jojotanjaya

Mr Matthews, what can kind of preparations do you make before doing your very first journey? Is there any kind of training that you do before hand?

Also, other than tents and sleeping bag, what else do you bring with you?

Right, so I guess it all boils down to time on the bike then. I've read your answer to the other questions and it's been crazy interesting so far! I do have some follow-up questions if you're not too busy.

My next questions are more towards the practical side of your trips.

Keeping in mind the context where we assume you are riding in the more REMOTE parts (no supermarket, no house etc, just pure wilderness) of the country:

1. What sort of preparations for food and water supply do you make, especially for your hundred mile ride in the desert? And how did you deal with water shortage?

2. How did you wash and dry your clothes?

3. How did you shower during your trips? In the city, I assume you go to a friend’s house or a motel, but what about in the more remote places?

4. (Serious question, I hope you don't mind, I'm really curious) When you couldn’t find any restroom, and there’s no toilet rolls to use, how do you defecate?

And thank you for this AMA! I really appreciate it :D

Ha, I knew it! I've always thought pooping in nature is possible, but I just couldn't imagine myself doing it. But maybe I'll try one day :D

Actually, I still have a lot of questions! But without taking too much of your time, I guess I'll just narrow it down to these important ones.

1. Since you technically exercise everyday, I figure that you must be in a healthy state of well-being. But with that said, have you ever been sick (e.g fever) at any point during the trip? How did you deal with it when there’s no hospital/pharmacy around?

2. Are there instances where crucial parts break and you don’t have spare, but the nearest bike shop is a hundred miles away?

3. What specific brand and model of I. Backpack II. Tent III. Sleeping bag IV. Sleeping pad V. Rain jacket do you use? Any issues / comments regarding them, paying special attention to weather-resistance and warmth?

4. Somewhere in this thread, you mentioned that you bring chalk on your trips. What do you use it for?

5. With so many equipment resting on your back during cycling, wouldn’t your back start to hurt after a while? Or, did you put most of your load on the bike?

That should be the last of 'em. Sorry if there's too many! Then again, it's not everyday we come across people who do these amazing adventures, so I might as well ask!