The Bicycle I Would Build for the Long Ride

Posted on Aug 23, 2026 by krfarmer

I visited a Specialized bicycle shop this week, and it got me thinking about bicycles.

Not just about the bicycles hanging on the racks, but about what I actually want from a bicycle.

I also stopped at a large outdoor and sporting goods retailer. The contrast between the two stores was interesting.

The large retail store had plenty of bicycles, but they were mostly mass-produced machines aimed at the general consumer. Looking at some of them, I wondered how well some of the components, particularly the bearings, would hold up to the sort of riding I like to do.

The cycling clothing selection was also limited. There were cycling jerseys and shorts, but I couldn’t find a pair of proper cycling bibs.

If you’ve spent several hours in the saddle, you understand why that matters.

There is cycling clothing, and then there is clothing designed to make riding a bicycle for hours more comfortable. For someone planning a long-distance ride, comfort and durability aren’t luxuries. They become necessities.

The outdoor store did have another side to it that I found interesting. There were plenty of camping gadgets and pieces of equipment that could make life on the road a little more comfortable. Some of those things caught my attention and got me thinking about what I might take on a longer bicycle tour.

But it was the Specialized shop that really got me thinking about bicycles.

Looking at the High-End Bicycles

Specialized is one of the well-known, respected bicycle brands, and it is easy to see why when you walk into one of their stores.

There were bicycles that weighed a fraction of what my current bicycle weighs. They had lightweight components, alloy and carbon-fiber construction, aerodynamic frames, fancy wheels and spokes, and all sorts of technology designed to make the bicycle faster and more efficient.

They were beautiful bicycles.

And I can certainly understand why someone would want one.

As I looked along the racks, though, my eye eventually landed on something that perhaps wouldn’t have made a salesperson quite as excited.

It was the cheapest bicycle on the rack.

It was around $1,200.

And I liked it.

Not because it had the most technology.

Actually, quite the opposite.

It was straightforward.

It had a simple alloy frame, mounting points for panniers and water bottles, and a relatively uncomplicated drivetrain with one front chainring. There were no bells and whistles that I didn’t think I needed.

Most importantly, it weighed about half as much as my current bicycle.

That caught my attention.

The model was the Specialized Sirrus 3.

Now, before anyone thinks this is a criticism of Specialized, it isn’t.

Specialized has designed the Sirrus 3 for a purpose. It is an urban and fitness bicycle, not a gravel touring bicycle. The narrower tires and its overall setup make sense for what the bike was designed to do.

What I started doing was imagining what I could make of the basic bicycle.

What Would I Change?

If I bought the Sirrus 3, I wouldn’t leave it exactly as it came from the shop.

I’d personalize it.

The first thing I’d look at would be the handlebars.

I’d put drop bars on it, giving me more hand positions and making it better suited to the sort of longer-distance riding I enjoy. I’d also want a stem that is high enough to give me a comfortable riding position.

One thing I’ve learned from riding is that being stretched out too far or having the handlebars too low can become very uncomfortable after several hours.

I’d also like the ability to fit aerobars.

For shorter fitness rides, I might not need them. But when you’re riding for hours, being able to change your position can make a big difference.

I’d want pedals that could accommodate cleats but also give me the option of riding with flat shoes.

Then there are the tires.

The Sirrus 3 comes with narrower tires because it was designed primarily for urban riding and paved surfaces. If I were going to use it mainly for riding on good roads, I’d probably leave the tires alone.

But my idea is something more versatile.

I’d like the ability to run tires somewhere between about one and two inches wide, preferably tubeless, depending on where I planned to ride.

The salesperson actually mentioned that Specialized is looking at bringing out a version with larger tires, which makes sense as more riders look for bicycles that can move between pavement, gravel and other surfaces.

For the kind of touring I have in mind, wider tires would give me more options.

Gearing Would Depend on the Ride

The bicycle I looked at had one front chainring.

I actually like the simplicity of that.

There is one less component to maintain and one less thing to go wrong.

But I might eventually change that.

I would want enough gearing to give me a good top speed on flat roads while also giving me a low enough gear to climb hills when the bicycle is loaded with panniers.

Whether I really needed two chainrings would depend on experience.

I’d have to load the bicycle up and ride some hills first.

