 25 MPH with a 50 RPM cadence at the
pedals, you’ll need a 5.6:1 gear ratio.  A bike 
with a lot of gears will give you a large number
of increments between a 1:1 gear ratio and a 6.5:1
gear ratio so that you can always pedal at 50 RPM,
no matter how fast you are actually going.

On a normal 27 speed mountain bike, six of the gear
ratios are so close to each other that you can’t
notice any difference between them.  

With actual use, bike riders tend to choose a front
sprocket suitable for the slope they are riding on
and stick with it, although the front sprocket can
be difficult to shift under heavy load.  It’s much
easier to shit between the gears on the rear.

If you are cranking up a hill, it’s best to choose
the smallest sprocket on the front then shift 
between the nine gears available on the rear.  The
more speeds you have on the back sprocket, the
bigger advantage you’ll have.

All in all, gears are very important to mountain
bikes as they dictate your overall speed.  Without
gears you wouldn’t be able to build speed nor would
you be able to pound pedals.  The gears will move 
the pedals and help you build up speed.  

There are all types of gears available in mountain
bikes, all of which will help you build up a lot
of momentum if you use them the right way.

The Day I Became a Cyclist

A great story of Carl Taylorabout biking...I came across on tumblr:

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Most of my twenties were spent trying something new, liking it for a little while, and fucking it up. The activity didn’t really matter; the cycle pretty much stayed the same. I repeated the process with college, relationships, hobbies, and career paths. But heading into my thirties, I really felt like I was hitting my stride. After failed attempts as a pro wrestler, cook, standup comic and six wasted years in the medial insurance field, I had found my “calling” working in sales. I’m damn good at selling stuff and was making a very comfortable living doing it.

Maybe three weeks after my 30th birthday I got laid off from my job. This wasn’t just a job, it was THE job in my eyes. For the first time ever, I was doing something that I could easily see myself doing for the next 35-40 years. I gladly spent 50-plus hours in the office every week just ensure I beat the other salesmen. Routinely I went out of my way to help everyone else in the office, and they saw that and appreciated it. I was respected by my coworkers and clients alike, and it felt great. It was truly my reason to get up every day.

I got laid off on a Monday morning. I grabbed my iPhone charger and pictures of my nieces and took off leaving everything else behind. I couldn’t wrap my head around the whole thing at first. Part of me was optimistic - knowing I’d land on my feet, while the other half was still in denial thinking they’d call back realizing they had made a major mistake. I spent most of the afternoon riding my bike around Charleston trying to process everything and forget everything all at once.

On Tuesday morning, I woke up early to get ready just like every other day, and about half way through my morning routine, it hit me that I had nothing to get ready for. It hit me hard, too. I sat on my couch, and I lost it. After I got all of that out of my system, I knew I needed a plan. I knew some serious soul searching was needed, so I loaded up my mountain bike and headed out to do some riding and planning. I hatched about nine plans on that ride. Some plans were far-fetched while others were practical, but after that ride I didn’t know how, but I knew things were going to be different. Things were going to be better.

Later that night I found myself laying in bed with the events from the past two days pulsing through my brain. I realized what the last two days had in common: Cycling. Looking back on my life, cycling in one form or another had always been there for me no matter what. When I was a kid and I made my parents mad, I went outside to ride bikes and get out of their hair. When I had my first girlfriend in middle school, we road beach cruisers through my neighborhood almost all summer. The list could go on for days. So many of my memories - both good and bad - involved bikes. I made a decision right then and there that no matter what direction my career ways going to take, bikes needed become a daily part of my life.

In the month since I got laid off, I’ve landed on my feet at a brand new agency. It’s only been open a month, and I’m excited to get in while it’s still young and grow with the agency. That being said, I’m not letting my job define who I am anymore. I’m not just a sales agent. I’m a son, brother, uncle, friend, and a cyclist.

I know I’ve used the Tumblr to mindlessly reblog pictures of everything from bikes and houses to clothes and girls, but I want to use it to share my love for bikes more than anything. I want to show you the amazing things I see while riding, tell you about the cool people I meet along the way, and give you tips about the towns I visit with my bike. I plan on racing the West Virginia Mountain Biking Association series this spring and bringing you guys along for the ride as well. You won’t see a whole lot about pro cycling on here because frankly I don’t give a shit about it. However I hope you will see plenty of reasons to get out on your bike and join me.

