A short flight.
An overnight train.
A long bus ride that erases the distance in a single stretch.

Most travelers choose one of these, and in doing so pass over a stretch of coastline that remains, even now, just outside the main current of travel—the Konkan coast.

Pressed between the Arabian Sea and the long wall of the Western Ghats, the Konkan unfolds quietly. It does not present itself all at once. It reveals itself in fragments: a fishing village at the edge of an inlet, a road winding beneath coconut palms, a ferry crossing that interrupts the day without apology. For long stretches, there is simply space—between places, between encounters, between moments.

It is this continuity, more than any single highlight, that defines the experience.

The Ride

Cycling from Mumbai to Goa is not about covering distance. It is about moving through a landscape at a pace that allows it to take shape.

The journey begins at the Gateway of India, crossing the harbor to Mandwa, where the city quickly gives way to quieter roads. From there, the route follows the coastal spine southward—through Alibag, Murud-Janjira, Harnai, Guhagar, and beyond—before eventually reaching the southern edge of Maharashtra near Vengurla.

Along the way, the coastline bends and folds.

There are no continuous roads here. The land gives way to water, and the ride pauses at ferry crossings—small boats carrying people, bicycles, and the occasional vehicle across wide estuaries. Progress is never entirely linear. You follow the shape of the coast, and the coast decides the rhythm.

The terrain is never extreme, but it is never flat. Short climbs rise over low headlands, followed by descents toward the sea. Inland stretches offer relief from the heat, while the return to the coast brings the horizon back into view.

And always, there is the heat—part of the experience, shaping the day, dictating when to ride and when to stop.

Why This Route Still Matters

The Konkan is changing.

Roads are improving, access is easier, and development is slowly extending south from Mumbai and north from Goa. It is not difficult to see what this coastline may become in time.

But for now, much of it remains as it has been—quiet, local, and largely unmediated.

There are no curated stops here. No carefully constructed experiences. What you encounter is simply what is there: villages that exist for themselves, not for visitors; roads that connect places rather than showcase them; a coastline that reveals itself gradually, without explanation.

To cycle through it is to experience that continuity directly.

The Book

I first rode the Konkan coast years ago, as part of a longer journey through South India. It stayed with me—not because of any single moment, but because of how the entire stretch unfolded.

This new paperback, Cycling the Konkan Coast: Mumbai to Goa, a PDF, is a reworked and updated version of that original journey.

It is not a traditional guidebook.

There are no exhaustive listings, no step-by-step instructions. Instead, the book follows the route as it is experienced—stage by stage, with practical detail where it matters, but always grounded in the ride itself.

The aim is simple: to give you a clear sense of what it feels like to travel this coastline by bicycle.

In the End

Cycling the Konkan coast is not the fastest way to reach Goa.

It is not the easiest.

But it is, in every sense, a more direct one.

A way of arriving not just at a destination, but through a landscape—one that, for now, still allows itself to be experienced on its own terms.

The post Cycling the Konkan Coast: Mumbai to Goa appeared first on Footloose Cycling.

We started preparing for the trip since before my son became 3 years old. Living at 11,000 feet in the Rocky Mountains, I took countless walks with my son when he was a toddler. When he was 3, we backpacked for four months around Europe. Before we embarked for the Himalayas, only two months before his 4th birthday, my son summited a 13,000 foot peak in the Rockies all on his own power; we camped one night on the mountain just to shorten the trek by dividing it into two days it took to climb the mountain leaving from our house. Our routine walks in the Rocky Mountains were always easy going with constant stops to teach him about the nature and its cycles. Although we frequently walked on longer outings, I always kept our walks to what I sensed he could comfortably handle. Sometimes he was tired or not in the mood to go around where he had already been so many times with me. By the end of the summer before his fourth birthday, I felt he could do much, if not all, that I envisioned we do in the Himalayas and we could have fun doing it. Above all, I knew I needed to stay aware and not press for the unattainable for him and the two of us together, no matter what lay ahead where we headed. We would need to stay flexible and only do what the circumstances would allow. I was always prepared having to abort our journey for whatever the circumstances, whether medical, political, financial, or just any reason plainly beyond our control. I had a loose plan and itinerary in mind that I was confident would fit together, and we would accomplish our journey. As I ran an adventure and cultural travel company, I could work my business from anywhere. In the Himalayas, we often camped, and I cooked. Other times we stayed in people’s homes or simple rest houses.

