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Travel Advice Things
To Do Sports
& Activities |
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Cycling
Tour Operators  Quad
Biking Hire  
Introduction:  Cycling
in Gambia can be challenging especially for vacationers not used to
some of the more challenging potholed roads and less than flat side
dirt roads. A reliable mountain bike is the most useful and best choice
for cycle touring, especially when veering off-road, because they offer
robustness, terrain adaptability and are more comfort than a regular
city pedal bike.There are a number of cycling tour operators offering adventure cycling holidays to Gambia; while some are locally run ground tour operators and tourist guides. Bicycle-Africa, based in the US (Seattle), specialises in medium soft bike tours / cultural adventure for travellers looking to learn more about the country at a more personal level. The International Bicycle Fund (IBF) also has a useful travel guide covering UK, EU, Africa and other regions.
Hire A Cycle:  Renting
a push bike in Gambia is very useful, especially for getting to certain
tourist attractions and
for transportation to anywhere that is too close for a bush taxi
and too far when the heat makes you a bit lazy for long walks. Additionally,
a leisurely bike ride is a great way to explore the off the beaten track
and gives you more independence. However here are some downsides to
consider:1. Deep sand sometimes renders roads that go off the beaten track un-rideable, especially in residential areas. 2. The dry season dust makes bike cleaning more frequent than in the EU or UK. 3. Car drivers and road traffic conditions can be a risk to your travel safety. Generally, these are small considerations in the face of a bike's convenience. Number 1 can be avoided once you learn the best routes and become an experienced sand rider (this takes practice); number 2 because bike repair "shops" (i.e. roadside stalls) are plentiful, inexpensive, quick, and have qualified owners.
Buying a Cycle: Since
you are likely to be making this large purchase at the beginning of
your visit, it is best to ask a Gambian to accompany you to get a fair
price. There are a few places to buy dotted around the Serrekunda
town, Kotu East, Manjai and Kairaba
Avenue. Keep your eye out when travelling the area and of course,
ask locals for good places to shop. Test the bike thoroughly before
buying, if there are any problems, ask if they can be fixed before purchase.
The seller should repair and tune-up the bike on the spot for you, and
make all necessary adjustments, such as raising the seat and handlebars.
Accessories:A tough, reflective, well-ventilated helmet should be first on your list of necessary accessories. A bike anti-theft lock with a key is a necessary investment (keep one key with you and one key in a safe place). If you get a combination lock, your bike is more likely to become community property! A rear-view mirror is very handy for riding along main roads. If you plan on riding at night (which should generally be avoided), a front and back-light are critical as it can get dark quite quickly. Finally, a bell or horn is an essential purchase, as you might have to share a small path with pedestrians that may be oblivious to your presence.
Repairs: No
matter how good your bike is, you will need to get your tires pumped
and gears oiled every once in a while. There are many repairs workshops
and stands you can stop at on the side of main roads; if necessary,
you can leave your bike for a few hours for larger projects. Tyre pumping
usually costs a few Dalasi per tyre, and more for a full bike oiling.
Other repairs may vary by cost of supplies and labour.
Safety: As
Gambian drivers are sometimes less than proficient, you must be alert
at all times when sharing the road with motor vehicles, potholes and
uneven pavement edges may cause you to ride more towards the centre
of the main road than you may be comfortable with. Most accidents can
be avoided by taking reasonable safety precautions.The safety advice is similar for walking. Never try to predict what car drivers will do, and don't act unless you know for sure. If light signals are used at all, they are just as likely to be on unknowingly. Sometimes car drivers will suddenly turn without using their signal light, and be careful of drivers who often end up cutting you off, even when not signalling, forcing you to a sudden stop or swerve towards the middle of the road.  When
crossing the street, keep in mind that there are less than desirable
speed limit signs and thus it can be difficult to gauge how fast or
slow they are barrelling towards you; if in doubt - wait. Be especially
careful when riding on busy roads such as Kairaba
Avenue, as private cars meander on and off the road for their passengers.Taxis will present a special danger as well, since they make frequent stops on the side of the road. Always move to the right side of them, even if it means going onto the sand. If you are forced to pass between them and the road, make absolutely sure the driver is aware of you as you pass - and remember that eye contact doesn't necessarily mean they aren't looking right through you. If you sense a taxi is about to move on or off the road, it is wise to stop and let them do their thing without getting in their way. The best biking advice is to be as predictable as possible, don't make spur of the moment decisions about the direction or speed of your travel and always make sure your brakes are in good working order. Lastly, and it bears repeating, ALWAYS wear a bike helmet that fits you and is buckled tightly and don't forget your travel insurance policy! 
Cycling Tour Operators:
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