[…] or outcome is completely different from what you expect. In China as we have also written how everything changed when we entered China the first time. From counting to body language this really is different in […]
Hi, thanks for your review of the bikepacker plus bags. In some of your images, I can see you “appear” to use the Ortlieb Rack Pack bags to strap across the top of the rear bags…i am considering this iption as well…can you advise on whether you felt they were worth the purchase?
Congratulations on completing it.
The blog an pictures are fabulous.
We are getting ready for a miniature road tour – in comparison,
from Amsterdam to Geneva. Needless to say. a long part along the rhine.
My first “big” bike tour.
How difficult was it to settle back into working life?
Wishing you all the best for your continuing journey.
Hi Martin & Suzanne; firstly Happy New Year for 2017! Yes, Winter cycling and camping is very tough and it’s hard to get out of that tent in the morning…you did well.
Reading how your water bottles froze reminded me of a trick we were taught from the Army…put things like water bottles and boots into your sleeping bag to prevent them freezing. Boots can stay at the bottom of the bag (once they’ve been cleaned as much as possible of course ). As you climb into your sleeping bag at night have the water bottle close to your body and try and keep it there all night, another thing is buddy, buddy system…feed off each other’s heat and don’t have too many clothes on. Clothes you want first thing in the morning can also be put into your sleeping bag/s. Glad you got the tooth sorted. One Love.
Ids van der Velde
1 January, 2017 at 17:35 - Reply
Hallo Susanne, Een gelukkig nieuwjaar voor jullie beiden! Je zal ons niet meer kennen, als je zo’n enorme reis hebt gemaakt en zoveel mensen hebt ontmoet… We hebben maar kort “live” van jullie avonturen mogen genieten: slechts even met Susanne in Hohhot China. Wij gingen na Hohhot schaatsen op de Gele Rivier. Daarna hebben we thuis met veel plezier en bewondering jullie reis via de site gevolgd.
Grappig en misschien moeilijk dat jullie zo snel weer in het arbeidsproces moeten draaien, ben benieuwd hoe dat gaat. Ook leuk dat Martin (als hij daar nog steeds werkt) maar een steenworp van ons vandaan is (omdat we in Nieuw-Beijerland wonen, net over de rivier)
Ben erg benieuwd of jullie de foto’s nog in een boek onderbrengen.
Groeten van Willemijn en Ids
Welcome back! These pictures don’t look like November or even October! I love Bornholm. Are you going to (temporarily) settle in DK or NL? Hope to see you again, Martin, and to meet you Susanne. All Blessings on your winter and the road ahead. Jonathan and Zara in Skåne
Hi Jonathan and Zara, Thank you very much for these kind words We really enjoyed Bornholm had a good feeling there. We have indeed decided to settle a bit and are already back in NL for a while now. These posts are a bit behind schedule. Yes we would like that too a trip to the forest of skåne next year could be the thing All the best from us to you op in the north hope the winter is strong and kind to you. Martin and Susanne
Tip for you – you should never (really never) eat blueberries without washing them before. Foxes pisses on blueberries (sorry for being so primitive right now) and eating such contaminated fruits will give you bąblownica (unpleasant disease).
Hi,
I am cycling now in Corsica. I cycled in Czech Republic, Austria and Croatia 3 years ago. I found that the Czech drivers have contempt for cyclists. On the quietest roads, some drivers just missed hitting my handlebars. I was fed up with their dribing behaviour. What do you think of the Polish drivers?
I wish I had the courage to do something like this! I’m obsessed with travel blogs, particularly cycling ones. But I don’t travel further than my workplace on my own bike… electric bike that is. So inspiring but also a little intimidating… just looking at that map gives me anxiety.
Hi both of you! I haven’t responded much, but I have read most of your stories, and I am still amazed at your adventure! I wish you the very best in continuing them!
Wow. This is total passion and enthusiasm. Any specific reason to consider Kathmandu as the destination? Lately I’ve been reading a book from Puskar Shah from Nepal who left home in 1998 cycling around the world for 10 years. I hope one day I get to read your book as well. All the best.
Ik volg jullie nu een poos via FB. Ik ken jullie niet, en jullie mij niet. Maar wat heb ik genoten van de foto’s en verhalen op FB. Wist niet hoelang jullie al onderweg waren, nog wat de bestemming zou worden. Laat staan dat ik wist uit welk gedeelte van Nederland jullie vertrokken waren.? Maar ieder moment dat ik weer iets van jullie las genoot ik van het mooie. Of de momenten dat er een soort van bezorgdheid op kwam als ik het idee kreeg dat er mogelijk iets aan de hand zou zijn omdat ik al weer even niets gehoord had. En dat terwijl we elkaar niet kennen. Dank voor het mogen meeleven met jullie reis. Nog veel plezier en een goede reis naar Nederland. En wie weet genieten al jullie volgers nog weer eens van een andere reis van jullie. Groeten Sjoukje.
Congratulations! It was fun to follow your journey through the blog. Good luck with the transition from living on a bike to living in a city. That was the hardest part for us and many other cyclists we know. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Telling people before starting cycling more than 2 years, 34.000 km they will say that you are crazy.
But you did it! Passing many countries, desarts, mountains, many cultures and meeting and sleeping at local people is something amazing to do. I am a bit jealous, but with wife and kids this is a journey I can not make.
I admire your journey, many reports. I’m a little curious about where you go, what will be your new home.
Hi Martin and Susanne! It’s Jonathan who you met on the plane to Moscow a year ago! Thank you for this adventure! I’m really enjoying tuning into your adventure. I turned 74 since we met and having knee probs, so such biking is no longer for me – but it is great to read what you write and look at the pictures. And Irish-Danish friend of mine, Rita Tisdal is in Nepal now, doing recovery from the Earthquake work in a part of Nepal called Helembu. She is a great lady, so if you are in that area ask around. She has spent many years of her life in Nepal, and give her a hug from me if you find her!. We’re having our second summer spell here in southern scandinavia and it should last a week and maybe more. Wishing you smooth roads and friendly people and rain only at night when you’re under shelter. Happy Trails and Blessings, Jonathan (and Zara)
I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to cycle through India on our cycle trip, but reading through your posts and looking at your photos, I think I do. I’ve been to India a couple of times, and I think this is why it puts me off cycling there, but I guess the rural areas and mountains are going to be completely different.
What an amazing travelogue! Not to mention the pictures. About the switchbacks, and the photos that you’ve included, are they steeper than they look, or are fairly representative of them?
As for not totally living up to expectations, it’s still a new place, and each place has its own uniqueness.
Hi Martin (en Susanne natuurlijk ook), Wat een fantastische reis maken jullie. Met enige regelmaat kijk ik ff naar de foto’s, die ook erruug mooi zijn. Indrukwekkend. Hier is alles prima. Af en toe moet ik nog wat schrijf werkzaamheden verrichten voor de EVA (je weet nog wat dat is? ;-). Gezond en veel werk. Groet, Gert Zwart.
Hi Suzanne and Martin,
I met your bikes in Jang, where I was staying in the same hotel. But as I had no idea what time you guys get up in the morning and it was about 5:35 and I had Sela to cross that day, I did not wait for you to wake up. I wondered what the name twisting spokes is based on. I have twisted some spokes, especially in Ladakh, but I guess it had more to do with my bicycle wheels that kept producing broken spokes every now and then. I wanted to include a picture of my twisted spokes, but cannot see how.
Anyway I am almost done, cycling for a few months in NE India (Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Megalaya (Shilong and Cherrapunji only) and Arunachal (to Tawang and back to Bomdila) and will be on my way to Nepal soon, where I may cycle a few hundred km just to get to Pokhara.
Cheers
Hi
This was really interesting to read! And I always love that you are both so honest about the highs and the lows of travel and cycle touring. I look forward to the next update
Penny
Hello
I realise you might be fed up with my permit questions, especially when I do not read your blogs till the end
On the other hand, I know that you are nice, helpful and patient guys
OK – Arunachal Pradesh permit. Some simple advice where or how did you obtain it? Please.
I found something like http://www.arunachaltourism.com/inner.php
Does it work this way?
Thanks and take care guys! M
Hi Suzane & Martin!
Very nice blog, I have found many useful info here, really good job.
We are cycling in SE Asia too, just approaching Bagan. I would like to ask you if you know some cheap guest house, or some rooftop camping maybe you know:)
In Hpa-an they let us camp in nice tiled roof in Galaxy guesthouse with nice breakfast, funny experience.
Thanks and many cloudy kilometers in India
ricardo oliveira
29 February, 2016 at 01:40 - Reply
Martin and Susanne
Fantastica trip that are performing. You have the courage, opportunity and initiative that many wanted to put into practice. Wishing you a final trip with other experiences, and that the return home transmit to all the importance of respect between peoples and that less is more. Be happy.
Hi guys!
Cool! Hope Martin is better now!
We were wondering to take similar route We are in B. just 3 days and we really like it. Always something to see here Thailand was nice, but just too modern..
A Q: Did you need MTT permit at all while exiting Burma?
Thanks and regards M&Z
What an amazing trip and how amazing to read it back here in Europe! I was interested in how the people were different in the churchy part of Burma? More westernized? Friendlier? Nastier? Hope you are well over your illness now, Martin. It’s been a basically warm winter in Skåne. Now we are in Southern England at Schumacher College where we are in residence for 6 weeks. Looking forward to the next installment! May the roads be smooth. Love and Peace, Jonathan and Zara from the CPH/Moscow flight.