Our first trip to India became a stepping stone to six years of travel that followed, always traveling just the two of us. I got a permit to homeschool him and we did so until he started public school when in the 6th grade. By the time he was 7 years old, we traveled to India a second time and had been twice all over China, as well as Bhutan, Sikkim, Thailand, and Vietnam. By the time he started school, we travelled to Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and all the way to the bottom of South America, to Tierra del Fuego, around Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Brazil. We always traveled adventure style, backpacking, always on entirely self-supported trips, and often in remote areas, including a trek in the Andes.

If you have small children and wish you could see the world but can’t because your children are small, you can! Travel with small children is utterly enriching, eye-opening for you and them. Twenty-some years ago, I have given a few lectures on the topic of adventure travel with children, from institutions as the Sierra Club to universities, often encountering many people who dreamed of what my son and I were doing but felt they could not until hearing about our travels. While many became inspired to follow our example, perhaps only some of them indeed did, and perhaps even only a handful of you, if any of you at all, seeing this post may follow as well.

The post Adventure travel with children appeared first on Footloose Cycling.

Their history in India dates back to the British Raj, when they were introduced as a cheap and efficient form of transport. However, their numbers have dwindled in recent decades, with Kolkata being one of the few cities where they are still a common sight.

The job of a rickshaw puller is physically demanding and often poorly paid. Many come from marginalized communities and see it as a last resort for earning a living. Despite the challenges, there’s a certain romance associated with the profession, often depicted in films and literature.

While they contribute to Kolkata’s unique character, their presence also sparks debate. Some argue that they contribute to traffic congestion, while others highlight the ethical concerns surrounding their working conditions. The future of hand-pulled rickshaws in Kolkata remains uncertain, caught between tradition, economic reality, and the growing cityscape.

On my recent trip to India, while in Kolkata, being a cyclist, I wanted to drive a pedal-rickshaw again; I have before on one occasion. Surprisingly, I found there are only a few pedal-rickshaws in Kolkata left. Virtually all rickshaws are now auto-rickshaws, the motorized version of the hand-pulled rickshaws or cycle-rickshaws. With the alarming traffic in India’s big cities, it’s not so surprising that the human-powered versions of rickshaws are on their way out. But you can certainly buy an electric trike with pedal power on Amazon!

The post Hand-pulled rickshaws of Kolkata, India appeared first on Footloose Cycling.

But what if there was another way to experience this magical island? What if you could trade in your rental car or motorbike for a bicycle and immerse yourself in the Balinese landscape at your own pace?

That’s where cycling in Bali comes in.

Imagine pedaling your way through picturesque villages, past terraced rice paddies, and through the heart of the island’s lush rainforests. As you ride, you’ll encounter friendly locals, ancient temples, and breathtaking views at every turn.

One of the best things about cycling in Bali is that you get to see parts of the island that most tourists miss. You can take your time and explore the backroads and villages, where you’ll get a glimpse of authentic Balinese life.

Another great thing about cycling in Bali is that it’s a great way to interact with locals. Cycling is a great way to break the ice with locals. As you ride, you’re bound to get stopped and asked questions. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Balinese culture and way of life.

Cycling in Bali is also a great way to get exercise and stay fit while on vacation. You can choose from a variety of routes, ranging from easy to challenging, and you can do it cycling solo; there is no need to sign up for a package tour.

Finally, cycling in Bali is a relatively affordable way to travel. If you bring your own bike, cycling is a very affordable way to travel around Bali. You can also rent a bike from a variety of shops and tour operators.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable and authentic way to experience Bali, I highly recommend cycling. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty and culture.

Bali is a truly special place, and cycling is the perfect way to experience it. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable vacation, I highly recommend cycling in Bali.

The post Cycling Tour of Bali appeared first on Footloose Cycling.

Bali is an Indonesian island known for its stunning beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant culture. It is a popular destination for travelers looking to experience a unique blend of traditional Balinese culture and modern amenities. Visitors can explore the island’s many temples, witness traditional ceremonies, and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as surfing, snorkeling, and diving. Bali is also home to some of the world’s best spas, restaurants, and nightlife.

But what about Bali as a cycling destination?

Although most visitors to Bali don’t think of Bali as a cycling destination, you can enjoy bicycling in Bali, too. And the above images show the most frequented cycling routes in Bali. A handful of local operators take advantage of the bicycling possibilities around the island and offer a few staple cycling tours, such as:

1. Ubud Cycling Tour: This tour takes you through the beautiful rice paddies and villages around Ubud, considered the cultural capital of Bali.

2. Kintamani Cycling Tour: This tour takes you through the highlands of Kintamani, packing in the breathtaking views of the Batur lake and volcano.

