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By visiting the forum of the Lonely Planet (Thorn tree; on your bike), I just read an interesting blog about tips and most mistakes made by cyclist. Like us, maybe you will be able to recognize yourself in some situations or it will help you to plan your next trip on the road. Have a look; some are really interesting and funny!

Tips:

1. If you have too much stuff, can dump it. You can always buy it.
2. Slow down; stop, to see the view. Don't just look at the view on passing through.
3. I'd also say not taking enough pictures; often the riding is so good that I don't want to break the rhythm. On the other hand, I don't like taking forever to get somewhere and I've had regrets on taking too long of a lunch break and not being able to enjoy the evening. I think it's better to leave early and arrive early. It also gives you a cushion if you have flat tires. It's not a lot of fun arriving after dark and setting up a tent etc...
4. Making sure the bike is in good working order before you leave. Give it a tune up or bring it into the shop and ride it before you leave to make sure everything is OK. It’s easy to be lazy because of trip planning.
5. Bring plastic bags and Ziplocs to keep stuff dry
6. Even if you forget something or it doesn't go according to plan, it's no big deal. It's part of the fun of traveling.
7. Make sure you have the tools you need (and are able to use) in case of emergency
8. If you are on a tight budget, the bike is probably the best opportunity to save money - better good gear (panniers, racks, camping stuff) on a mediocre bike than vice-versa.
9. Never play chicken with Indian truck drivers.
10. Never think you are smarter than an Irish farm dog.
11. Never think you are faster than a Tibetan Mastiff.
12. Never stay in a hotel advertising Karaoke.
13. Always pack a Buff scarf

Mistakes:

1. Riding rough roads with pannier racks that are not strong enough
2. Not having spare brakes blocks
3. Not attaching luggage well enough to your bike, so things fall off
4. Not carrying enough water in dry areas
5. Failing to appreciate how difficult strong winds make it
6. Failing to appreciate the need for altitude acclimatization on very high routes
7. Failing to understand that your panniers (of most brands) aren't water proof, and sensitive things need to be put in several plastic bag layers inside
8. Failing to understand that things get a lot of shaking inside your panniers when riding on bad roads, and if delicate need padding to avoid damage
9. Failing to understand that nuts and bolts work loose when riding on rough roads, and need to be regularly tightened up, or they will fall off and you will lose them and your bike will fall apart
10. Not understanding how your stove works well enough to keep it working
11. Cycling in the rain in denim jeans
12. Carrying any clothes made of denim
13. Not realizing you don't really need to carry 7 T-shirts
14. Failing to appreciate the need for high factor sun-cream, and replace it as you sweat it off, and have something to shade the back of your neck, or the risk of sunstroke
15. Failing to appreciate how cold and windy and wet it can be up a high mountain pass
16. Going to places at inappropriate times of year
17. Getting stressed when stuff goes wrong - things always work out OK.
18. Getting frustrated by the speed of my partner - must learn to chill!
19. Thinking it’s a good idea to try a wheelie with a loaded bike to try to impress passing school kids.
20. Attempting to avoid a collapsed drain by bunny hopping a loaded bike at 40 kph.
21. Forgetting to send mum a postcard.
22. Thinking Vietnamese girls are in any way impressed by my muscular cycling legs.
23. Assuming Lebanese drivers know what they are doing.
24. Cycling with someone who thinks its ok to take photographs of Chinese military installations in Tibet.
25. Thinking that Japanese traffic police have a sense of humor.
26. Cycling through north Clare in lycra shorts during the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival.
27. Thinking I can charm Delhi Airport check-in staff into letting me through with an extra 10 kg.