That’s one of the lessons I’ve learned from cycling: what looks good on paper doesn’t always tell you what you need when you’re actually riding.

My Ideal Touring Bicycle

All of this got me thinking.

If I could design a bicycle specifically for myself—something that I could use for fitness riding around my neighborhood, but also take on a long-distance bicycle tour—what would it look like?

My list would be something like this:

Lightweight, but available in an XL frame to suit a tall rider
Drop handlebars
A higher stem for a more comfortable, upright position
The ability to fit aerobars
Pedals that can accommodate cleats and flat shoes
Mounting points for panniers
Mounting points for water bottles and other equipment
Front suspension or a fork capable of handling rougher surfaces
A useful range of gears for both speed on the flats and climbing hills
Hydraulic disc brakes
29-inch wheels
Tubeless tires with a useful range of widths, approximately 1 to 2 inches
A comfortable saddle that properly supports the sit bones
A dynamo hub
An electrical system for lights and charging equipment
Front and rear lights
Manual shifters
Easily removable wheels, preferably with skewers or another simple release system
Reflective tape on the front and rear forks
A well-sealed bottom bracket bearing that is easy to replace

It sounds like a long list.

But after years of riding, I don’t think I’m looking for a bicycle with every possible feature.

I’m looking for a bicycle that gets the important things right.

Comfort, Durability and the Freedom to Ride

For me, it comes down to three things:

Comfort. Durability. Longevity.

I want a bicycle light enough that riding it is enjoyable.

I want it comfortable enough that I can spend hours in the saddle without constantly thinking about the bicycle.

I want it strong enough to carry the equipment I need for a longer trip.

And I want components that are durable, serviceable and relatively simple.

There is something appealing about simplicity.

Every additional component can have a purpose, but every additional component can also become something that needs adjustment, maintenance or replacement.

That doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate high-end bicycles.

Quite the opposite.

Standing in the Specialized shop and looking at those incredibly light machines was impressive. The engineering, materials and technology that go into modern bicycles are remarkable.

But a bicycle designed to win a race isn’t necessarily the bicycle I want to take across the country.

I’m looking for something somewhere between a fitness bicycle, mountain bike, a gravel bicycle and a touring bicycle.

Something I can ride hard on a paved road when I want to put some speed into the ride.

Something I can take onto gravel when the road disappears.

Something that can carry panniers when I decide to disappear for a few days.

And something that I can maintain without needing a degree in bicycle engineering.

Perhaps that’s what comes with riding for a long time.

When you first start cycling, you might look at a bicycle and ask:

“How fast is it?”

After enough miles, you start asking different questions.

“How comfortable is it?”

“How long will it last?”

“What happens when I put 30 or 40 pounds of gear on it?”

“Can I fix it when I’m 100’s of miles from the nearest bicycle shop?”

And perhaps most importantly:

“Will I enjoy riding it?”

That’s the bicycle I’m looking for.

Not necessarily the most expensive one.

Not necessarily the lightest one.

Just the right one for the ride I want to take.

Common bicycle in Africa. This one transporting charcoal.

What would you build or like to be on your bicycle? Write in the bubble at top of post.

What It Feels Like to Watch a Freight Train Pass Under You

Posted on Aug 9, 2026 by krfarmer

There are moments on a bicycle ride that you simply can’t plan for.

This week, while riding my bicycle through the farmlands and along rail line of central Illinois, I heard the unmistakable sound of a train approaching.

I was crossing a bridge when I stopped to watch it.

The railway line came down a valley full of natural bush, and the train was still some distance away. I pulled out my camera and started recording as it came around the corner toward me.

As the train got closer, I waved to the engineer.

He gave me a friendly HOOONK!

Then things got interesting.

As the locomotive approached the bridge, I could feel the air begin to move. A few seconds later, the train was directly below me.

The wind hit first.

Then came the smell and exhaust from the locomotive.

And suddenly, something very strange happened.

It felt like I was standing in the middle of the railway tracks.

I knew I was standing safely on the bridge. I could see the train below me. I knew exactly where I was.

But my senses were telling me something completely different.

For a moment, it felt as though the train was coming straight at me and passing right through where I was standing.

I actually took a step to the side.

Not because I was in danger, but because my brain was telling me to get out of the way.

And then there was another strange sensation.

