Tag: ethical

A Guide To Bicycle Touring And Vegan Travel: How To Cycle The World Plant-Based
Many people believe that animal protein is essential for a healthy, active lifestyle, especially when you’re spending hours on the bike every day.

After more than a decade of eating plant-based, travelling across continents, and competing in challenging bike races, I can confidently tell you that bicycle touring vegan isn’t difficult at all. You just need to know the basics and prepare well.

This guide shares my experience cycling through over 70 countries on a vegan diet, with practical advice on what to eat, how to find food, and how to stay nourished and energised on the road.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just curious about plant-based travel, I’ll show you how simple and rewarding it can be to fuel your adventures without animal products.

Preparation For Vegan Bicycle Touring

The Long Haul Trekkers have some great vegan recipes available on their website. Image: Long Haul Trekkers

Believe it or not, I’ve never gone without a meal. The key to successful vegan travel is preparation. In some countries, that’s a breeze; in others, it takes a bit more effort.

With a little research, you can figure out what foods are available and how to get your hands on them. Sometimes, it just means carrying a bit more food than the average bike traveller. Most of the time, I prepare my own meals using ingredients from supermarkets, convenience stores, and petrol stations.

It’s helpful to find out:
- A veg- or vegan-friendly restaurant to head to on your first night, so you’re not scrambling for options when you arrive
- What kinds of plant-based foods are commonly available in local restaurants and stores
- Whether you’ll need to cook for yourself (and if so, whether to bring cooking gear)
- A few key words and phrases in the local language to help you navigate menus and ask questions
What Do Vegans Eat?

This calf in Uzbekistan was one of the drivers for me going vegan – I didn’t agree with how it was treated.

Here’s a list of the foods I typically rely on when I’m on the road:

Breakfast
Oats, seeds (chia, sesame, linseed, flax), muesli, cereals, fruit, dried fruit, bread, coconut, peanut butter, jam, soy/almond/coconut milk.

Snacks
Nuts (peanuts, walnuts, almonds), dried fruit (apricots, prunes), muesli bars, regular fruit (all), avocados, peanut butter, jam, bread, dips, potato chips.

Lunch/Dinner
Rice, pasta, noodles, quinoa, couscous, bread, tortillas, chips. Vegetables (all), beans, chickpeas, lentils, tofu, tempeh, desiccated coconut, canned vegetables, dips (hummus). Curry powders, vegetable stock cubes, pasta sauce, soy sauce, hot sauce, spices.

Or more specifically: sandwiches, wraps, pasta, pizza, curries, soups, stir-fried noodles, salads, and nachos.

Sweets
Dried fruit, regular fruit, liquorice, muesli bars, biscuits, dark chocolate, coconut chocolate, sorbet ice cream.

Eating at Restaurants

In countries where you don’t speak the language, learning just a few key words can make a big difference. Despite what you might expect, people are often incredibly accommodating and genuinely want to help.

When I arrive in a new country, I always find someone who can help me translate and pronounce the term for “vegetarian food” correctly. I also get the following phrases translated: “I don’t eat meat,” “no meat,” “no fish,” “no eggs,” and “no milk.” These are usually enough to communicate my dietary needs clearly.

It’s also smart to have everything written down – especially if the language uses a different script, like Chinese or Arabic.

I’ll mention that I’m a vegetarian as soon as it’s appropriate. If the waiter looks confused, I try repeating myself more slowly or in a slightly different accent. If that still doesn’t work, I will show the written translation. When food is on display, I’ll give a thumbs-up or thumbs-down to each dish as a visual cue.

Knowing the names of a few local vegetarian or vegan dishes goes a long way too. During my first few days in a country, I pay attention to what plant-based meals are common and use that knowledge as a guide when ordering. In some cases, you might even be invited into the kitchen to point out ingredients or dishes you’d like – an effective and interactive way to make sure you get something suitable.

It might sound like a hassle, but in reality, these interactions are almost always met with kindness. Sometimes it takes just 10 seconds to explain, other times a few minutes. Either way, stay patient, be polite, and always thank the staff warmly – they’ll remember your gratitude.

Staying With Local People

One of my favourite things about travel is sharing experiences with local people.

This is often the trickiest part of vegan travel, but luckily, there are plenty of ways to make it enjoyable and stress-free for everyone involved.

The most important thing is to be very clear with your host that you don’t eat animal products – ideally as early as possible. If you’re arranging a stay through platforms like Couchsurfing or Warm Showers, make sure to mention your dietary needs in your initial request. Try to avoid the awkward situation where someone has gone out of their way to prepare a non-vegan meal just for you.