3. Tanah Lot Cycling Tour: This tour brings you a slice of Balinese countryside as you ride along the paddy fields and, of course, takes you to the Tanah Lot temple, an ancient Hindu shrine that’s built on a rock formation and is an important Bali landmark.

If cycling in a group is your preference or a few hours-long tour is all you have time or mood for, then book a bicycling tour in Bali. But if you are a cycle touring enthusiast or an avid cyclist that strives on riding solo (or just with your wife or a friend), and must do so on your very own set of wheels, then yes, absolutely, bring your own bicycle and explore Bali riding solo.

But the question is, where should you ride in Bali on a multi-day cycling tour? And inevitably, where you should not ride, as that is a valid point to consider as well.

Scenic Routes of Bali: West, South, East, North, and Central Bali

West Bali

While looking at the map, Bali seems small enough to be tempted to circumnavigate the island keeping to the coastal route. Indeed, this route takes you along much of the stunning coastline of Bali, although not entirely. But yes, you will pass through some of the most beautiful beaches, villages, and rice paddies in Bali along this route. The route is approximately 350 km long and most reasonably fit cyclists can complete it in 4-5 days. The route is mostly flat and either a road bike or a mountain bike will do. But there are issues, namely traffic in the west and more of it in the congested tourist areas further east, best to stay away from. And so, with the cons of cycling the western perimeter of Bali, cycling 360-degrees around Bali may not be the ideal route for most.

South Bali

Perhaps a better way to approach cycling Bali is to pick a part of it and focus on it, although South Bali it isn’t certainly it. Some may suggest where in the south of Bali it is not dangerous to be cycling, and claim it is safe to cycle in most areas of South Bali, including the popular tourist destinations of Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, and Sanur. Well, riding a bike in these areas of Bali is best described as frantic soft-pedaling weaving through traffic and tourist resort blight, Bali-style, a style not even suited for running errands, definitely not as an adventure cycling with stunning landscapes to marvel at. — for a slice of those you got to ride elsewhere in Bali. That said, some areas in the south are safe enough, namely Jimbaran and Uluwatu, mostly because they are on the very south of a peninsula, hence in part on a periphery of the congested heart of Bali’s tourist areas.

East Bali

Cycling the east of Bali is a great way to explore the island’s stunning scenery and culture. The east of Bali is known for its beautiful beaches, lush green rice paddies, and traditional villages. There are plenty of routes to choose from, ranging from easy to more challenging. You can also explore the area’s temples, waterfalls, and other attractions. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cyclist, you’ll find plenty of routes to get away from traffic and taste the slice of paradise Bali is.

Interesting places not to miss cycling in the east of Bali are:

1. Mount Agung: The highest mountain in Bali, Mount Agung offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a great place to go cycling.

2. Tirta Gangga: This beautiful water palace and its surrounding area are a great place to explore on a bike.

3. Besakih Temple: This is the largest and holiest temple in Bali, and cycling around it is a great way to take in the volcanic beauty of the area.

4. Sidemen: A secluded valley with peaceful rice paddies, all set beneath of the towering Mount Agung.

North Bali

Cycling the north of Bali is too a great way to explore the region’s stunning landscapes and culture. The roads are mostly flat and well-maintained, making it a great option for cyclists of all levels. You can explore the rice paddies, small villages, and stunning beaches of the north such as Lovina Beach, as well as the temples and other cultural attractions in and around Singaraja, Bali’s second largest city and once its capital, albeit a somewhat sleepy outpost compared to Denpasar in the south, although it too teems with traffic.

Central Bali

Central Bali is where it’s at! The best solo cycling route into the central mountains of Bali is the Munduk-Bedugul-Jatiluwih route. It takes you through some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in Bali, including lush green rice terraces, towering volcanoes, and stunning lakes. You can start from Bedugul, and ride south to Jatiluwih, or ride north to Munduk, returning to your base in Bedugul. Or, you add this trio of wonderful places to your cycling tour of Bali.

Munduk is a small village in the highlands south of Bedugul. It is known for its stunning views of the surrounding rice terraces, lush green hills, and waterfalls. There are many activities to enjoy in Munduk, such as trekking, visiting the local temples, and exploring the nearby villages. You can also take a dip in the natural hot springs, go rafting, or take a swim in the nearby lakes. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants to explore.

Bedugul is of a mountain lake resort area for Indonesians coming from Java. Located in the central highlands of the island, it offers cool climate, lush forests, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Because of the much cooler temperatures than in the coastal areas, tourists come here to hike and camp. The area is also home to several Hindu temples, making it a popular pilgrimage site for Balinese Hindus.