While part of me felt as though I was standing in the middle of the tracks, another part felt almost as if I were floating above the train.

It was a very strange combination of sensations.

I think some of it comes from watching the train through the camera.

The camera gives you a different perspective from what your eyes are seeing in reality. When you combine the movement of the train, the sound, the wind, the vibration of the bridge and the view through the camera, with quick glances over the camera your brain seems to struggle to decide exactly what it is experiencing.

It reminded me of watching a 3D movie.

You know you’re sitting safely in a theater, but your brain reacts as though the object on the screen is actually moving toward you.

That’s what this felt like.

Only this wasn’t a movie.

I was standing on a bridge over a railway line in the middle of Illinois, with a real freight train passing directly underneath me.

And for a few seconds, it felt like I was right in the middle of it.

Take a look at the video and see if you get the same sensation I did.

Maybe it’s just me—but watching the train approach on camera gives the whole experience a completely different perspective.

One of the great things about cycling is that you never really know what you’re going to encounter around the next corner—or, in this case, underneath the next bridge.

Following Annabelle’s African Bicycle Adventure – And Rethinking Belt Drives

Posted on Jul 19, 2026 by krfarmer

Over the past few months I have been following a cyclist on TikTok called Annabelle 🙂. She and her boyfriend, who are from the USA, have ridden their bicycles all the way from Europe down the eastern side of Africa. They have now reached South Africa and are closing in on Cape Town.

It has been fascinating to follow their journey. Like many long-distance cyclists in Africa, they have faced far more than just long days in the saddle. Visa bureaucracy has caused some significant delays along the way, and in several countries they had to arrange for spare parts and visas to be sent ahead. Even something as simple as collecting a package became an adventure in itself.

Now they are riding through South Africa during winter. Although many people think of Africa as always being warm, this time of year can be surprisingly cold. In the mountains they could even encounter snow. Fortunately, by staying closer to the west coast they seem to have avoided the worst of the winter weather so far.

One recent problem really caught my attention. Annabelle’s bicycle is fitted with a belt drive instead of the traditional chain, and unfortunately the belt has broken.

That immediately made me stop and think.

For years I have read how reliable belt drive systems are supposed to be. Many cyclists praise them as the ultimate low-maintenance solution. They don’t need lubrication, they aren’t affected by muddy conditions in the same way as a chain, and without oily lubricant they don’t attract dust and grit. I’ve even read reports from riders who have covered tens of thousands of miles without replacing a belt.

I have often thought about converting to a belt drive with an internal gear system. On paper it sounds ideal for African travel. No oily chain to clean, less wear from sand and dust, and far less routine maintenance.

But watching Annabelle’s experience has reminded me that every system has its weaknesses.

If a chain breaks almost anywhere in Africa, there is a reasonable chance that you can repair it or find a replacement. A broken belt is a very different story. In South Africa you can probably find one in the larger cities, but once you head into remote regions the chances become much slimmer. Reliability is wonderful—until the one time something does fail.

It also reminded me of my own first bicycle tour through Africa.

Before leaving I had my bicycle serviced, thinking everything would be perfect. Instead, the shop fitted a new chain onto a badly worn front chainring. The worn teeth caused the chain to catch constantly. In Harare in Zimbabwe, I had to find a bicycle shop to help sort it out.

Even then, it wasn’t an instant fix. For around 500 kilometers after leaving Harare the new chain and chainring had to gradually wear together before everything finally settled down. It was simply a matter of letting the chain and chainring “marry” each other.

Little mechanical problems like that can take the shine off an otherwise incredible journey.

Watching Annabelle’s travels has reminded me that bicycle touring is never just about the riding. It’s about adapting to the unexpected, solving problems, and continuing despite the setbacks. Those are often the stories we remember most.

I’m still attracted to the idea of a belt drive and internal gear system, but now I’m asking myself whether the reduced maintenance is worth the potential difficulty of finding replacement parts in remote areas.

I’d love to hear from readers who have experience with belt drive touring bikes.

Have you toured long distances with a belt drive?
Have you ever had one fail?
Would you choose a belt drive over a traditional chain for an extended African expedition?

Please leave a comment below and share your experiences.

I’ll also include a link to Annabelle’s TikTok account so you can follow the final stages of their remarkable journey to Cape Town.

