 Special long distance bicycles have shelves both at the back and in the
front of the bicycle so as to lower the center of gravity to increase the
stability of the bicycle and to spread weight to avoid too much weight falling
on the back tire only. So cyclists having no special bicycles may add a shelf to
the front of their bicycles themselves.
A bicycle check is necessary once
each day mainly to make sure all nuts work well.
Tips for driving to Tibet
Drive no more than 500 km each day and have two drivers to rotate driving in
each car so that drivers can take a break. . No speeding or night driving.
Don't take too many people. A group made up of two or three cars is the best
to avoid schedule conflict.
Do car maintenance in Geermu, a city between Qinhai and Tibet. Geermu has
shops specializing in maintenance for cars en route to Tibet.
 Don't do anything strenuous on the first day after arriving in Tibet.
Get some rest and let your body adjust to the altitude.
Small items for the trip
Handkerchief: Can be tied over hair to prevent it from being caught by
branches, or worn on the wrist to be used as facial wipe.
Frisbee: Can be used as a salad plate, cutting board, writing desk or washing
basin when not being played with by friends.
Private name cards: with just your phone number, e-mail address and the
address of where you are staying. Leave them together with a note about where
you want to go and wait for a phone call from interested strangers.
Big towel: to keep warm when it's cold and use as a blanket if the one
provided by the hostel is not as clean as you expect.
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