Sounds amazing folks! quick question, how much is a room in a guesthouse on average? I’ve heard stories of horrible rooms for 30$,which would be way over my budget. Would love to catch up with you guys but I’d say ye’re a bit far ahead. I had to India after…
Thanks folks! Just about to head into Myanmar by bicycle in a couple of days. Good to see camping and temples are viable options, and that you’re enjoying the whole experience! I’m Looking forward to it too!
Hi there, Thanks for this post. Very helpful. I was wondering when (the date) you applied for your Indian visa in Laos? I have read online that “As of October 20, 2015, it is no longer possible for non-Thailand residents to receive Indian visas in Bangkok.” (Here and in one other place: http://www.travelfish.org/orientation_detail/thailand/bangkok_and_surrounds/bangkok/bangkok/138). I’m wondering if as of October 20th the same applies in Laos. Thank you! Happy travels!
Stefan Ståhlberg
13 February, 2016 at 16:31 - Reply
Hi again! It’s a long time since i send you my greetings. I really hope everything is “on track” for you guys!? I enjoy reading about your adventures and daily “work”. Will you ever arrive…….? And in that case, where is that?
My very best regards to both of you!!
Very cool! Nice to know it’s a simple matter in crossing the Myanmar border, these days. How much it’s changed! Even a few years ago, I’ve heard it was impossible to cross via land. By the time I get there, maybe it will be easier to camp.
Hi Guys!
Very cool We r in Thailand now and we absolutely love it. Nice change after China and Loas. We took some small trafficless roads in north east and it was great. Food, people, landscape – gooood! We plan to get somehow to Chiang Mai, apply for Myanmar visa and explore western mountains for another 2, 3 weeks
Take care guys!
Regards M and Z
Great to read your blog, I am using it a lot in preparation of the trip of me and my boyfriend starting in a few weeks. We will cycle from The Netherlands to India, and for a long time we will follow the same rout as you have cycled.
I have a practical question about Uzbekistan. How did you get around the obligatory registration? Did you have to pay a fine at the border for wildcamping? And you are mentioning that Uzbekistan was a bit more expensive than expected. How much did you spend per day per person?
Hi Gert, Thank you for your kind words. We are yet to see the added value of the Rohloff with carbon drive. To our knowledge maintenance is still needed and when it breaks there is no easy fix. We love our old fashion shimano with a proven concept and parts available worldwide. Price is more or less the same when comparing cost after 30000km. Have a read about Stephen’s experinces with Rohloff the http://www.cyclingthe6.com/2015/08/equipment-reviews-2015.html.
Wonderful, useful post. I’d long decided that Iran being a country that I will go through. Though, I’ll be going from from East to West (China to Turkey). One of the countries I’m really looking forward to seeing!
Hi,
Thanks.
One and half mnth Laobeer, then N Thailand, Burma, India and prob 2 mnths in Nepal. Then we will decide what next but ideally Karakoram and then towards Iran through Pamirs. But that very long rerm plan…
Regards M
Hi guys,
thanks for sharing this info – definitely useful for us as we plan to take very similar route towards Burma/ India.
I was just wondering about one thing re Indian visa: it is stated pretty much on every Indian embassy web that visa start running since the day they have been issued. Not from the day people actually enter India which is weird..
What is you experience from Vientiane pls?
Further, I was wondering what are you plans for next leg of your trip or next few months after you leave Chiang Mai?
Will you go to India and Nepal? What next?
Hi Guys,
Great that you could use the info.
The Indian visa starts from the day issued also in Vientiane.
Our plans are not yet in the making as we had to return home for family issues. We know that we will cycle Myanmar and India. The route we are not sure on yet. We will have 3 months for India so time enough for some nice routes.
Hi Guys, myself and my husband will be heading to China from Korea soon by bike too and we’d like to get a 90 day visa…could you send us the 88 day itinerary that you said you used in your application by any chance? Everyone here I’ve spoken to says 30days is the max you can get in Korea but you proved them wrong! Thanks so much, Stef
Bonjour Martin, My name is Pierre from Quebec City, Canada. Very interesting reading your blog.
Can you tell me how do you get these maps with elevations from Google and how do you upload them in your wordpress?
Merci, Pierre
Thanks for commenting! It was really cold in minus 30. We had a warm core because of cycling but still hands and feet go numb and Martin lost some feeling in his hands when he was alone. The pogies are the best though! Although hand and toe warmers could also work for a short period of time.
Hi Andrea, thanks for sharing your experiences with us. India is going to be interesting in many ways. Hope the previous countries have made me more prepared for what I can expect there. Cultural differences really ar hard to understand sometimes but something that is part of traveling of the beaten track. Take care!
It is so great reading about your adventures, even if they were from last year! Things here in Southern Sweden are getting on to winter, but still it is warm with +8 or 11 during the day. Zara and I have just gotten back from New Mexico. More on that later with pictures. All Blessings and Go’ tur! Jonathan (and Zara)
Hi Jonathan, Great to hear from you and Zara You get to travel quite a bit a must say. That is warm for this time of year in Sweden. We skip winter as we had quite some winter last year Take care and hugs from us
I think one of the reasons why women are not acknowledged in islamic countries or traditional places such as india is because it is assumed that it is inappropriate/off limits to talk to a man’s wife. Its not a question of rudeness. She is considered his and any interaction with his wife could be construed as a lack of respect at best and a sexual transgression at worst. Anyway leeway you might make in this regard could easily lead to a line being crossed with regrets for you both. It happened to me when i was much younger (23) and in Turkey. We were at a man’s house for dinner. The man had been friendly with my partner for a long time but this was the first time he’d been invited home. After the meal, i was offered a face massage in front of his wife who sat nearby. I said no. He gave one to my partner. And then to be polite, I gave in and let him give me one but he rubbed his hands up and down my chest twice in front of everyone. Shocked! But we didn’t make a fuss. There was another incident on another day but its tedious to try to recall it properly. But it was as though the man thought my partner had given him permission.
I had a friend who travelled with her partner in india and she found it very difficult being ignored in the way you describe. I would too. Most of us westerners would.
If i were to go to Iran, i expect i would probably not get as much hospitality offered as couples and men do. In india I was never invited home by men, only women.
Interesting blog post. I’ll be sure to come back to this page if I’m ever comtemplating anything this crazy. I live in the tropics and don’t like being cold, It takes my energy away. I wonder if i were doing your trip, if i would just have much longer days in camp than on the road cycling so that i could avoid the difficulties of getting up, thereby reducing the daily quota of pain and suffering. I do’nt like having to get up in the dark. Once or twice would be ok but not every day.
Uhf! This looks so cold! I’m nervous about 0 degrees coming up in Turkey, but -30 degrees! Good on both of you for trying it out. My hands get really cold while cycling, so I always make sure to toss in a few hand and toe warmers when I know we’ll be cycling through the cold. Thanks for these helpful tips!
I think if your hands are getting cold you need to add more warmth to your core, as well as having good gloves. I was recently in the alps in Japan and although it was nowhere as cold as the above, it was raining all day and my feet did not get cold, nor my hands. My feet were totally wet and i had puddles in my shoes but with non expensive wools socks with nylon coating and garment hiking shoes, they were great – though i didn’t really relish them being wet. On my hands i had seaskins waterproof gloves or thinsulate gloves and winter cycling gloves. I did not like the sealskins gloves that much because they were hard to get off and on when wet.
Hi Martin & Susanne; great you’ve made it back to Laos and the pics tell a thousand words Thanks for the postcard which I received last week where you wrote from Dali in Yunnan and your cycling artwork is better than mine.
Did you get the wheel rim fixed? Since you were in Dali you have cycled 850 km to get to Laos so that’s about 500+ miles and on a dodgy wheel rim under weight that’s pretty good.
I envy you both, but at the same time know how tough it can be on the road like this day in day out. You can’t stop now.
I’m looking forward to more instalments and please keep those wheels spinning
Be safe
Hi Hilary, Great that the postcard arrived well and you liked it We are definitely carrying on to Nepal and looking forward to it. The rim has done a good job but soon it will be time to change. You don’t have to envy us, we all make our own choices and life on the road as you know is not always easy. But still the good is great! We will keep the wheels spinning
Yep, you have to be completely aware of your surroundings prior to setting up camp…what is know as a quick ‘recce’ of the area and to work out the risks if you do decide to stay there for the night. I think this is one of the most important points to follow, especially if you are camping alone.
Wow, great achievement so far. Just worked out that in old money 4720 is approx. 15,500 feet…that’s a lot of climbing. Yes, I am glad you have conveyed how difficult it can be on the road sometimes as anything can happen(e.g cracked rims…would like a pic of this if possible, never seen that before) and varying moods of the cyclist/s. I really hope that you both go on this journey for as long a possible and beyond Kathmandu even
God speed.
Hi Vincent, yes for us it is very nice to have the overview. We use a GPS to track our route (you could also create your own gpx file at http://www.ridewithgps.com). This way we have an overview of our route in Basecamp. We then filter our route using an app called JaVaWa RTWtool. Finally a WordPress plugin makes everything visible on our page: Google-Maps-GPX-Viewer. Hope this helps!
it was great to follow your journey through Korea! Glad to see that you enjoyed it and not many make such unique experience of this hidden gem for cycle tourists.
We have calculated an average of around 60 km a day which is reasonable with the altitude gain and some rough roads. We also don’t want to be stressed and enjoy where we are. If you are lighter packed and go faster in general more would be possible. We did have an option for flights which we could cancel with an agency, it was necessary for the visa. Good luck with preparing!
We are interested in a similar trip and had a few questions:
1- What were the exact dates of the trip? We ask because we read that July-Aug is rainy season and the roads are subject to closure. Did you ride through the area in those months?
2- Did you have trouble securing a long visa for China, when we last tried rules had tightened?
