Concordia

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Summer 2015
Panoramic of Tbilisi, Georgia
Reservoir in Georgia
exhaustion, tempers can fray – but you
both know that without the other guy’s
support you are lost.
The trip enabled Will and me to
experience some of the world’s richest
cultures, see its most stunning places,
by riding some of its greatest roads.
Every single day, I’d think: “Wow. Look
at this place.”
The awe-inspiring landscapes along
the back roads of Japan, the mountain
passes of Kyrgyzstan and national parks
in the US made up for any hardship. I’d
reflect: “Look where I am, how did this
happen? How lucky am I?” Thinking
time was something I was never short of.
In mid-December, we finally coasted
to South Beach in Miami. We had
cycled 14,558 miles in 234 days. It felt
weird. I knew I was going to miss the
enthusiasm and excitement that had
lifted me out of my tent every day.
On a par with the incredible scenery,
my biggest takeaway from the trip
was that, without exception, everyone
we met was overwhelmingly friendly,
kind, generous and hospitable. The
experience has been amazingly
humbling. The less people had, the
more willing they were to welcome and
provide for us.
One meeting has particularly stayed
with me. It was late one evening in
Uzbekistan. Will and I were looking for
a patch of land to pitch our tents when
a shepherd appeared from nowhere.
Sussing what we were trying to do, he
helped us find a place to camp. He later
returned, joined by friends, to share a
big flask of tea with bread.
One friend gave Will his hat, which
was pretty much all he had. I often
reflect on meeting these men, as they
were our age. Born under different
circumstances, theirs could have been
my life as well.
Stepping out of the job market for
nearly a year, only five years into my
working life, was a risk. But undertaking
this epic journey was the best decision
I’ve ever made and proving I can do
something if I set my mind to it has
filled me with confidence.
Strangely, I’m now driven by a desire
to fail – or to at least push myself to
discover where my limits lie. I never
want to look back at life and kick myself
for not having taken every opportunity.
If you wish to read more about the trip,
please go to