This is the travelblog of Cyril Ducau and Niccolo Manno on their adventure from London (Cyril), Munich (Niccolo) to Hong Kong on motorbikes.
It took us short of 3 months to do 20,000km on bikes, trains and planes. We crossed the following countries together:

Austria - Italy - Slovenia - Croatia - Serbia - Bulgaria - Turkey - Georgia - Azerbaijan - Turkmenistan - Uzbekistan - Kyrgyzstan - Kazakhstan - Russia - Mongolia - China - Hong Kong

On this site you will find some info on both of us, our bikes, some of our friendly helpers in Hong Kong and London and loads of pictures on our trip. 

Latest top picture

Latest top picture
Thanks for watching our blog - Enjoy as we did it!

Our path

Our path
Click picture to download Google Earth kmz file !

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

New Movement Empowers Cyclists and Motorcyclists to Personalize Their Journeys Through Custom Canvas Panniers

United States – May 21, 2025 – A rising wave of enthusiasm is sweeping through the cycling and motorcycling communities, as more riders embrace the art of sewing custom canvas bicycle or motorcycle panniers. This burgeoning movement allows adventurers, commuters, and tourers to craft personalized, highly functional luggage tailored precisely to their needs and individual style. Beyond the commercial options, riders are discovering the enduring satisfaction and superior utility of bespoke panniers, built with their own hands and designed for their unique travels.

The concept of custom-made gear for two-wheeled transport is gaining momentum, fueled by a desire for durabilitywaterproofing, and a perfect fit that off-the-shelf solutions often cannot provide. Enthusiasts are finding that the act of designing and constructing their own bicycle panniers or motorcycle panniers transforms their approach to travel, offering solutions optimized for specific bicycles, racks, and cargo requirements. This growing trend reflects a broader appreciation for craftsmanship and self-sufficiency within the riding community.

At the heart of this movement is the versatile and robust material: canvas. Known for its strength, timeless aesthetic, and ability to be treated for enhanced waterproofingcanvas offers an ideal medium for creating luggage that can withstand the rigors of the road and trail. Whether it is a rugged waxed canvas for classic touring bikes or a durable duck canvas for daily commutes, the choice of fabric allows for tailoring the panniers to the specific demands of each adventure. This material choice allows for an alignment with both the practical demands of transport and the aesthetic desires of the rider.

The process of creating these custom bags typically involves a dedicated sewing machine, often a heavy-duty or industrial model capable of handling multiple layers of thick fabric and strong threads. Crafting personalized patterns is a foundational step, allowing for precise control over the panniers' dimensions, internal organization, and external features such as pockets and closures. Many resources are now available, from online tutorials to dedicated workshops, guiding individuals through the DIY process, empowering them to transform rolls of canvas into essential travel companions. The rise of interest in this custom work emphasizes the increasing appreciation for designing gear that functions as an extension of the vehicle and the individual.

The construction of custom panniers also necessitates careful consideration of mounting systems. For bicycle setups, this involves integrating robust hooks and straps that securely attach to existing racks, ensuring stability and preventing interference with pedal stroke. For motorcycle applications, the rack and attachment points are even more critical, often requiring specialized hardware to account for exhaust heat, vibration, and higher speeds. The attention to detail in stitching and reinforcement is paramount, as these bags are subjected to significant stresses during touring or bikepacking expeditions.

This shift towards personalized gear speaks to the core needs of cyclists and motorcyclists who seek luggage that is not just functional, but also a reflection of their riding philosophy. Custom canvas panniers represent a fusion of utility and personal expression, ensuring that every piece of gear contributes to a cohesive and efficient journey. The freedom to select specific materials, dictate dimensions, and integrate unique features positions custom-made panniers as a superior alternative for those unwilling to compromise on their travel requirements.

The online sphere has become a nexus for this movement, with forums, blogs, and video platforms sharing knowledge, designs, and experiences. Individuals interested in exploring this avenue can find numerous resources to begin. Basic "bicycle pannier sewing pattern" searches on marketplaces like Etsy yield a variety of templates, often with recent reviews, indicating ongoing engagement. The availability of diverse materials online and at specialty fabric stores also supports this growing community, making it easier than ever to source a Heavy Duty Sewing Machinehigh-quality canvas, thread, and robust hooks for mounting.

The movement for sewing custom canvas bicycle or motorcycle panniers is more than just a hobby; it is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of riders who prefer to create their own solutions. It empowers individuals to develop luggage that not only performs flawlessly but also carries the unique signature of its maker, making every journey truly personal. As riders continue to seek tailored solutions for their long-distance travel and daily needs, the craft of custom pannier sewing is set to expand its influence, solidifying its place as a significant aspect of modern two-wheeled adventuring.

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A BIG THANK YOU TO:

Cyril:
- Maddy, the head of our "London HQ", special technical and weather advisor, and because she is simply the best and has been so supportive over the last few months
- My family and friends for their understanding and moral support
- Robert Roe (alias Bob) from Motoselect Franham for preparing the bike with such good care
- Anastasia from thevisacompany for helping me deal with so much red tape
- Claudio von Planta for sharing his valuable experience on Long-way Round and Long-way Down and answering so many of our questions
- Ronnie, Emmanuel and Benjamin for their enthusiast support and precious advise
- The Techtransalp team for their excellent website and advertising our adventure

Niccolo:
- clearly Manon as she has always been supportive of this trip even though this means 3 months without me
- My mother for not giving up on me, for receiving all the parcels at home in Austria and for not freaking out!
- Amy and Steve for pushing over several months to keep focus on the organisation
- Xavier, for trusting me to be in France in June and be his best man at his wedding
- Cyril, for posting our tracks on the blog
- Louis, for looking into getting Continental to sponsor us
- Romain, for getting us the Turkmen visas
- My friends for all telling me "DO IT"!
- Claudio von Planta, Sambor and Maciej for sharing their great experiences on their numerous motorbike trips
- Henry, Yau and Tan from BMW HK for their support with the bike, the preparation and the bike sale
- Yasser, Mark, Michael and Christoph from BMW Munich for their help with all the accessories and the last minute bike purchase
- Bertrand and Alice for your help with the tyres in Almaty