Hi Em, Thanks for your questions. We have cycled this in the last two weeks, so most of it at the end of August. We did encounter a fair bit of rain but it is possible to cycle around the rain. we had most rain during the night. The Chinese are steadily paving roads so we only had one road which was quite muddy until now. For the visa, it is our third tourist visa which apparently influences the chances of getting a longer visa. We applied in South Korea with all the paperwork for three months and were granted a 3 month visa. Hope this helps!
Hi Suzanne and Martin, You guys sound like you are having a great time. Jenny and I are departing on our trip next June and you are very inspiring. Can you tell me where you got your 90 day visa for China from and how easy was it to get? Thanks and safe cycling.
Hello from Skåne and Jonathan and Zara! We met you, Martin, on the plane to Moscow in June. What a treat for us to read your adventures! Thank you for sharing this adventure. Since Russia, I have been visiting friends and family in the USA, together we went to a Nature and Spirit festival in Italy where we did a ritual for a 300 year old Oak, a talk on the ecology of giving and receiving, a workshop on Living the Tree of Life, a round-table discussion on practicing spirit-consciousness, and eating amazing organic gelato and other Italian delicacies (including Rosso Detox – a sorbet made of red beets, carrots, ginger and lime)! Now we’ve just done 2 workshops here in Sweden and on Wednesday I am being interviewed for internet radio.
Sending prayers for your good health and well being
All Blessings on you and your inspiring adventure, also from Zara
Jonathan
Really amazing what you are doing. Your jorney seems impresive from here, only reading and watching pictures, so imagine how it should be in real life. Martin, Suzanne, all my best for the rest of your trip. Keep your positive attitude and keep enjoying.
Pedro
Hi Pedro, Hope you are well! Thank you for the nice words and for following us on the journey. We try to share how we feel and what we see along the way. All the best from us
How about writing a – this is how we stay warm in the winter article
Im interested to know if you ever cycle in your down jackets and if they have lasted all this time ….
Lang niet op jullie site gekeken, maar wat een cool avontuur zeg! Ziet er geweldig uit, het gevoel van vrijheid lijkt me ook heel onwerkelijk in het begin! Have fun!
Hoi Bart! Cool dat je even een bericht achterlaten. Is ook een leuk avontuur. De vrijheid is eng in de begin en nu kunnen wij niet zonder Hoop alles is goed bij jou en je familie. You too!
thank for posting! sounds complicated the whole thing with the garmin software but looks like you guys have that well figured out. I use an Iphone6 with offline maps of the app Maps.me in combination with Google Maps. Maps.me is great because you download all the data upfront and it shows almost all restaurants, hotels and bars in all villages. My phone is charged by Supernova The Plug III and Son dynamo. I’ve only cycled from Amsterdam till Romania (thats where I am now), not sure how it works outside of Europe.
succes & groetjes (fiets een vergelijkbare route dus check vaak jullie blog!)
Hi Martijn, Thanks for stopping by! We know it sounds complicated but it really works for us We have used maps.me as well on the ipad but in reallity we found maps.me often only written in the local language in china it is impossible to read. Great that you are on the bicycle! It will be a great year for you no worries about that.
Hi guys, great blog. You, too, Martijn. We did a similar thing with maps and gps etc. on our last long tour. Recently, I’ve started using ridewithgps.com which allows you to plan routes on just about any map format you like and then you can upload it to your GPS to follow the directions, or see what kinds of elevation gains/drops you are facing. Wished we had had it during our last tour.
By the way, I have a cousin in Amsterdam also called Martijn Doolaard, but I know it’s not you. What a coincidence. Mijn moeder heet Doolaard – van Oud Beijerland. Mijn ouders, zussen en ik zijn daar allemaal geboren maar in 1980 zijn we naar Canada verhuisd. Small world. Keep posting. You’re an inspiration while I sit here planning the next trip… Cheers.
Thanks, and that is a coincedence! I am also from Oud-Beijerland originally but there are a lot of Doolaards there which are not directly related. (Sorry Susanne en Martin, of topic!)
Very interesting article guys. Nt sure if you will cover this in future posts (or covered already) but what about the brakes? You mentioned an issue with pressure leaking? Did you use hydraulic brakes? What about rims? Which material did you use? Also curious about whether you had issues with any of the bearings at the bycicle.
Also, are spares generally available? I.e. transmission set?
Hi Angel, great to hear from you! Are you planning a bike ride? Well we will cover some aspects in future article but maybe not in such detail. We bought our bicycles ready for this trip and did not think through every part of the bike. We use hydraulic brakes from Magura, but normal v-brakes would have worked aswell and probably as good. The rims are made for the purpose by the company we bought the bikes from: Santos Bikes. They are aluminum with 36 spokes. We have had no problems until now, but lately the bottom bracket is giving a ticking sound on both bikes so we will have to replace them on both bikes probably. It differs per country if spares are available. We carry things, order them online or search in the different countries. We did a big service in Istanbul where there is a good bike shop. How is life in Aus? Haven’t seen too many updates from you lately
Hey guys, thanks for putting into words some ideas that are still just formative for me (as I’m en route but about 12 months behind you!) but make so much sense as you write them.
Cheers
Evan
Hey Suus, heel leuk om te lezen! Wat een schattige foto’s van jou and the girls :D. Mooie portrettekeningen ook. Fijn dat je je eigen specifieke bijdrage hebt kunnen geven! Veel succes on the road again! xxx
Hello, I couldn’t find a post on how you got from Hakkari to Iran, although I can see on your map that you crossed the Serow border. Everything OK in that part of the world? I’m deciding on my way through East Turkey. Great blog and great facebook updates by the way, although you are real sufferers!
Yes we crossed the border Turkey/Iran (Esendere/Sero) this was fine no problems at all. Only they are rebuilding the border so a bit unclear where to go, a nice guy helped us through though.
The area was okay we were there not sure how it is now would think it is okay. The military presence is the greatest we have seen so far on our journey. You will meet patrols several times a day and stop at check points. They will tell you if there are any problems further on.
When this is said it was a minor thing as people were really nice and the nature really great. Think back on this and it is for sure in the top of places we have beeing to.
Let us know if you need more information of the area. As you already know you can see our route on the maps and are able to download them as gpx so you can use them for planning your trip!
I’m Bego’s boyfriend. Thanks for the info! Very helpful. GPX downloaded, we’ll most probably follow your route. Just one question: somewhere between Sirnak and Hakkari (more or less starting from Uludere) there is a road that runs parallel to the one you took (D400), but it is further north,, i.e. not along the border with Syria and thus, probably safer. You probably won’t remember it but, is there a reason why you decided to take the D400 instead of the other one? I thought I’d better ask…
About your questions, we are from Spain, nine months so far on our 4-5 year long round the world trip. We may follow some more of your routes in the future, even the ones in northern China or Mongolia…, but certainly not in winter!
I remember this road as we were looking at doing it back then. I think we chose D400 because of les mountains and a better road surface. We met some nice people in Sirnak and the guy Ramazan would be glad to meet you as well when you get there.
They recommended to stay on the D400 as the other road is just a track over the mountains, which could be a good trip We were just very very warm back then with +42c and found the D400 really beautiful especially that part.
Nice journey you have sat out on! 9 months already great Spanish is not my strongest side, google is a friend in these cases.
Winter is not as bad as it sounds and it really brings some special moments with it. lets face reality and reality is that winter comes every year
Have fun and keep in contact. Yes and you are welcome to ask questions along the way.
Nice post dude and well done. I liked the part ‘If I set of to do a challenge be sure to have the desire in the right place. I was too focused on end and not on the part in between’
So true, i’ve made this mistake before as well and still do, good to be reminded. Be in the moment, not in the future!
Hoi Susanne, groeten van het Dutch Couple uit Hohhot! Onze reis zit er al weer op…
We hebben een fantastische maand in China gehad en het schaatsen op de Gele Rivier was onvergetelijk. (zeker als je met echte 11stedenkanjers rijdt, die je niet bij kan houden )
goede reis! van:
Willemijn en Ids
Hi, if you are still in UB, we have a friend who lives there. We have done some cycling trips with him in the Middle East. Sebastian works at the UB Goethe Institute. He might be able to assist in any logistics. I’m enjoying your blog. What a great adventure.
I coincidentally met him in a café when I was there with friends! Thanks for the contact though! We are on our way out of Mongolia now and soon back in China. Thanks for following
Hoi Susanne, lijkt me een prettige afwisseling! Een beslissing waarbij je luistert naar jezelf is altijd goed. Heel veel plezier op jullie avontuur nog!
Inderdaad een fijne afwisseling. Nu stappen we weer op de fiets. Was fijn om even wat andere dingen te doen en een ander ritme te hebben. We gaan weer richting China!
I am thoroughly enjoying both your stories. I completely understand both your decisions one to push oni in the snow and the other to skip the freezing cold conditions. Hey this is not just a journey about cycling across continents. It is the story about the journey through life. I would say we should read your blogs in 5 to 10 years. Let’s see how you cope with life at that time. Can you avoid a mundane existence after these day to day adventures.
Wat een kans, dit is het moment om (eindelijk..) te doen wat je hart je ingeeft.
Zo’n tijd zo dichtbij met elkaar leven vraagt om even niet. Althans zo zou het bij mij werken. Misschien is er meer aan de hand, maar opsplitsen lijkt een goede optie. Of het een sjieke keuze is… dat vind ik eigenlijk niet. Maar goed, wie ben ik. Bij min zoveel dag in dag uit zou ik het ook niet lang uithouden, wie wel eigenlijk? Dus doe wat je wilt, echt wilt. Pak die kans! (Hij doet het ook..!) Wijsheid gewenst!
