Start here · Essential guide
Essential Cycling Skills for Riding in a Desert Environment
A cautious guide to desert cycling: managing heat and sun, planning water, choosing cooler riding times and staying safe on remote routes far from help.
Bikes, Terrain and Weather
Climate and Environments
Riding in deserts, tropics and rural areas.
Essential Cycling Skills for Riding in a Desert Environment with Sand and Dust
How to handle soft sand and dust on a bike: keeping momentum, understanding wider tyres, protecting your eyes and keeping the drivetrain clean.
Essential Cycling Skills for Riding in a Rural Environment
Practical advice for country lane riding: handling fast traffic on narrow roads, farm vehicles and animals, and staying self-sufficient far from services.
Essential Cycling Skills for Riding in a Tropical Environment
A practical look at tropical riding: sudden downpours, slick roads, insects, strong sun and how to plan rides around the daily weather pattern.
Essential Cycling Skills for Riding in a Tropical Environment with High Humidity
General information on humid weather riding: staying hydrated, recognising signs of heat illness, choosing breathable clothing and pacing your effort.
Related topics
More in bikes, terrain and weather
Mountain Biking Trail skills, setup and safe progression for mountain bikers. Hills and Climbing Climbing, descending and pacing on hills and mountain roads. Gravel and Dirt Riding on gravel, dirt and mixed surfaces with control. Rain, Wind and Snow Practical handling for wet, windy and wintry rides. Climbs and Descents Getting up and down hills with control and sensible pacing. Surfaces and Paths Handling sand, cobbles, boardwalks, trails and other surfaces. Road Bike Skills Handling, drills and position on drop bar road bikes. Cyclocross Skills Riding cyclocross bikes over mud, grass and barriers. Single-Speed Bikes Riding well with just one gear. Gears, Drives and Brakes How gearing, belts, derailleurs and disc brakes change the ride. Frames and Fit How frame type and saddle setup shape handling and comfort. Maintenance Basics Simple care that keeps a bike safe and pleasant to ride.