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To follow him: http://carltaylor.tumblr.com/

[Trip] Nanitaal 2013: on Bulltet

Hills keeps on calling me and i respond almost every time, this time with Ashutosh on his Royal Enfield. Plan was start early Saturday morning on 1st June 2013, ride via Bajpur. Bajpur is small town after Murabaad, you need to take left just after Murabaad-Rampur Road. As soon as you take left you can notice beautiful trees on both sides of the road. The road looks awesomefor almost 40-50 kms but after that as soon as you enter into Corbett Nation Park, it becomes wonderful. I recommend, alwys take this route.

Following a photo blog showing the our  day Journey with Ashutosh.

Garhmukteshwar, reached there  in 1.5 hrs and was planning to have tea at Tadka...

Garhmukteshwar

 Saw heavy Jam just about 40-50 kms from Garhmukteshwar. This Jam was about 20+ kms. We had to wait for the Trucks to move even on our two wheeler. It took us around   1 hr extra before we reach to the left turn going towards Bajpur and then to Corbett. See Ashutosh having Bhutta [Corn] sitting there.

 This is just after clearing the Jam, I jumped to that Tea wala.

Entering into the Corbett

The uphill

This is dense forest and cool

We had some snacks i was carrying with me

 

Ashutosh posing

 Had great food at Sakley's, I strongly recommend this place to all the people who loves pastries and Browneys.

http://www.tripadvisor.in/Restaurant_Review-g660548-d1200190-Reviews-Sakley_s_Restaurant_Pastry_Shop-Nainital_Uttarakhand.html

The Taal

18 Life Lessons Learned From Traveling The World

This report is By MATTHEW KEPNES

I never thought I would still be nomadic. My original round-the-world trip was only supposed to last one year before I went back home, found a “real” job, settled down, and by now, be married, have a house, 2.5 children, and complain about my retirement fund to my friends.

Yet life took a decidingly different turn and here I am, seven years later, writing this from an overnight train to Copenhagen with the same desire to explore the world and no sign of stopping soon.

After so many years on the road, there are a few life lessons I’ve learned from travel that I never would have learned otherwise and I wanted to share with you today.

1. It’s not that hard.

Every day, people get up, go out the door to travel the world, and survive and thrive. Kids as young as 18 make their way around the world without any problems. All that worrying and fear I had before my trip was for naught – this traveling thing is a lot easier than people make it out to be. You’re not the first person to do it and there is a well-worn trail that makes it easy for first times to find their way. If an 18 year can do it, so can you.

2. You learn a lot of life skills.

People who travel a better adjusted and less socially anxious people and traveling around the world has taught me to how to be more social, be adept and more flexible, and, most importantly, understand non-verbal communication a lot better. It has made me more independent, more open, and, overall, just a better person. There’s no reason to be scared that you might not have “it” in you. You’d be surprised how often you’ll surprise yourself.

3. You are never alone.

It may seem scary just throwing yourself out there and talking to strangers, but we are all strangers in a strange land. At the end of the day, everyone is very friendly. It took me a while to get used to just saying “hello” to strangers, but now it seems like second nature. Everyone is just like you – they are alone in a strange place and are looking for others to be with. People travel to meet other people and that means you. Don’t be afraid to approach other travelers and locals. You’ll find that when you travel alone, you’ll never really be alone.

4. You meet some of your closest friends traveling.

Whether it was in a restaurant in Vietnam, on a boat in Thailand, or walking into a hostel in Spain, when I least expected (or wanted) to meet people was when I met the best and developed the longest lasting relationships. And even though you may not see them for years, you still end up at their wedding, Christmas dinner, or family celebration. Distance and time cannot break the bond you formed.

5. Relationships come and go on the road.

I’ve met lots of people on the road, including members of the opposite sex I’ve found attractive. But the nature of travel doesn’t always lend itself to long-term romantic relationships. It’s hard to make something last when everyone moves in different directions and holidays end. If you get too attached too often, you’ll have nothing but heartache as people come and go. But I’ve realized you need to simply enjoy your time together and live in the moment. Dwelling on the future will only keep you from making that leap.

6. But chase the ones you like.

Yet once in a while, you’ll find someone you really connect with. Meaningful romance on the road does happen. And when you have nowhere to be and no place to go other than where you want, sometimes there is no reason not to follow. Don’t force yourself to say another good-bye if you don’t have to. Pursue it even if the distance seems too vast and the circumstances not right, because you never know where it could lead or how long it might last because, once in a while you meet the one and when you do, you should do everything you can to stay with them.

7. It’s good to try new things.

I used to be a very rigid person, but traveling has helped me loosen up and expand my worldview. I’ve pushed myself to the limit, eaten new food, taken cooking classes, learned magic tricks, new languages, tried to conquer my fear of heights, and challenged my established views. Travel is all about breaking out of your comfort zone and enjoying all the world has to offer.