Dank je Yvon. Het is goed geweest om even iets anders te doen en de winter was hard. Op deze manier kunnen we beide onze doelen behalen wat voor ons beide belangrijk is. Nu stappen we weer op de fiets richting China!
Awesome! Back in the day I bussed if from khorgos to central china – i was just too unprepared for the cold, I didnt even have a sleeping mat as a remember – but ive always regretted missing out on Sayram lake and the road on from urumqi is something special i feel – lots and lots of history and beautiful wilderness and isolation
You two rock
Martin and Suz, Our paths finally crossed – i remember these places. You’re in Khorgos now right?
I crossed into Khorgos about this time 8 years ago. I vaguely remember Charyn Canyon, there was such a storm that day i’m not sure about it now.
You two seem to be fully in it right now, in cycling zen.
Ham ! Nice to hear from you hope you two are doing well in Turkey. Finally we followed in too your tracks! We are now in Urumqi I have become one with my bicycle I plan to cycle through Mongolia to Ulaanbaatar where i will reunite with Suus. Have a great 2015!
Well, here’s a belated Happy Christmas to you both and I am so happy you have made it as far as you have. Having cycled solo from Scotland to Morocco March until June this year, I know about ups and downs, but you two have excelled and shown how it’s really done and you have taken the time to share all this with us…which is more than I have done. I have a diary full of entries, but have not published anything yet. You are both a massive inspiration to me and it is making me think about another trip maybe following in the same sort of route, but not as fast. How you are managing to understand the different languages is fantastic. I’d be interested to know how much the whole trip cost when you get back.
Here’s to a wonderful and safe trip for the rest of your tour and of course Happy New Year for 2015!
Peace be with you Martin and Susanne.
Hilary
Hi Hilary, Thank you for your kind words! We really appreciate this, it gives us some motivation Yes we are curious about the cost of the trip as well. We will at some point make an overview. We wish you a happy New year!
This was your best blog so far. I could just imagine you cycling in Kazakhstan on snowy icy roads and then sleeping in a tent at -18. What an experience! I totally enjoyed the story. I am a periodontist,gum specialist. Unfortunately, you did not know but there was no emergency when the crown fell off. You already had a root canal on the tooth so there was no chance of infection. You could have just left it until you got back home. You could have seen your own dentist. Or the dentist in Kazakhstan should not have extracted the tooth. He could have placed a filling on the tooth to prevent any leakage in the root canaled area. Later you would have a crown lengthening procedure and a new crown. Now since you had the tooth root extracted,you need an implant and a new crown. Oh well. You will survive. Keep sending stories. They are very entertaining. You guys are so adventurous. I do hope you survive. I just want to say I just cycled in the northern balkans in the fall. I found the roads with all the traffic too dangerous for me. So I admire your “bravery”.
Hi Richard, thank you for you long and expert comment! It was quite an experience especially because I really don’t like going to a dentist. And not knowing the language doesn’t make it easier. With guidance of my dentist at home we made this decision. The main reason was because the root was broken, so it felt this was really the only option… Hope it will work out in the future with everything but now it seems okay. Traffic is always scary but I think we learn to live with it and try to search for smaller roads. Have a nice 2015!
Hi Pedro,
Thanks for stopping by! We are really enjoying this lifetime adventure, not sure where it will bring us. We are sure it is worth it Hope everything is okay with you in Spain! Take care and enjoy
Incredible pictures and stories guys! It must be really nice to be traveling in a group for a change. I’m missing the endless horizons and mountains… keep enjoying your adventure!
bert van der kroft
11 October, 2014 at 07:06 - Reply
Hi Yoel, After that is was clear to me that getting a vis in Holland was not easy (I had to book a guide for each day, €100 /day) I went straight to Trabzon, without trying something else.
Hi, Is it possible for you to remember the location of the picture you took in shiraz from the window of Kabab Store? Thank you. If you remember please email me. All the best, Ali
Again a few minutes for me, but a long time and a lot of energy and efforts for you! It is a treat everytime i read about your adventures!
Thanks for sharing!
Hello Susanne and Martin, nice to get some News from you. We stay in Osh/Kyrgistan since last friday and have a break. We hade also problems with the stomach trough Usbekistan and since we are here everything goes on well. We will leave to China on thuesday. Wish you all the best and have good time. We will follow you and hope to see you somewhere, sometimes. Take care, Bea an Pit
wow you’re a long way from Efrizweiler! good work guys! Is it getting physically easier now after so much ‘training’ and is your bike feeling much lighter now? How are you coping with the climate? Good luck xx
Hi there. At the moment there is problem for British passport holders. I applied for the LOI a month ago and nothing. My husband is Spanish and we were told that he could get the LOI “soon” but the British passport had problems.It seems like any other British that I have chatted with have had the same problem. =(
I thought I could add to this subject.
Hi Liliana, true. We are Dutch and Danish nationals. It is definitely different for British. The Brits we met on the bicycle have all chosen a different route and could not travel individually to Iran at this time.
No problem, it is always nice to find recent information. Other peoples reports have been of great help to us. Did you use a reference number in Trabzon?
Bert, sorry miss something did you pass by Ankara at all or just went to Trabzon with nothing done before? I am in Istanbul now and considering what is he best way to get the visa. Cheers
Hi, that`s pretty ambitious. Turkmenistan will be really hot. You should pick your bikes on a truck or bus. What do you want to do for China? Visa is expensive to get it in Bishkek. The border crossing the same. Heard from 400 $ at Torugart. Irkeshtam I`m not sure. But 100 $ definitely. CU on the road.
peter
About 8000km since Rotterdam and now in Teheran. Goodness me what an achievment !! Compared to The Netherlands loads of space between villages and towns, wide spaces and desserts! Don’t you miss the close proximity of just everything?
Lovely photo’s once again! Xxxxx
Jeanette en John van Steijn
12 July, 2014 at 17:34 - Reply
Beste Suzanne en Martin,
wij wensen (voor beiden) dat je in jezelf de kracht vindt om deze ernstige dip te boven te komen. Probeer jezelf onder deze zware omstandigheden ook eens te verwennen, met welke simpele dingen dan ook. Luister goed naar je lichaam en vertrouw op je gevoel.
Houdt moed! Hartelijke groeten van Jeanette en John uit Stompetoren
Bedankt, Jeanette en John! Het was inderdaad een ernstige dip en die is niet zomaar over, maar het gaat de goede kant op en ik begin weer meer vertrouwd te raken met mijn krachten de berg op. We houden beide moed!
Hello Susanne
When the going gets tough just think of Holland getting into the finals of the World Cup :-)) . No seriously, having just returned to the U.K after cycling 4000miles solo from Aberdeen to Morocco I know that feeling. As a female doing it on my own with 70% of it wild-camping and now back in the U.K after a Tangier to London Gatwick flight and now in North Yorkshire with just 300miles to go I am completely and utterly physically and mentally exhausted and have had to stop an extra night here to catch up on rest. We all handle it in different ways, but I seriously commend you for your honesty and your desire to continue, but getting as far as you have and not continuing is no shame at all, esp after all the distance, terrain and countries you have been through, not forgetting the challenges of weather and climate. Sometimes a break for a week even will be just the ticket.
Respectfully
Hilary
Dear Hilary,
Thank you for your comment! It sounds like we have been in a similar position. Especially being so close to the end of this adventure must be an overwhelming feeling for you. I hope you have been able to complete the last 300 miles in style. Really nice trip and brave to do it all by yourself! My mind is more at ease now, it helped to share my thoughts and to receive powerful feedback from people who care. Take care!
Susanne, keep your faith. I have been in a similar spot myself (in Turkey and China). There will be hard days, but don’t be afraid of them. Take them slowly, calmly, and have faith that they will pass. You CAN do this!
Nothing is easy! And what to expect? I keep my fingers crossed and do believe strongly that you can do this!!
Come on Susan! You will find a way to do what is best for you!
My best to both of you!
Hey Susanne! Af en toe lijkt het wel of het alleen maar bergop is en als je dan eindelijk naar beneden mag is het tegen de wind in! Haha…
Ik zeg, tijd voor een nieuw land, nieuwe ervaring, nieuwe mensen (die je overigens nog steeds volproppen met heerlijk eten). Na een weekje Iran en nieuwe ervaringen in het vooruitzicht komt het allemaal weer goed!
Hey Marten,
Bedankt voor je bericht! Ja soms zit het mee en soms zit het tegen. Gelukkig gaat het inmiddels wel beter. We waren ook toe aan een nieuw land. Heel bijzonder om nu in Iran te zijn ook al is het ook heel intens. Hoe verloopt het allemaal in Teheran? Druk met visa?
Susanne, you have to decide for yourself what you will see in the mirror every time from now on.
Do you want to see a beautiful young woman who has biked to the border of Iran, who is satisfied about that achievement and is now living an easy life of luxury?
Or do you prefer to see a strong character who has overcome many major difficulties and hardships because she decided to fulfill her dreams?
It’s really your own choice but if you want to be proud of yourself for the rest of your life I would suggest to press on. Martin will give you all the support you need. Other times may come when Martin has mental problems and then he would count on your support. You’re in this together.
Dear Roel,
Really nice to hear from you again and with very wise words. I have decided to press on and although there will be a lot of hardship on the road ahead we will be able to deal with this together. It has been very special to share my feelings, very personal and having very special personal reactions. Thank you!