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8tLV1Ma

Kayaking to Domwe Island, Lake Malawi in Great Rift Valley/ An Unforgettable Malawi Adventure

Posted on Jul 11, 2026 by krfarmer

What would you do if you had to paddle across one of Africa’s deepest lakes, knowing the dark water beneath you drops hundreds of metres into the Great Rift Valley?

That was the challenge I faced when I decided to kayak from Kayak Africa to Domwe Island on Lake Malawi (also known as Lake Niassa). It became one of those travel experiences that pushed me beyond my comfort zone and reminded me that the best adventures often begin with a little uncertainty.

Before setting off, the team at Kayak Africa explained that everyone paddling to the island must be accompanied by a guide. The lake conditions can change quickly, and they want to ensure every guest arrives safely. We left early in the morning, taking advantage of the calm morning before the wind had a chance to build.

Thumbi west Island Infront Kayak Africa lodge with Domwe Island just out view on the right.

Although I’d kayaked before, I certainly wouldn’t call myself experienced. As I climbed into the kayak, it felt surprisingly wobbly, and I wondered if I’d made the right decision. But there was no turning back now.

From the shore, Mumbo Island looked deceptively close. Once you’re relying entirely on your own muscles to get there, however, the distance seems to stretch endlessly across the water.

About halfway through the crossing, my shoulders were burning. Every paddle stroke reminded me of muscles that clearly hadn’t been used for this kind of workout in a long time.

Then something unexpected happened.

The water beneath me changed from a light blue to an incredibly dark blue-green. Instantly, my imagination took over.

Lake Malawi sits within the Great Rift Valley, where the African continent is slowly pulling apart. Over millions of years, enormous rift lakes formed here, creating incredible depths. Technical scuba divers travel from around the world to explore these deep waters because they offer exceptional diving conditions without the powerful currents found in the ocean.

Knowing just how deep the lake was made me wonder what might be lurking below.

Of course, there were no monsters beneath me—but my imagination painted a different picture. Every glance into the dark water made it feel as though some giant creature could emerge from the depths at any moment.

To quiet those thoughts, I fixed my eyes firmly on the beach ahead. One paddle stroke after another.

The beach where I landed at Domwe Island with the dining room deck showing.

As the crossing progressed, the wind began to pick up. Soon small whitecaps formed across the lake, and the waves reached around two feet high. The kayak rose and dipped over each swell, its bow slicing through the water. They weren’t ocean-sized waves, but for someone with limited kayaking experience, they certainly commanded respect.

Meanwhile, my guide paddled calmly beside me, making it all look effortless.

Eventually, the shoreline grew larger, and before long my kayak scraped gently onto the beach.

I climbed out feeling exhausted, relieved—and incredibly proud.

My kayak with guides kayak and another person stopping by to check if lodge needs help.

Sometimes the greatest part of an adventure isn’t reaching the destination. It’s discovering that you’re capable of much more than you first believed.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in Malawi, kayaking across Lake Malawi to Domwe Island or other islands can be one I can wholeheartedly recommend. It’s physically challenging, mentally rewarding, and offers a unique perspective on one of Africa’s most spectacular lakes.

Want more real travel adventures like this?

Download my ebook and discover the stories, lessons, and unforgettable experiences from my bicycle journeys across Africa. If you enjoy authentic adventure travel, practical tips, and moments that push you beyond your comfort zone, you’ll love what’s inside. My ebook Run away to Africa by Kenneth Fagan on Amazon. There is a link in the shop page. If you want to book accommodation on an island https//kayakafrica.co.za can be found on Google.

Kayak Africa link

Run away to Africa Ebook

Untold Stories from Malawi

Posted on Jun 28, 2026 by krfarmer

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been working on my next book, Run Away to Malawi. I’m about halfway through the manuscript, and one thing has surprised me.

As I revisit my journals and photographs, I’ve realized just how many stories never made it onto my blog. There are dozens of moments from the journey that were never fully told. Some photographs appeared in the sidebar of Longdaysafaris.com with little or no explanation, but every one of them has a story behind it.

One memory that found its way into the book was a conversation with a cyclist I met along the road in Malawi.

