Kindred
spirits
These are links to cycling sites that have proved really useful in planning and organising various cycling trips over the years.
A little below are links to writers, books and YouTubers who will inspire you.
Cycling
Fellow cyclists and cycling facilitators
Adventure Cycling Association
The Adventure Cycling Association was set up in 1976 to inspire and empower people to travel by bicycle and really is your first point of call when planning a TransAmerica cycle ride — or indeed any long-distance ride in the US. The ACA now has 35 routes covering more than 50,000 miles with the latest — the Golden Gravel Trail, launched in 2026 to mark the association’s 50th anniversary. You can buy detailed maps (12 in all for the TransAmerica) for the entire route which are packed with information and there is money off if you are a member.
Cycling UK
Cycling UK is a British charity with the vision of happier, healthier lives through cycling. With a history stretching back more than 140 years, it promotes all forms of cycling, aiming to inspire people across the UK to discover the joys of being on two wheels. It’s also big on campaigning about issues such as encouraging more women to ride, holding politicians to account on cycling infrastructure and tackling the current plague of potholes. In recent years it has also produced a series of superb off-road routes, including the King Alfred’s Way, Traws Eryri and the Cantii Way.
Warmshowers
Warmshowers is an incredible organisation connecting touring cyclists looking for somewhere to stay, with an amazing community of hosts. The free hospitality on offer might range from a camping spot in the garden, to a bed or even an evening meal. In Phoenix, Arizona, Terry and I were given our own house — and a guided tour of the city! It’s a great way of making friendships with like-minded cycling folk. They also have a wider website with tales from the road, book reviews and inspiring stories: www.warmshowersblog.org and there is also an excellent podcast.
Crazy Guy on a Bike
At first glance this website may look rather old-fashioned and clunky, but don’t be fooled — it’s a treasure trove of information with more than 17,305 journals and articles and more than 3.5 million photos. Spend some time digging around and you’ll discover posts on current on-going tours, forums on everything from tyres to AI, and even a log of Transcontinental cyclists going back to 1945. If you search on ‘Tumbleweed TransAmerica’ you’ll find Mike Evan’s blog of his 2014 ride.
Richardsons Cycles
Just about the best thing you can do when planning a bike tour is to build a relationship with a great local bike shop. What they will give you in support, advice and encouragement, far outweighs any money you might save buying a bike online. And when the wheel comes off and you urgently need to get back on the road, they will be there for you. Richardsons Cycles in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex are my local and built up my Surly LHT before the TransAm. Their help has been invaluable.
Cycling
publications
Blogs, broadcasts and books
Cycling Europe Podcast
The podosphere is awash with cycling podcasts, but there are very few about cycle touring, and of those many don’t last very long. The Cycling Europe Podcast is a must-listen for any touring cyclists, wherever you turn your wheels. Created and narrated by Andrew Sykes, it’s fast approaching 100 episodes and each one is a mine of information. Andrew interviews cyclists with fascinating stories as diverse as riding the Santiago De Compostela to cycling across Russia in 1993. Andrew has written four excellent books about his cycling adventures and also has a YouTube channel — www.youtube.com/@CyclingEuropeYouTube
Jonathan and Jerry
Jonathan and Jerry pop up a lot in the TRANSAM book and like myself and Terry, also kept a blog during their 2014 crossing. There’s lots of anecdotes and photos (don’t miss the alpacas) plus Jonathan has also produced an excellent downloadable PowerPoint detailing all the kit he took on the TransAm. I did tell you how much more organised he and Jerry were than Team Brit!
Lost Lanes
Lost Lanes are a series of five books produced by cycling journalist Jack Thurston. They are simply beautiful — and that’s before you go on any of the rides, expertly curated by Jack. You can opt for Lost Lanes, Central, North, South, Wales or West and Lost Lanes Scotland is due out in May 2026. Jack also used to produce The Bike Show podcast and radio show on Resonance FM. Although there have been no new episodes for many years, the podcasts are well worth a listen and the website is still active with lots of useful information: www.thebikeshow.net
Matt Ryder Adventures
Matt Ryder’s channel is always a go-to for me. He has ridden and filmed numerous rides, including the TransAm and Great Divide in the US, as well as New Zealand’s end-to-end — the Tour Aotearoa. He is currently planning to ride the Trans Dinarica across the Western Balkans. He also reviews kit and documents other adventures, all beautifully told with a self-effacing dry humour that makes him addictively watchable.