The good news is that people who host touring cyclists are usually open-minded and genuinely curious about veganism.

That said, it can still be daunting for someone unfamiliar with plant-based cooking to figure out what to make. To ease that pressure, I like to cook for my hosts on the first night. It’s a great way to break the ice, share a few vegan cooking tips, and give them ideas for any future meals they might want to prepare.

I also recommend bringing your own breakfast and lunch supplies – it’s not fair to expect your host to cater to your diet 100%. In fact, I made a habit of doing this even before I went vegan.

Cycling in Remote Areas

The more remote your destination, the more you generally have to plan.

When cycling through remote areas, preparation is everything.

Just like any bike tour, you’ll want to map out where you can restock food and make an educated guess about what might be available along the way. I often carry a bit of extra food – just in case supplies are more limited than expected.

Some vegetables hold up really well on the road and are great for remote travel. Think carrots, potatoes, pumpkin, onions, and garlic. These staples are not only long-lasting, but they’re also commonly found in remote areas where fresh produce isn’t delivered daily. Canned vegetables are usually available too and can be a reliable fallback.

If you’re a little more organised, dried beans or lentils are a great option. They’re lightweight and can be soaked in a water bottle (bidon) throughout the day. For the especially prepared, using a dehydrator to pack a few days’ worth of fruits and vegetables is a great trick borrowed from hikers, perfect for longer rides in the wilderness.

Eating Enough

Lightheadedness is something new vegans sometimes experience, especially during physical activity. But more often than not, it’s not due to a lack of nutrients – it’s simply not eating enough food.

Since most plant-based foods are high in fibre and low in calories, you’ll need to increase your portion sizes to meet your energy needs. On a bike tour, that’s actually a bonus. You can eat until you’re truly full, guilt-free, and know you’re fueling your body properly!

Vitamins and Minerals

Despite the stereotype that vegans live on nothing but healthy salads, it’s entirely possible to be an unhealthy vegan. After all, you could survive on bread and potato chips if you really wanted to…

That said, if you’re not paying attention, a few nutritional deficiencies can creep into a vegetarian or vegan travel diet:

B12: This vitamin is tricky to absorb from plant-based sources. While my blood tests have never shown a deficiency, I still use a B12 throat spray as a precaution. Alternatively, some people opt for an annual B12 injection to stay on top of it.

Iron: Iron absorption can be an issue for some people, especially women, when relying on plant-based sources. If you’ve ever struggled with low iron, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional and supplement as needed. A practical tip: snack on lots of nuts and seeds, which are rich in iron, and include dark leafy greens in your meals whenever possible.

With a bit of mindfulness, it’s easy to stay on top of your nutrition and keep your energy levels high on the road.

It will help to familiarise the food infographic below (I have one printed in my kitchen when I have a home).

Click this vegan food infographic for more detail.

My top tip for a balanced diet is to eat as many vegetables as you can, especially the green ones (the darker the better). They’ll help you feel great and provide the vitamins and minerals you need to keep cycling all day.

It’s also worth mentioning that fruit makes an incredibly convenient snack and is available almost everywhere around the world. The same goes for nuts and seeds – they’re easy to carry and packed with nutrients.

Flexibility Will Help

I totally get that the idea of consuming animal products can feel really daunting when you’re vegan. But remember, you can only control so much. Even when you do your best to find and order nutritious, plant-based meals, there might be times when you need to be flexible for the sake of your health.

During my travels, I’ve occasionally chosen to eat meals that include small amounts of fish sauce, animal broth, egg, cheese, or even a bit of chocolate, rather than waste food or risk offending someone.

While I definitely don’t enjoy these meals in the same way, knowing I’m doing my best helps me feel like I’m still living in line with my values.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aren’t You Weak?

I completed over 30,000m/99,000ft of elevation over two weeks in Vietnam. All on a vegan diet. 🙂

No – that’s just a myth.

I’ve literally ridden my bike for 24 hours straight and climbed some of the biggest mountains faster than almost anyone I know. How? Because I eat well and ride a lot. Being vegan hasn’t held me back at all; in fact, it’s made me more mindful about choosing the best foods to fuel my body.

What About Protein?

There’s no need to link protein directly with health and strength – plant-based sources provide more than enough. In fact, if you’re eating a balanced, healthy diet, you probably don’t even need to worry about protein intake.

But if you like to track your numbers, for daily bike touring, aiming for about 1.0 to 1.5 g of protein per kilogram of body weight is plenty – and it’s easier than you might think.

