Book excerpt: Travel to the world's most exotic destinations on your own power. Choose a bicycle designed for your size, capabilities and riding style. Understand the components of your road bicycle and how they are installed. Familiarize yourself with touring hardware such as racks, panniers, mud flaps and even computers. Discover equipment for life on the road and the advantages of lightweight bicycle clothing, shelters and cooking gear. Implement a pre-trip conditioning routine to prevent injuries. Develop proper safety techniques using hand signals and correct spacing between riders. Improve your riding skills on a loaded bike by altering your cadence or by implementing better pedaling techniques.