In a previous post called “10 things not to ask a long-distance cyclist“, I listed down the things I get asked more frequently when on the road. After having heard the same questions over and over again, I started thinking to myself what kind of questions would I love to answer? As I stay with locals nearly every night, I sometimes wish we could just jump through the basic questions and speak about other things instead. 

What to pack on a long-distance cycling trip? This is the one thing that kept banging in my head before leaving for South America. And after talking to other cyclists, I’ve noticed this seems to have been the main concern of many. Believe me, most things won’t seem that important anymore, as soon lay your feet on your pedals (meaning: if someone steels your things it’s won’t be the end of the world). However, before you go, it feels good to know what to take with you. So, here’s what it is.

First of all, this is not a date add and I DON’T accept random friend requests on Facebook, so spare your time. Secondly, I’M NOT looking for company, and even less so on the internet. Thirdly, I DON’T travel alone because I don’t have a man (this is a misconception I’ve encountered numerous times), but because I ENJOY traveling alone. Having said this, here’s something I want to remind you about: the risks of sexually transmitted diseases when traveling (or back home).

Me and a teacher of Arrebato Caleño, Andrés Molina, gave a class of Cali style salsa in La Topa Tolondra, on the 4th of December 2017. The aim of the class was to teach the basic hip movement of Cali style salsa and some of its fundamental steps. Here you go with a very short video, including a Miguel Ferrerossa and some social dance from the place which can no doubt be called my favorite salsa club in the world.

When cycling, you get asked a lot of questions. In fact, every long-distance cyclist would probably want to bang the askers in the head from time to time. Not because of the people or the questions themselves, but just because as time goes by, you answer the same questions over and over again (sometimes 5-10 times daily). And the longer your trip, the more times you do so (on a year-long trip, you’ll probably do it at least 365 times). So, to spare us (and your head from getting hurt), here’s what not to ask a long-distance cyclist. And if you’re dying to know the answers, here they are as well!

Mate (a hot herbal drink) is just as an essential part of the Argentinian culture as is asado (barbecue). It’s drank by everyone everywhere and each gas station has its own spot for filling up your thermos with hot water (which of course, is carried along on road trips of all lengths). But how to drink it the right way?

Why would you cycle Paraguay? It’s usually not the first country you think of when choosing a destination to visit in South America. Quite on the contrary, it’s probably one of the last with Suriname and The Guianas. There are neither oceans nor high mountains, and even the historical sights don’t really compete with Machu Picchu (this is solely based on my gut feeling. Locals say that the Jesuit ruins in Santísima Trinidad are actually quite impressive). 

Loretta Henderson is a woman who started the Women On Wheels (WOW) community for and about solo female cyclists many years ago. She has been cycling around the world for quite a while now, and FINALLY she has written an ebook about 100 other women doing the same. I’m also in it, so be sure to buy it if you want to see what rookie-cyclist-Sissi had to say while sitting happily in a warm room in the center of Buenos Aires, Argentina!