His bicycle wasn’t loaded with camping gear like mine. Instead, it was piled high with supplies. He explained that he owned three small shops in different villages. Rather than sitting behind a counter, he spent his days riding from village to village delivering stock. He employed people to run the shops while he managed the business from the saddle of his bicycle.

His main products were simple essentials: sugar, flour, and coffee. Items that every family needed.

Another detail I had forgotten was what happened when you bought a bottle of soda. You couldn’t simply walk away with it. The bottle had value. You drank your soda at the shop and returned the empty bottle so it could be sent back for a deposit.

That also explained something I noticed throughout my journey.

The children who ran out to greet me weren’t just waving. Many would ask if I had any empty bottles. To them, those bottles were useful. They carried drinking water to the fields, stored drinking water at home, and found countless ways to reuse them.

Very little went to waste.

In many of the rural villages, there was almost no litter. Things were repaired, reused, repurposed, or eventually burned. Nothing was thrown away simply because it was old.

These are the kinds of stories that don’t always fit into a daily travel blog, but together they paint a richer picture of life in Malawi.

I’m looking forward to sharing many more of these moments in Run Away to Malawi. I think you’ll discover that the journey was about far more than cycling from one place to another—it was about the people, their ingenuity, and the lessons they unknowingly taught me along the way.

Cycling at Nature’s Pace

Posted on Jun 21, 2026 by krfarmer

One of the things I enjoy most about cycling is the pace.

Unlike travelling by car, bicycle touring allows you to experience the world around you. You feel the wind on your face, smell the changing scents of the countryside, and hear the sounds of nature that are often missed when travelling at higher speeds.

This week I filmed part of my ride through the countryside. When I played the video back, I realized it had been recorded in fast motion. Watching it felt more like driving a car than cycling a bicycle! While it doesn’t fully capture the experience of being there, it does provide a quick glimpse of the scenery I enjoyed along the route.

Video: Cycling through the countryside

Later, I stopped to take in the surroundings and record the sounds of nature. As I stood quietly, I heard deer moving through the bush and birds singing from the trees.

I also noticed signs posted by a local landowner asking people to stay off the property. While some may see these signs as restrictive, they also help protect wildlife habitat by reducing disturbance. Sometimes the best thing we can do for nature is simply give it the space to thrive.

Moments like these are one of the reasons I love cycling adventures. Travelling at a slower pace allows you to notice details that would otherwise pass by unnoticed and reminds you that nature is constantly at work around us.

Video: Sounds of the bush and wildlife

Have you ever noticed how much more you see and hear when you slow down and travel by bicycle? Leave a comment below. Love to hear from you.

Is RAGBRAI Calling, or Is It Just Summer?

Posted on Jun 7, 2026 by krfarmer

Over the last few weeks, I’ve noticed here in Illinois more and more cyclists rolling down the roads with panniers hanging off their bikes.

Are they preparing for RAGBRAI, July 18-25?

Or are they simply answering the call of summer?

Either way, it brings a smile to my face.

The weather has certainly been calling me. Today I headed out for a ride near Knoxville, Illinois, enjoying quiet roads, green fields, and the simple pleasure of turning the pedals.

There is something special about seeing loaded bicycles. They represent adventure, independence, and the promise that there is always another road to explore.

Perhaps those riders are training for the week-long journey across Iowa. Perhaps they’re just escaping for the day. Either way, they’re living life from the saddle instead of watching it pass by.

I’ve included a short video from today’s ride, along with the route map for this year’s RAGBRAI. Maybe it will inspire you to dust off your bike and answer the call yourself.

Summer doesn’t last forever.

See you out on the road.

You may even what to put on one of those cycling T-shirts in my TikTok shop.

TikTok shop

Improve Comfort: Riser Adjustments Explained

Posted on May 24, 2026 by krfarmer

This simple riser adjustment has been with me for some years now. The beaty is it can be modified with just one Allen wrench which is in you saddle bag already.

There is a fin line with your body weight on your hands or bottom. Then there is the age that catches everybody. Then the lower you are the less wind resistance.

I made a short video:

Take a look at my Book Run Away to Africa on Amazon. Press this link

Cycle 2 Charge

Posted on May 17, 2026 by krfarmer

This has been a game changer to add to my dynamo hub. Very simple no complicated connections. I have been using it now for about 6 years. Anything that uses a USB can be plugged in.