Dear Susanne,
Your spirit has definitely changed. You have to make yourself a promise. If it ever happens again that you can’t resist the honking trucks, you will go back to the point of your hike later and climb that tiny mountain yourself as soon as your spirit is back. Should you not do that, well, you would lower the barrier for quitting every time and you might as well quit there and then. Hitch hiking is for real emergencies like broken frames or broken legs, both legs that is :-). All other circumstances would be self-pity and you can’t allow that taking control of your dreams.
I’m really impressed by your powerful mind and Martin’s support to get the best out of yourself. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will become your trademark for the rest of your life.
A good side of your interruptions is that it makes it easier for me to match your combined kilometrages. Since Feb 2nd my reading is 12,700 kms. Where are you at?
Keep pushing those pedals in the best spirit!
Thank you Bertrand! At the speed you are going we will see you soon thanks for the tip!
Kay Sherpa (Kathmandu)
7 July, 2014 at 05:54 - Reply
Hi Susanne, I enjoy all your updates and envy your spirit! Maybe your body isn’t “sick” but it has been through some hard times and is just letting you know. I for one really look forward to enjoying a cup of coffee with you and hearing all about your trials and tribulations. I wanted you to know that we are thinking of you and wish you well “climbing that mountain”. Keep those wheels turning, you are doing well.
Kay and Dawa
in Kathmanduxxx
Hi Kay! How lovely to see your post. Susanne is the daughter of an old friend of mine. I was never certain that I had managed to connect you. Now I know she will be welcome in Kathmandu! She is one
brave girl. Take care. Beth x
Hi Kay and Beth,
Kay, it is great to know that we have a date in Kathmandu. Very motivating! Beth, thank you for connecting us. Kay and I had short contact before we left and really nice to hear from both of you. Thank you for the nice words and see you in Kathmandu!
You inspire me!! next week my boyfriend and I will start a 236 mile ride, my first one. Maybe take some time to heal your body, you should be very proud of yourself for accomplishing the challenges so far.. I really enjoy reading your updates, you are having an adventure that only few will ever do…Don’t Quit… Just know that some girl in washington State is rooting for you!!!
Wow, thank you for letting me know I always hoped to be an inspiration and this is very special. I hope your bike ride went well and you enjoyed it a lot. Where did you go? And keep the cycling spirit!
Hoi Suzan, in 2008 heb ik, samen met een vriendin, een lange fietstocht gemaakt naar Nepal. In hartje zomer fietsten we door Turkije met 50 graden celcius over asfalt. Ik ben niet gemaakt voor de hitte en had behoorlijk vaak een mental breakdown (en vaak een fysieke :)) waardoor we vaak moesten stoppen en het gewoonweg wat rustiger aan moesten doen!
Maar bedenk wat je allemaal al gepresteerd hebt! Als je hier doorheen komt met z’n tweeen dan kunnen jullie de rest van de wereld ook wel aan!
Zet em op! Hou de banden vol met wind en blijf doortrappen!
Hoi Sanne,
Dank voor je bericht. Het is erg fijn om te horen dat ik niet de enige ben met deze gevoelens. Het klinkt als een mooie reis die jullie gemaakt hebben. Heb je sindsdien nog reizen per fiets gemaakt? We gaan door en komen elke dag een stukje verder. Leuk dat je meeleest en fijn dat je een bericht achterlaat!
Rustig aan, zorg voor jezelf en je lijf and yes you can do it!! You,ve proven that during the last six months! Why are you doubting yourself now? Yes because you, ve had a knock back being ill!!! Hitchhiking from now now on is forbidden Suus! Wil ik niet hebben, het maakt mij niets uit hoe vriendelijk de bevolking is, fietsen!
Dikke kus xx
Bedankt, mam! We doen het rustig aan en komen er wel. We hebben niet voor niets al 7000 km gefietst! En we doen voorzichtig, dat weet je dikke kus en liefs!
Helaas niet meer, het Kurdische deel had misschien wel gekund maar te onzeker op dit moment helaas. We hebben wat dat betreft ook weinig zicht op het nieuws. Over een aantal dagen zijn we in Iran! Het gaat inmiddels gelukkig weer beter
goed om te horen! Ik maakte me er al even druk om, het is daar nu zo onrustig. Iran gaat vast heel bijzonder zijn! Sterkte met de hitte en hopelijk zijn jullie weer snel helemaal op sterkte.
Nice to see and read! Wonderful journey. We did the same through Turkey 10 yrs ago and it brings back great memories about how beautiful the landscape was and how nice the people. Remember Elbistan very well. After Malataya we went to on to Syria.. but that was in a different world then..Stay safe!
Thank you, Alexandra! I am also curious how I will feel. Here in Turkey most people in the streets are male. Most communication is with Martin which I find hard sometimes. Interested to see if this will change in Iran
Breathtaking photo’s! What a lovely camping spot, xx
Jeanette en John van Steijn
30 May, 2014 at 15:18 - Reply
Hallo Suzanne en Martin,
wij hebben elkaar ontmoet in Pompeï èn bij/op de boot van Bari naar Dürres. Aan deze ontmoetingen met jullie bewaren we een leuke herinnering. Jullie zijn bezig aan een prachtig avontuur. We hebben e.e.a. gevolgd via jullie mooie en volledige website. In Albanië scheidden onze wegen en wij vervolgden onze weg naar het noorden. Wat een regen is er gevallen op de Balkan, hè.
Op 13 mei j.l. zijn we weer thuis gekomen, na een fantastische reis van 2 maanden. We mijmeren alweer over nieuwe reisplannen. We wensen jullie veel fietsplezier en mooie ontmoetingen. We blijven jullie volgen. Blijf gezond en ……niet meer vallen hoor!
Een warme groet van Jeanette en John van Steijn uit Stompetoren (Alkmaar)
Bedankt voor jullie bericht! Wij vonden het ook leuk om jullie meerdere malen tegen te komen en de boot naar Albanië te delen! Er is op de Balkan inderdaad veel regen gevallen, hebben jullie daarvan nog hinder ondervonden? Het is zeker een mooie reis die jullie gemaakt hebben. We hadden het in Cappadocia nog over jullie. We weten niet of jullie al veel van Turkije hebben gezien, maar we kwamen in Goreme op de Kaya Camping veel Nederlanders tegen met een caravan of camper. Wij denken dat Turkije voor jullie ook interessant kan zijn met veel cultuur, mooie landschappen, interessante mensen en lekker eten. Wellicht interessant om in het achterhoofd te houden Succes met alles en we zullen proberen niet meer te vallen
I was thınkıng of gettıng the ferry to Yalova too. I’m takıng notes on your route :)) stıll a couple of weeks before I’ll be leavıng İstanbul though. Have fun, and I hope you have recovered from your fever Susanne!
It is really a nice way of cycling out of Istanbul. The road we took is in general very nice, only de D650 around Pamukova was busy. We didn’t like the ride into Ankara, so maybe find a different way in, if you need to get into the city. Are you enjoying yourself? Had a good time back home? The fever is gone again, luckily, so getting back in there again soon
Hi guys.. What a nice cliffhanger! Planning to go through Iraq, or Kurdistan actually. I love it. That part of iraq is safe and if you like to mountains, thats the place to go. Its all just mountains. In Zakho and Duhok its all mountains. But nice and good roads and good people. I have been in both places many many times:-)
I see the route takes you close to Rawanduz not far from the border to Iran. This village is very spectacular placed on a steep steep cliff next to a deep gorge. So beautiful. The city used to be a fairly rich city in the days of the trades on the silk route, nice old castles and of course the mountain Korak where an observatory was, in that very observatory used to be some old grafitti from around april 1997 with a special greeting to a kid who turned to 17 in denmark:-) You could consider making a stop there:-)
The border to Iran in that area used to be nothing more than a dirt road with a small shed and a handfull of retired soldiers.
Hi Jesper, Yes we found this route very interesting and a bit different than going straight to Iran. Thanks for the advice, looked Rawanduz up and it looks interesting. We might take the detour if possible to go there All the best from us
Hallo Susanne en Martin, wij zijn Jeannet en Martien, wij hebben elkaar ontmoet in Griekenland, jullie op de fiets en wij lopend met een kar achter ons aangezeuld. Leuk jullie bericht te lezen, ik mis wel de foto die je van ons hebt gemaakt. Jullie zijn een andere grensovergang gegaan als wij, wij zijn via de hoofdweg gegaan en mochten niet over de brug lopen. De grens was een brug over de rivier. Wij moeste een lift zoeken hetgeen niet gelukte, dus toch maar proberen om via de brug de grens over te steken. Wij werden tegen gehouden door twee jonge soldaten met geweer in de aanslag. Die ene soldaat zag het probleem maar we moesten maar wachten tot iemand bereid was ons mee te nemen. Toen er een bus aankwam hield hij hem tegen en vroeg of zij ons mee konden nemen. De chauffer gaf toestemming en leide tot groet hilariteit in de bus. Achteraf was het een zotte maar leuke ervaring.
Groeten van Jeannet en Mart uit Holland want wij zijn dinsdag 13 mei weer thuisgekomen.
Hallo Jeannet en Mart,
Leuk dat jullie een bericht hebben achtergelaten! We hebben nog even gezocht, maar ik denk dat de foto per ongeluk niet gelukt is. Echt zonde! Het klinkt wel alsof jullie nog een mooi avontuur hebben beleefd aan de grens. Hoe was het inlopen in Istanbul, ook wel hectisch kan ik me voorstellen? Fijn om nog wat van jullie te horen en alvast succes met de volgende etappes van de grote reis! Gelukkig schijnt in Nederland nu ook de zo’n
Martin I think you are both amazing enjoying your blog and videos . Keep them coming. All the best for the rest if your trip will follow with interest.