Plant-Based Protein Per 100g (3.5oz) in Weight
2.50g – Potato
2.58g – Brown Rice
2.90g – Spinach
4.40g – Quinoa
4.83g – Kidney Beans
4.86g – Pinto Beans
5.36g – Green Peas
7.79g – Macadamia Nuts
7.80g – Lima Beans
8.80g – Wheat Bread
8.90g – Garbanzo Beans
9.02g – Lentils
9.50g – Pecans
13.10g – Soybeans
15.03g – Walnuts
15.31g – Cashew
15.60g – Chia Seeds
16.89g – Oats
17.19g – Tofu
19.50g – Flaxseed
21.35g – Pistachio Nuts
22.09g – Almonds
23.00g – Hemp Seeds
25.09g – Peanut Butter
32.97g – Pumpkin Seeds

Summary

Travelling the world on a bike while following a vegan diet is not only possible, it can be an incredibly rewarding and healthy way to explore. With a bit of preparation, openness, and flexibility, you can enjoy a varied and nutritious plant-based diet anywhere, from bustling cities to remote wilderness.

Remember, successful vegan bike touring comes down to knowing what foods to look for, how to communicate your dietary needs, and carrying a few essentials to keep you fueled when options are limited. Pay attention to your nutrition, especially protein, iron, and B12, and don’t hesitate to adapt when needed – your health and energy are what matter most on the road.

Above all, embrace the kindness of strangers, enjoy the challenge of discovering new foods and cultures, and trust that a plant-based diet can support your cycling goals and adventures every mile of the way.

Other Bicycle Touring Vegan Cyclists

Marc Michel @ MarcMichel
Ray Pokai @ Vegan Bicycle Touring
Dave and Jen @ Long Haul Trekkers
Cynthia and Max @ WorldByWheel
Olga and Michel @ Rausgefahren
Luba and Tom @ StepOutsideAndExplore
Carmen Mickley @ Vegan Cycling
Dakota and Chelsea @ Traipsing About
Tristan Bogaard @ TristanBogaard
Isis and Clement @ Enjolivelo
November 18, 2016
How To Reduce Waste AND Design Bikes That Last Forever: The Circular Economy

Islabikes made international headlines last month with their ambitious new Imagine Project. Their idea: to create bikes that last forever, therefore reducing the consumption of raw materials via their own circular economy.

…

I’ve been quite consumed recently upon researching the state of the environment – it’s terrifying. Even if the world was to switch to 100% renewable energy right now, we still aren’t addressing exactly what we do with that energy: that is, to extract more, build more, expand more and produce more for our ever growing population.

The embodied energy of everything we consume is often swept under the rug as complex manufacturing processes tend to hide overall emissions and waste. While exact energy numbers are hard to determine for objects like a bicycle; it’s safe to say our current rate of consumption is resulting in significant greenhouse gas emissions.

Coupling our consumption habits with increasing population growth, we’ve managed to double how much we dig out of the ground in just 35 years. In combination with greater levels of resource scarcity (the Earth’s resources are finite, after all), we should start preparing for some significant price increases on our raw materials.

But these things aren’t what underpins our need to consume excessively. It’s our economies.

Global progress is universally measured using GDP growth; and, the more the better. I’m simplifying this greatly, but most governments stimulate their economies in ways that optimise resource consumption, and at the same time our banking systems rely on constant growth. Large firms also require 3% growth annually in order to make profits in the aggregate. That means every 20 years we need to double the size of the global economy – double the bikes, double the cars and double the mining. Is it not madness that we’re aiming for infinite growth in a world with finite resources?

So what do we do about our environment? We use an economic system that is fundamentally flawed, demanding ever-increasing extraction, production and consumption.

Well, there are ways to achieve high levels of human development with very low levels of consumption. In fact, eight countries are currently meeting the minimum human development index (HDI) while also having ecological footprints below what is globally sustainable.

And here’s what bike companies can do.

Isla Fisher and her team working on the Imagine Project.

The Circular Economy Bike Business Model

AKA Closed Loop, Circular Supply Chain

Here’s how it works: rather than a bike manufacturer absolving all responsibility of their product by selling it to you, bike companies would indefinitely own all of the resources used to construct their products.

Yep, you don’t get to own your bike. Instead, you’ll be renting the bike directly from the manufacturer. When you’re finished, the bike will get refurbished back at the factory who will then pass it on to the next person.

This is important in terms of corporate responsibility because it incentivises the use of less resources, encouraging manufacturers to design bikes that essentially last forever. The longer the bike is in service, the longer it can be rented out and the greater the return per unit.

