Yo.
I left Scotland with a vague ambition to cycle very far away in 2014, and even though I’ve covered a lot of miles, I still haven’t got very far away at all.
But all will change this year when I jump over to the other side of Asia. Here’s a rough idea of where I’ll be heading:
I have no idea how many miles that is. But it will probably seem like I’m travelling pretty quickly. I’m going to try and hit 100km a day on average. But I’ll be taking lots of rest days too. I hope to be in China before October. From there I’ll see where to go next.
The most difficult parts, in my mind, will be crossing the desert in Uzbekistan in mid summer, facing 500km of headwinds in the Taklamakan desert in China, and probably difficulties getting food and water in eastern Turkey due to Ramadan.
The part I’m most excited about is crossing the Pamir mountains in Tajikistan, but that’s a long way away still.
I’ve upgraded my bicycle and kit a little bit to cope with the journey.
I rebuilt the front wheel with a dynamo hub so I can charge my phone and things in the middle of nowhere. I bought a new stove which runs off petrol instead of gas. And I splashed out on a water purifier that accidentally looks like dildo.
Regardless of the new expenses, I’m still on a budget (I’ve been paid for 3 months in the last 2 years) and I still have my withered six-year-old bargain-buy sleeping bag and tent. I have around 1,500 Euros to get me to the other side of the world.
And I’m still playing my ukulele—I think I’m actually all right at it now. Maybe you’ll find me singing in the streets of China.
Cheerio
Where the hell are you Jamie?
Have you got a puncture?…….you seem to have been in Samarkand for ages…?
Hey haha! I’m ok…no punctures! I’m actually in China, in a small town in the Taklamakan desert! I just haven’t been able to find a good internet connection, and everything is blocked…
Dear dear man, you are big as your road. 🙂 All the luck I wish to you! Stay safe, take good care.
Love and hug.
M.
Cool to hear the adventures are starting up again Jamie. Just in case you want any route tips, these guys are cycling to China right now: http://cyclingwalltowall.co.uk/, my Mum’s renting their house in the meantime. They’ll be going a lot slower than you, but they set off in October so will have covered a fair stint by this point and will be happy to share advice I’m sure.
Adios, have a cracking time!
Thanks for the link, Miranda. These guys are putting everyone else to shame! I hope I pass them ?
In China in October?… That’s optimistic knowing how easily you get distracted along the way! I hope your trip goes amazing, but I can imagine meeting you in Georgia by Christmas. 😉 Wherever it is, it will be jamie. See you soon… somewhere farther East! Kisses from Ecuador xoxo
Haha oh man, so jamie ?
xxx
Yeah! See you around. Keep posting 🙂
Nice to read you here 🙂 Have a nice trip! Take care! Bisous from France
Bisous from Turkey! ?