OMG wat een bikkels zijn jullie! En wat een contrasten, slopend door de sneeuw of fietsen op een soort snelweg. Jullie zien er goed en gelukkig (ondanks al die zware momenten Suus!) uit. Blijven genieten en blijven bikkelen dan maar. Ik geniet mee vanaf de bank in Rotterdam
Thanks Tatjana! We blijven zeker genieten en bikkelen er komen nog genoeg bergen aan vandaag in de richting van Griekenland. Hoop dat alles daar goed gaat
Sorry to hear it war raining in Naples. Wished I knew you were going to the Amalfi coast; I visited the area five times, would have liked to give you some insider tips. I do hope you went to Da Michele for pizza!!!!! Hope you had some sunshine by now.
Hi Martin !
Let me agree with you that Tuscany is magnificent but , even better , the wine and the food .
I m sure that you will not find similar when you will be in the middle of Asia .
Anyway you will see wonderful things there too .
Compliments !
Take care .
Ciao
Emilio
I really enjoy these updates from you guys:-)
Jeg vil se om ikke vi kan vise drengene jeres billeder her, det tror de vil blive glade for. Og skal vi se om vi kan lidt tid til en lille skype hilsen i weekenden måske?
Har du fået det bedre Martin?
[…] at all when viewed from a smart phone. Much preferable would be an iframe element like on the TwistingSpokes blog. (Martin and Susanne from TwistingSpokes say they use a wordpress.org blog with a google maps gpx […]
Hey guys, wow the Alps are well and truly behind you now, good work! I love your latest chart showing a distinctive downhill trend! Hope the mountains were good to you and you managed to avoid the piss on the pistes! Great blog. It was great to have you stay with us last month! Take care, Alice
Hey! Great to read about your progress. I hope your spirits remain high, and that the weather improves.
On a different note, how did you get your bike route on the end of your blog? It looks really cool, and it is also visible on my smart phone (where EveryTrail that I use is not)..
Looking forward to your next post!!
Hey guys,
You’ve done quite well so far. The Po valley was a bit of a drag but Bologna is a great university city. You will now cross the Appenines, a relatively young ridge of mountains with some steep tracks, but not very high and superb nature all around. This is as far as I can coach you, I haven’t been more South than Roma, but I can assure you it will be gorgious.
Hi Sean, which truth do you want to hear?! Martin is amazing, you know that and Susanne also has her specialties We are still people in the long run… It is a challenge and we try our bests to show how it really is
Hallo,Martin und Susanne!
Ich bin die Frau vom Camping in St.Valentin die Euch fotografiert hat.Schaue immer mal wie weit Ihr schon seit.Sicher habt Ihr jetzt schon schönes Wetter und könnt Eure lange Tour ein wenig geniessen. Wir wünschen Euch weiter hin viel Erfolg und eine gute Pedale…Doris
Hi Doris, nice to hear from you! By now we have left the Italian snow and are in warmer temperatures, although we also have rain now and then. Thanks for the good wishes and all the best to you too!
Thanks, Sahab, for the heads up Some days are better than others and most days are good. The body and mind is also getting used to everything and being out of the comfort zone, so in general its all good.
Hi Martin & Susanne, visiting your site for the first time since you started your journey. And it is so much fun reading through your stories, what an adventure! Ride with joy, keep on writing! All the best, Ilze
Hi Ilze, Great that you found time to have a look at our progress, knowing the busy periode for you and DORC. We have now reached Rome and are leaving again after some days here. Glad to hear you enjoy our writing and adventures. Thanks for stopping by All the best, Martin and Susanne
Hey, was nice to meet you on the path by the tunnel that you avoided. Thanks for giving me a card to find this blog, I am really enjoying reading about your journey. Good Luck
Hi Joey, great to hear from you, for us it was a surreal experience to be on the same track as your group skiing along. Good to hear that you are enjoying our stories. Good luck to you too!
Hi guys,
Good luck and all the best for your amazing trip!!!
I have some friends in Shiraz (Iran) who hosted me on my Iran trip. They are super friendly and happy to host foreigners. I’m more than happy to connect you to them so you’ll definitely have a place to stay when in Shiraz. Let me know what you think about it.
Victor
Sooooooo great, “I am proud of you”, you didn´t give up because of the snow. Just the best I am thinking of you, Sandra with Joshua baby from your nightplace in Tübingen, Germany
Hallo Ihr Zwei Radfahrer,ich bin Doris und habe Euch in St.Valentin auf dem Camping mit dem Zelt im Schnee fotografiert.Habe jetzt Eure web Seite und möchte Euch nochmals viel Glück auf Eurer Rad-Tour wünschen.
From Merano you could go down to Bolzano and follow the Adige river until it feeds into the Po. That is the easy route, not necessarily the nicest one. More intriguing would be to follow the route along the lakes, first into Fondo (Lago di Cles). There is even a canyon there. The route along Lago di Garda would best be done via the Eastern side, it is wider and quieter while still having a nice view on the more scenic other side.
Hi Roel, thanks for the advice! We made a combination (blogpost is coming soon) and followed the Adige and then made a detour along the Lago di Garda, which was deserted. Most camping and hotels were closed. We did indeed take the Eastern side and the tunnels were a little bit freaky. It all worked out! It was nice to have a change of scenery after following the Adige for a while… Really nice that you are keeping track of us and giving us advice along the way!
Who’s writing these entries!? This one made Martin sound amazing. What do you we have to do to hear the truth!?……aside from that, well done guys, impressive stuff!
Hi Kaspars, we can imagine, it is a total different experience. +30 and more also provides its challenges especially in India I would think with finding enough drinking water etc. Hope you enjoy our experiences too
Hi Johan, thanks for the compliment. We do our best with writing the stories and making sure also our feelings shine through. We both write which also makes the writing style different per blog piece. Hopefully that makes it less repetitive and our experiences will stay interesting enough to share.
Ham now it is really starting and still only 3 weeks in, now staying a few days in a hostel in Meran. Well comments on individual photos is complicated and is not possible at the moment. Will look in to it.
Heel gaaf en heftig! In de tent was het gelukkig warm in de slaapzak, maar voordat de tent staat en we ook gegeten hebben is het wel een beetje koud… Over het algemeen goed te doen en een beetje afzien
Great photographing! And well done crossing Arlberg pass and Reschen pass in the snow. The landscape of the photos is very familiar to me, although less with winter conditions. Merano is a beautiful town and you will soon leave the old Habsburgian empire and suddenly find yourself in the real Italy. That soon means the plains of the river Po and some first Appenines thereafter, but it is nothing compared to the passes you have crossed. In Merano you will probably be at some 1,400 kms?
Enjoy to the max!
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Please report your odometer readings once in a while. I will try to match your distances, that means: each of you, not both together That should be doable without carrying your heavy loads and the benefit of choosing train rides if the wind is too strong (like on your departure date).
Hi Roel due to a bit of knee pain we slowed down a bit, but total is now 914km in 14days. So not a big challenge for you to keep up. Soon we enter the Alps and the first pass is 1780 meters. Nice that you are following us.
Thanks, Martin. Yeah, I can do that so far but you will likely be more persistent in the end. Your first pass is Arlberg, which is beautiful. I now see you do not intend to take the Brenner but Reschen pass. That’s very pretty on the Austrian side; on the Italian side you’re looking up at very high Dolomites that you don’t need to climb, so that should be reassuring. Beware of your knees … you have a few kilometers ahead of you.
Last Sunday, when I saw you climbing down the train in Rotterdam, I hadn’t expected seeing you back so soon. I followed my train ride to Roosendaal, biking back to Leiden, when in the Biesbosch I noticed a familiar couple in the far distance … The winds seemed not very generous to you at that time.
Hi Roel, We didn’t see you at the Biesbosch, wind was a bit hard on us and is still keeping us company… Hope you had a good day on the bike and well done with the 20000km per year!
The farmer had his first order from South Korea and he will be shipping grass 12.000 pieces of decoration grass.. Thanks. Now in Heidelberg already one week in to the journey.
Henk van Aardenne
7 February, 2014 at 13:46 - Reply
Hoe cool is wat jullie doen?! Echt, ik werd er gister helemaal emotioneel van. Het is zo ontzettend stoer wat jullie doen. Ik heb nu ook enorm zin om eens wat te doen wat helemaal uit mijn comfortzone ligt Ik hoop dat jullie snel in een ritme komen, geniet van het heerlijke Nederlandse winterweer.
En HEEL VEEL SUCCES en plezier!
Geniet ervan, ik volg jullie zeker!
Hi Will,
Gewoon doen! We hebben echt een bijzondere eerste week gehad. Het is zeker uit onze comfortzone en daarom juist zo gaaf om het te doen. Je hoeft er niet emotioneel van te worden, ook al word ik dat ook soms Het weer valt tot nu mee alleen die wind mag wel wat afnemen! Liefs!
Enjoy! Don’t forget that a bad on the bicycle is always better than a good day at work. Do take lot’s of picture, and take the time to meet people even if it’s put you behind schedule. Because there is no schedule!
Can’t wait to read your stories!
Lysanne & Louis-Philippe
On Roule La Boule
It was nice to say goodbye this morning. Worth every minute that I woke up early on this sunday morning… Stay safe, happy and enjoy yourselves on this amazing journey. Hugs and kisses!
Hi Diane, was really nice of you to come along and we really enjoyed that you were there. Will do our best. Now at Renskes place ready to go to bed after a full day of emotions and biking. Take care!
We hope you have The greatest journey and are looking forward to following you guys on The Road and reading about your many exciting adventures.
Take care.
The Weltströms
Hi Weltströms, we had a great first day on the road, pure sun shine and a bit of head wind but all good! Great to be on the road. Happy to have you following us along the way. Good luck with moving next week and all the best to you all!