It also allows for more efficient resource use in general, because should you not be riding the bike you’re renting, you would return it and somebody else would. It could also give you the freedom to switch between different styles of bike depending on your intended use. Optimise your bike for your commute, off-road tour, road bunch ride, mountain bike ride or round-the-world trip.

There’s more benefits too. You’ll get better service from the manufacturer as they have a greater interest in providing a product that lasts. They’ll also be able to afford to do a broader size range with smaller gaps between sizes; it’s almost like everybody gets a custom-sized bike. In addition, all of the components could be optimised around your body weight and riding style, meaning lighter parts for those who aren’t likely to damage them.

Islabikes will weld high-quality frames inhouse in the UK.

What Is A Circular Economy Bike Likely To Be Like?

We can look towards both the past, as well as the present to understand what a circular economy bike will be like. I think we can expect a mix of the proven bicycle technology from the last 100 years, as well as some of the more modern manufacturing techniques.

Current bike share models give us a good indication of a product designed for longevity as they need to be able to withstand adverse conditions, city streets and reckless behaviour. Another bike to look at for ideas is the modern touring bike – these are some of the only off-the-shelf bikes pieced together with long-term durability in mind.

You can expect these features on a long-lasting bike:
– Steel frames and forks
– Singlespeed drivetrains and internally geared hubs (enclosed)
– 8 speed rear derailleur drivetrains on the more performance oriented fleet
– Heavy duty aluminium rims
– Long lasting tyres (Schwalbe Marathon tyres are known to last 20,000km+)
– Coaster brakes
– Full length fenders and integrated dynamo lights

Islabikes are partnering with all kinds of component manufacturers currently to produce longer lasting parts for their Imagine Project. We can expect to see longer lasting consumables (tyres, tubes, chains, cassettes), as well as better sealed bearings and cabling. All other components will be designed around “fatigue limits” that are far greater than the wear and tear we put through our bikes.

Islabikes are making all of their business research ‘open source’, and being pioneers, their long-lasting components will be available to all other bike companies when they’re ready to adopt a circular economy business model.

Looking towards examples of bike sharing will give us a few component clues.

Aren’t Good Quality Products Already Lasting Forever?

Some more conscious consumers will argue that when they purchase a bike, they do it with the intention of it lasting a lifetime. This will especially be the case with many touring bikes, as they’re typically built with durability in mind.

And this is where it gets interesting: circular economy bikes aren’t going to suit everybody.

If you are the kind of person who’s buying a product to last, you’re more likely to invest the money early and reap the long-term benefits of a quality product. You are actually taking responsibility for your consumption of resources, conscientiously or not.

Another example is with respect to high-performance athletes who are always going to rely on advances in technology in order to stay competitive. Circular economy design traits aren’t likely to offer anything of significant benefit.

In any case, for the majority of all sport, leisure and commuter cyclists – high-quality circular economy bikes have huge potential.

But What About Second Hand Bikes?

I hear you. The resources from second hand bikes have already been consumed, so you’re not consuming anything, right?

The thing is, the second hand market relies solely on the consumption of new resources in order to operate. Although you’re not the one consuming new items, you’re still taking part in a market which facilitates consumerism.

Of course, economic models will change over time, and buying well-designed second hand bikes/gear is currently the most ethical way to consume resources.

Is This Just A Way For Companies To Get Extra Profit?

One argument that has been proposed is that companies who already make long-lasting products (like Islabikes) just want to increase their margins by applying a new business model. I would counter that this is merely the point of a business, to create a plan that guarantees long-term growth.

And if said businesses can create a sustainable model that reduces the consumption of scarce resources, all while positively influencing the industry, is that not a great thing?

Does This Model Work In Other Industries?

Philips have been playing around with selling light output to business, rather than infrastructure. This has allowed them to both reduce energy costs and CO2 emissions, but more importantly – they have greater control over the recycling and repurposing of lighting components.

I think an even more interesting circular economy business model is by British car manufacturer, Riversimple. They are currently constructing hydrogen-electric cars that are capable of 250 miles-per-gallon! Like many circular economy products, you pay for the service and not the car. It will be interesting to see where this company goes in the future.

The Riversimple Rasa is a car not owned by the consumer.

Will This Model Work For Touring Bikes?

Yes and no.

If you’re the kind of rider who spends very little time actually going bicycle touring, it will make sense to rent a touring bike directly from a manufacturer. This system will ensure that the fleet of touring bikes can spend the majority of their lives on the road, rather than in garages.

If you’re planning on buying a touring bike for life, it’s already quite possible to consume the one bike until you die. That’s pretty darn cool.

Do You Think You Could Give Up Bike Ownership To Reduce Resource Consumption?

November 11, 2016