8. Be adventurous.

Doing the canyon swing was tough. So was jumping off the boat in the Galapagos. As was eating the maggots in Thailand and caterpillars in Africa. Then I got my butt kicked in Thai boxing. And, while I won’t do most of those ever again, I don’t regret trying new things. Scare yourself once in a while. It makes life less dull.

9. There is no such thing as a mistake.

No matter what happens on the road, it’s never a mistake. As was once said, “your choices are half chance, and so are everybody else’s.” When you go with the flow and let the road just unfold ahead of you, there’s no reason to have regrets or think you made a mistake. You make the best decisions you can and, in the end, the journey is the adventure.

10. Don’t be cheap.

When you travel on a budget and need to make your money last, it’s easy to be cheap. But why live like a pauper at home while you save so you can skip the food in Italy, the wine in France, or a sushi meal in Japan? While it is good to be frugal, it’s also important to splurge and not miss out on doing once-in-a-lifetime things. Who knows when you will get another chance to dive in Fiji?! Take every opportunity.

11. That being said, don’t be wasteful.

But remember you aren’t made of money, so don’t always feel like you need to party with your new friends every night or do every activity in a new place. Sometimes it’s OK just to sit around and relax or cook your own meal. Be frugal, but not cheap.

12. Drop the guidebook.

Don’t be so glued to a book. You can travel fine without it, especially with so many good alternatives on the Internet these days. You’ll buy it and hardly use it anyway. Just ask people for tips and information. That will be your best source of information, especially for those off-the-beaten track destinations and hole-in-the-wall restaurants that no one’s ever heard of but serve the best food you can imagine.

13. It’s never too late to change.

Even if you aren’t the traveler or person you want to be in your head, it’s never too late to change. Travel is all about change. The more you say “tomorrow,” the less likely it is that tomorrow will ever come. Traveling has shown me aspects of my personality I wish I didn’t have and also shown me I’m really lazy. I’ve always lived by the phrase “Carpe Diem” but sometimes I don’t really do it. It’s never too late though and realizing that has made being more pro-active a lot easier.

14. Relax.

Life is amazing. There’s no reason to worry. The universe unfolds as it should. Relax and just go with it. You can’t change the future – it hasn’t happened yet. Just make the best decisions you can today and enjoy the moment. Don’t get caught up trying to see all the “must sees.” There’s nothing wrong with spending a day playing games, reading a book, or lounging by the pool.

15. Learn more languages (seriously).

There’re some great benefits to not knowing the local language – like miming out “chicken” to let the lady know you want eggs for breakfast – but learning languages is very helpful when you travel, and works out great when you meet other travelers. There’s also nothing like surprising people by speaking their language. Moreover, knowing basic phrases will endear you to locals who will appreciate the fact you went the extra mile. You’ll find people will be much more helpful, even if you struggle to say hello.

16. Wear more sunscreen.

Seriously. Science has proven it helps, and with all that beach time you do when you travel, you could always use a little more. Being tan is great. Having skin cancer is not. SPF up.

17. People are good.

All over the world, I have encountered amazing people who have not only changed my life but have gone out of their way to help me. It’s taught me that the old saying is true – you can always depend on the kindness of strangers. My friend Greg taught me long ago not to be guarded against strangers. That experience when I first started traveling changed everything and when you travel with an open heart, unexpected goodness will happen. 99.9999% of the people in the world aren’t murders, rapists, or thieves. There’s no reason to assume someone is one. Sometimes people are just trying to be friendly.

18. There’s no such thing as must-see.

This is your trip. No one else’s. Everyone’s journey is their own. Do what you want, when you want, and for how long you want. Don’t let anyone tell you aren’t a real traveler for skipping the Louvre, avoiding some little town in Peru, or deciding to party in Thailand. This your journey. You owe no one an explanation.

I’ve learned more about the world and myself in the last seven years of travel than I had in the previous 25 years of my life. No matter what happens in the future, I know that travel has taught me life lessons I never would have learned had I stayed in my cubicle job.

Find a way to travel as often has you can to all the destinations you dream about.  They will change your life. 

Link: http://thoughtcatalog.com/2013/18-life-lessons-learned-from-travel-the-world/#TAEbV4DUsK6pxARx.18

“Traveling; it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller”

—	Ibn Battuta

“I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.”

—	Mark Twain

“See the world. Its more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories. Ask for no guarantees. Ask for no security.”

—	Ray Bradbury

“To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, to gain all while you give, to roam the roads of lands remote: To travel is to live.”

—	Hans Christian Andersen

Underground Cycle Parking System in Japan

Sounds like a great idea. Technology at it's best!!!

Hope Indians will understanding the bicycles and we will start seeing such innovative things happening here.