The world is now your oyster – looking forward to reading your posts from wherever you may be. I’ll be cycling in Europe from mid-April myself so we might meet on the road. Happy and safe cycling to you both
Hi Martin, eighteen months since both Susanne and yourself left on this trip and it’s amazing to see what you’ve both been through and where you are now. I left for Morocco on 24 March (2014) from Aberdeen down to Dover, Calais, Le Puy, Mont Louis, Ripoll, Barcelona, Alicante, Jodar, Sevilla, Cadiz, Gibraltar, Algeciras, Tanger Med, Tangiers. Just started writing a very late blog about this called AberdeentoAfricasolo. https://aberdeentoafrica.wordpress.com. Anyway, you’re both amazing free spirits on a bike.
You website and posts are always interesting. Safe and happy travels.
my greatest desire for happiness for you in your journey.
same emotions I’m feeling, my journey will begin in a month as address http://www.rutasostenible.blogspot.com.es
Hey there. Thanks for your tweet which pointed me to your website. Cool plans! It looks light the route you have planned is quite similar to my planned route (at least until you get to China). I am brimming with questions as a lot of the things you would have done are now ahead of me as I prepare for my departure in September (http://arctic-cycler.com).
Two questions which I have to ask now: have you got a way of charging all your electrical equipment using the dynamo on your bike? You will be going through places where you won’t have access to electricity for quite some time.. I see there are different products on the market, but I haven’t done too much research yet as to which one is the best.
The second question is, do you know if it is possible to cycle across Myanmar like you are planning? When I last looked, it was only possible to enter and leave from the same border post (i.e. it was not possible to cross the country). If you cross, you may be one of the first cyclists to do it (and hopefully I will be one of the first too, a bit after you).
It would be cool to meet up before you leave if you have time. I live in Eindhoven but am often in Den Haag on the weekends..
All the best!! It will be an amazing trip!!
Matthew
P.S. If you are looking at getting more followers on your trip, try posting on local cycling forums in the different countries you will be passing through. (Find the forums in the local language and write to them in english.) This should be quite effective (at least on the European part). I got almost 30000 hits on my cycle blog on my trip from Eindhoven to the North Cape last year.
Thanks for stopping by, found you trough someone not sure how, well thats how it works on the line
We all pick our routes as we like only going east there is not that many different choices, your choice looks great as well!
For the electrical issue we are setting up these systems see our power harvesting on tour this will feed 95% percent of our electrical gear, only laptop will not be powered by this setup.
Myanmar we are not sure yet, we have found information that border crossing Ruili – Muse is being worked on and should become an international border crossing. These are only indications and for crossing in to Bangladesh we are not sure yet what to do. Anyway there is always a way it is just the question if we will find the right way?
Hi!
Me again! I have a super friendly warmshowers place in Istambul. His name is Kerem Koçak. Check it out!
And in Iran, lot’s of WShowers and Csurfing, it’s unbelivelable!
Hi!
Just found out your blog. I will definitly follow your journey to Nepal.
Will you be carrying all those Lonely Planet guides? Did you know that you can upload them on your computer? Look on the internet, you’ll find sites that allows you to do that. It’s going to be a lot lighter in your panniers.
So, like us, you dreamt about this journey and you dare to give all up to realise this dream. Congrats!
Here’s our cycling blog, in french: http://on-roule-la-boule.blogspot.ca/
Hi Lysanne and Louis, Great to have you following us Yes decision is made and the departure date is close by. The LP books we will bring in PDF on the computer else it would be to heavy Have fun and stay in touch. Martin and Susanne
Irene de Jong-Tintel
22 December, 2013 at 10:59 - Reply
We will miss you at DORC Martin, but I wish the both of you lots of luck, beware of all the bad things along the way
Sorry, i just realized, i wrote in german. We, Christian and me are travelling since 6 month by bicycle. Now we are in Pakistan, waiting for our Indian Visa. If you have quetions please don’t be shy! The preperation for our travel wasn’t easy. So …. have fun on your trip. http://www.poab.org
Hi Daniela, No worries with the german Have to read more on your website, thanks for the heads up. We are preparing as good as we can, now we just need to get going. How long are you going to be on the road?
Hallo, bin über warmshowers auf eure Seite gekommen. Ihr seid ja sehr gut vorbereitet, Respekt. Mein Freund und ich sind seit einem halben Jahr mit den Rädern unterwegs, gerade in Pakistan. Falls ihr interesse oder fragen habt, nur her damit. http://www.poab.org.
I’m interested that you’re planning to travel through Myanmar – from what I had read I thought it was only possible to travel by land into Myanmar to and from Thailand, and not possible to cross the border between Myanmar and India at all. If you have some information that suggests it is possible to travel through Myanmar, it would be great to know!
Hi Chris, thanks for your comment. You are right, we have this info as well. We also heard that crossing the border between China and Myanmar is possible to some extent. In the next year we will do more research and expect the situation to improve. If you have info please share.
Det ved jeg ikke så godt tror der er lidt fordi der er mørkt og folk er lidt nervøse for hvad vi er for nogle menesker. Men der er altid nogen der syntes det er sjovt at vi kommer på besøg.
I would like to learn more about all the electronical goodies you will be taking with you. Back in the day I travelled with a nokia 3100 and, can you believe it, a sony portable discman and stack of cds! That seems laughable now.
Ham for sure we are still working on the details and what we will be bringing of electronic equipment, we will try and keep most rechargeable from USB and thereby possible to charge from the hub dynamo. Furthermore we want to be able to make good pictures and video along the way and probably an Ipad and a small laptop will be included for the website and communications. Point take and a Gear choice on electronic goodies is on the list.
Martin,
You must also be careful of bear. When woman has special time of month it can attract very many bear. One time in Czech when I make it camping with my girlfriend we have this problem.
Bear and woman is much danger.
Good lucks
Roman
HI Roman,
Thats a good question. Maybe there could be a blog post about it in the future.
I agree with Martin, go primal and leave no (unnatural) trace. I never dug a hole……animals don’t
Ham
With this one i will make a column in the statistics of number of primal toilet visits and maybe worst public toilet? Blog post will come further on the journey when more experience is made.
Hello Martin,
I am name Roman. I am friend Sean and Hamada from Czech
You and Suzanne are welcome at my home in Czech.
I have question. How will you be making toliet and emptying bottom when you are travel bicycle.
I remember stories of you from Sean and Hamada, great to hear from you.
Well we are not planning going through Czech as you can see on the page The journey.We are planning to go south due to the time of year when we are leaving. We really appreciate your offer, thanks alot. Maybe an other time!
To answer you question, we go primal and do our toilet visits in the woods and try to leave no traces.
Thanks again for your offer and say hi in Malmö as i see you write from sweden.
Jammer dat je het niet leuk vinden om onze avontuur te lezen, wij delen dit om in contact met mensen te komen en hier over te praten. Op 2. februari gaan wij lekker fietsen. Wij gaan ook al dit weekend lekker fietsen naar Soest.
And the third and (for now) last time….Maybe I’ve got a black spot, but is their a sort of ‘get informed’ link, so I can see in my email when you’ve put up a new blog? Or do you hope people will come back to your site through internal motivation:-):-)
You’ve got a great plan! Hope things will work out for you as you’ve planned. Though I’m very curious how you’ll get to Nepal through that area. I know things change all the time, but getting to Nepal from anywhere north has been a problem for a while (which doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try!!!!)
Saw you comment on Fietsjunks. Kirgizstan has no visa anymore for Dutchies. We paid the last ones:-)
mooi geschreven Suus! Ik vond het heel fijn dat ik je mijn nieuwe thuis kon laten zien. Mooie site. Ik hoop dat het jullie lukt om ons een beetje te updaten tijdens de trip. xxx ook voor Martin!!
Thank you for sharing your journey
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Hi, thanks for your review of the bikepacker plus bags. In some of your images, I can see you “appear” to use the Ortlieb Rack Pack bags to strap across the top of the rear bags…i am considering this iption as well…can you advise on whether you felt they were worth the purchase?
Thanks!
Reinhart Bigl
Ontario, Canada
Hi Martin! Hi Susanne!
I understand you correctly, do you mean this route https://catmotors.net/routes/samoeng-loop-mae-sa-valley/ ?
All right?
Ha, wat ik nog mis is hoe lang jullie er over deden. (Dat staat heel vaak niet in verslagen gek genoeg). Zijn alle vlagjes op de kaart kampementen?
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Wow!
What an amazing and inspiring journey!!!
Congratulations on completing it.
The blog an pictures are fabulous.
We are getting ready for a miniature road tour – in comparison,
from Amsterdam to Geneva. Needless to say. a long part along the rhine.
My first “big” bike tour.
How difficult was it to settle back into working life?
Wishing you all the best for your continuing journey.
Ute
Hi Martin & Suzanne; firstly Happy New Year for 2017! Yes, Winter cycling and camping is very tough and it’s hard to get out of that tent in the morning…you did well.
). As you climb into your sleeping bag at night have the water bottle close to your body and try and keep it there all night, another thing is buddy, buddy system…feed off each other’s heat and don’t have too many clothes on. Clothes you want first thing in the morning can also be put into your sleeping bag/s. Glad you got the tooth sorted. One Love.
Reading how your water bottles froze reminded me of a trick we were taught from the Army…put things like water bottles and boots into your sleeping bag to prevent them freezing. Boots can stay at the bottom of the bag (once they’ve been cleaned as much as possible of course
Hallo Susanne, Een gelukkig nieuwjaar voor jullie beiden! Je zal ons niet meer kennen, als je zo’n enorme reis hebt gemaakt en zoveel mensen hebt ontmoet… We hebben maar kort “live” van jullie avonturen mogen genieten: slechts even met Susanne in Hohhot China. Wij gingen na Hohhot schaatsen op de Gele Rivier. Daarna hebben we thuis met veel plezier en bewondering jullie reis via de site gevolgd.