What about Jatiluwih?

A ride around the Jatiluwih, rice terraces area southwest of Bedugul, is a rewarding way to fathom this UNESCO-recognized world’s cultural heritage site. Jatiluwih comprises an area rather than a single village. It comprises several indigenous villages and hamlets that manage the Subak system in the area, a community-based water control management system dates back to the 9th century. Rice is not the only crop, though three harvests a year make it the essential crop. Local farmers grow also coffee, vanilla, cocoa, cloves, jack fruit, tea, mangosteen and durian. It reflects the Balinese principle of Tri Hita Karana, which affirms that happiness and harmony stem from a balance of three vital relationships: one between a man and God, between a man and nature, and between all human beings. The magic of Jatiwiluh appears right at sunrise with the first rays of the sun, the ideal time to begin your ride. At an altitude of 700 meters, the views over the centuries of toil that created this amazing feat of landscape engineering are mesmerising. Looking southeast, the panorama of the terraces against the backdrop of Bali’s two most dominant volcanos, Mount Agung and Mount Abang, will undoubtedly etch an unforgettable imprint upon your mind.

It is for the magic of Bali’s areas such as Jatiluwih why Bali is often labelled a paradise island — it is simply because of its stunning natural beauty, its vibrant culture, its friendly people, its amazing beaches, its lush green rice terraces, its unique temples, its delicious cuisine, its world-class resorts, and its many outdoor activities it offers, cycling undeniably among them.

For more of a taste of what cycling around Bali is all about, sample Cycling Bali: Climbing and Freewheeling in Paradise, a cycling guide and travel pictorial.

The post Tour BALI by bicycle: Small island, but which way to ride? appeared first on Footloose Cycling.

The post HIMALAYA DREAMS appeared first on Footloose Cycling.

For the very reason typhoons travel south between the China mainland and Taiwan, the locals dubbed the Taiwan Straight the Typhoon Alley; and the nickname nails the meaning.

Large wind farms fed by abundant coastal winds frame the views of the South China Sea and the Taiwan Straight. Powerful winds batter wide river estuaries and coastal inlets south from Toufen City and across the entire Maoli County. Cycling here sure offers a unique experience.

As long as I rode south along the coast, I no longer had to face headwind or crosswind and instead became propelled by a strong tailwind, often reaching speeds over 50 km/hour doing no pedaling at all.

Alas, beware, it’s not easy cycling! As long as the wind blows in the same direction as the road, it’s cyclist’s heaven. But if the road meanders or the wind changes course, watch out as you can’t easily steer the bike accordingly, and slowing down and stopping isn’t too easy either.

Read more: Cycling Taiwan

The post Cycling Typhoon Alley appeared first on Footloose Cycling.

I was keen on accessing it, however, from the east. At first I wasn’t sure that would have been possible, but scouring the coastline of the north coast of East Java, I discovered the insignificant port of Jangkar Pier.

Offering a virtual back door to the far eastern end of Madura, I had to use it.

Madura turned out to be a surprise and a highlight of the tail end of my journey. East Java wouldn’t have been as memorable had I not have included Madura in my trip.

Madura’s people, despite the stories you come across of hot-tempered men and being a hotbed of traditional, conservative Islam, are, as all Javanese, friendly and inviting, and the island’s scenery a pleasant mix.

The capital, Sumenep, was a pleasant surprise. Its Grand Mosque (featured image) is an impressive piece of architecture.

From Cycling Java, Indonesia

The post Cycling Madura Island, East Java, Indonesia appeared first on Footloose Cycling.

There are no villages, only an occasional solitary homestead or a cabin deep in the jungle, where a handful of local farmers grow nutmeg and bananas.

At the tail end of the path where it begins to zig zag downhill to the first settlement, there is a rubber plantation, and past it at km 13, once down from the hills, a paved road (P234) brings you to the village of Betong. Past Betong, P234 becomes P16, which at Tamang Sempurna merges with H6.

From Cycling Malaysia

The post Jungle Route on Penang Island appeared first on Footloose Cycling.

Reassured that only at nighttime lions may come by, I push off to tackle the body of water. Told it’s only a foot deep or so, I realize I forgot to ask whether a mugger crocodile or two may inhabit these waters; never mind the cobras and pythons I read about.

Confident with my bicycle handling, I enter the pond …

From Cycling Mumbai to Diu

The post Approaching the Lion’s Den appeared first on Footloose Cycling.