Grappig en misschien moeilijk dat jullie zo snel weer in het arbeidsproces moeten draaien, ben benieuwd hoe dat gaat. Ook leuk dat Martin (als hij daar nog steeds werkt) maar een steenworp van ons vandaan is (omdat we in Nieuw-Beijerland wonen, net over de rivier)
Ben erg benieuwd of jullie de foto’s nog in een boek onderbrengen.
Groeten van Willemijn en Ids
Hello & Happy New Year!
Just started reading your blog, but just read your end of year review.
Great to hera you have settled back to work and you have all the wonderful memories to keep you going
until the next trip!
Take care, kindest regards and thanks for your great blog!
Robert
incredible journey, nice summary. Wishing the both of you all the best. Are you glad it’s over, or are you thirsting more?
There’s something massively satisfying about climbing through mountains in the winter when everyone else tell you it can’t be done! Good effort!
Welcome back! These pictures don’t look like November or even October! I love Bornholm. Are you going to (temporarily) settle in DK or NL? Hope to see you again, Martin, and to meet you Susanne. All Blessings on your winter and the road ahead. Jonathan and Zara in Skåne
Hi Jonathan and Zara, Thank you very much for these kind words
We really enjoyed Bornholm had a good feeling there. We have indeed decided to settle a bit and are already back in NL for a while now. These posts are a bit behind schedule. Yes we would like that too a trip to the forest of skåne next year could be the thing 
All the best from us to you op in the north hope the winter is strong and kind to you. Martin and Susanne
Tip for you – you should never (really never) eat blueberries without washing them before. Foxes pisses on blueberries (sorry for being so primitive right now) and eating such contaminated fruits will give you bąblownica (unpleasant disease).
Hi,
I am cycling now in Corsica. I cycled in Czech Republic, Austria and Croatia 3 years ago. I found that the Czech drivers have contempt for cyclists. On the quietest roads, some drivers just missed hitting my handlebars. I was fed up with their dribing behaviour. What do you think of the Polish drivers?
Richard
Great post – glad you enjoyed Bulgaria. We travelled overland last year and its a wonderful country. All the best!
Blijf het leuk vinden om jullie verhalen te lezen.
I wish I had the courage to do something like this! I’m obsessed with travel blogs, particularly cycling ones. But I don’t travel further than my workplace on my own bike… electric bike that is. So inspiring but also a little intimidating… just looking at that map gives me anxiety.
Hello, nice review of the Hubba Hubba, I would like to buy one. I have 2 New Air, 65 cm can large, is it possible to put them together? Thanks, Cidrin
Congratulations to both of you, amazing achievement! Hope to meet you again some day!
Hi both of you! I haven’t responded much, but I have read most of your stories, and I am still amazed at your adventure! I wish you the very best in continuing them!
Bart
If you happen to like a little detour in Germany, we would be very happy to invite you into our home in Bochum. We’ve met some time ago in Samarkand
All the best,
Sabine and Thorsten
Wow. This is total passion and enthusiasm. Any specific reason to consider Kathmandu as the destination? Lately I’ve been reading a book from Puskar Shah from Nepal who left home in 1998 cycling around the world for 10 years. I hope one day I get to read your book as well. All the best.
Jullie reis af toe wat gevolgd. Indrukwekkend. Wat een afstand. Wat een prachtige plaatjes.
Welkom terug in Nederland.
Congratulations, what a superb achievement! And I love the statistics =)
You made it! Congratulations! Now surely a new adventure begins…
And thanks for sharing so much interesting information.
Best of luck!
An inspiration. Thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog.
Ik volg jullie nu een poos via FB. Ik ken jullie niet, en jullie mij niet. Maar wat heb ik genoten van de foto’s en verhalen op FB. Wist niet hoelang jullie al onderweg waren, nog wat de bestemming zou worden. Laat staan dat ik wist uit welk gedeelte van Nederland jullie vertrokken waren.? Maar ieder moment dat ik weer iets van jullie las genoot ik van het mooie. Of de momenten dat er een soort van bezorgdheid op kwam als ik het idee kreeg dat er mogelijk iets aan de hand zou zijn omdat ik al weer even niets gehoord had. En dat terwijl we elkaar niet kennen. Dank voor het mogen meeleven met jullie reis. Nog veel plezier en een goede reis naar Nederland. En wie weet genieten al jullie volgers nog weer eens van een andere reis van jullie. Groeten Sjoukje.
Congratulations! It was fun to follow your journey through the blog. Good luck with the transition from living on a bike to living in a city. That was the hardest part for us and many other cyclists we know. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Well done .. That is a fantastic achievement .. Do you know what you daily budget was over the length of the journey ?
Nice one guys! Amazing. Good luck with whatever comes next
Again and again : congratulations!
And what about the weight you lost… when we look at the departure picture!
Well done, guys! What a beautiful journey! <3
Telling people before starting cycling more than 2 years, 34.000 km they will say that you are crazy.
But you did it! Passing many countries, desarts, mountains, many cultures and meeting and sleeping at local people is something amazing to do. I am a bit jealous, but with wife and kids this is a journey I can not make.
I admire your journey, many reports. I’m a little curious about where you go, what will be your new home.
However, we can still say they are crazy!
Hi Martin and Susanne! It’s Jonathan who you met on the plane to Moscow a year ago! Thank you for this adventure! I’m really enjoying tuning into your adventure. I turned 74 since we met and having knee probs, so such biking is no longer for me – but it is great to read what you write and look at the pictures. And Irish-Danish friend of mine, Rita Tisdal is in Nepal now, doing recovery from the Earthquake work in a part of Nepal called Helembu. She is a great lady, so if you are in that area ask around. She has spent many years of her life in Nepal, and give her a hug from me if you find her!. We’re having our second summer spell here in southern scandinavia and it should last a week and maybe more. Wishing you smooth roads and friendly people and rain only at night when you’re under shelter. Happy Trails and Blessings, Jonathan (and Zara)
I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to cycle through India on our cycle trip, but reading through your posts and looking at your photos, I think I do. I’ve been to India a couple of times, and I think this is why it puts me off cycling there, but I guess the rural areas and mountains are going to be completely different.
What an amazing travelogue! Not to mention the pictures. About the switchbacks, and the photos that you’ve included, are they steeper than they look, or are fairly representative of them?
As for not totally living up to expectations, it’s still a new place, and each place has its own uniqueness.
Hi Martin (en Susanne natuurlijk ook), Wat een fantastische reis maken jullie. Met enige regelmaat kijk ik ff naar de foto’s, die ook erruug mooi zijn. Indrukwekkend. Hier is alles prima. Af en toe moet ik nog wat schrijf werkzaamheden verrichten voor de EVA (je weet nog wat dat is? ;-). Gezond en veel werk. Groet, Gert Zwart.
Hi Suzanne and Martin,
I met your bikes in Jang, where I was staying in the same hotel. But as I had no idea what time you guys get up in the morning and it was about 5:35 and I had Sela to cross that day, I did not wait for you to wake up. I wondered what the name twisting spokes is based on. I have twisted some spokes, especially in Ladakh, but I guess it had more to do with my bicycle wheels that kept producing broken spokes every now and then. I wanted to include a picture of my twisted spokes, but cannot see how.
Anyway I am almost done, cycling for a few months in NE India (Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Megalaya (Shilong and Cherrapunji only) and Arunachal (to Tawang and back to Bomdila) and will be on my way to Nepal soon, where I may cycle a few hundred km just to get to Pokhara.
Cheers
I feel motivated to go there for this summer. Is it okay if I go solo there ?
Hi
This was really interesting to read! And I always love that you are both so honest about the highs and the lows of travel and cycle touring. I look forward to the next update
Penny
Hello
I realise you might be fed up with my permit questions, especially when I do not read your blogs till the end
On the other hand, I know that you are nice, helpful and patient guys
OK – Arunachal Pradesh permit. Some simple advice where or how did you obtain it? Please.
I found something like http://www.arunachaltourism.com/inner.php
Does it work this way?
Thanks and take care guys! M
Hi Suzane & Martin!
Very nice blog, I have found many useful info here, really good job.
We are cycling in SE Asia too, just approaching Bagan. I would like to ask you if you know some cheap guest house, or some rooftop camping maybe you know:)
In Hpa-an they let us camp in nice tiled roof in Galaxy guesthouse with nice breakfast, funny experience.
Thanks and many cloudy kilometers in India
Martin and Susanne
Fantastica trip that are performing. You have the courage, opportunity and initiative that many wanted to put into practice. Wishing you a final trip with other experiences, and that the return home transmit to all the importance of respect between peoples and that less is more. Be happy.
Hi guys!
We are in B. just 3 days and we really like it. Always something to see here 
Thailand was nice, but just too modern..
Cool! Hope Martin is better now!
We were wondering to take similar route
A Q: Did you need MTT permit at all while exiting Burma?
Thanks and regards M&Z
What an amazing trip and how amazing to read it back here in Europe! I was interested in how the people were different in the churchy part of Burma? More westernized? Friendlier? Nastier? Hope you are well over your illness now, Martin. It’s been a basically warm winter in Skåne. Now we are in Southern England at Schumacher College where we are in residence for 6 weeks. Looking forward to the next installment! May the roads be smooth. Love and Peace, Jonathan and Zara from the CPH/Moscow flight.
Sounds amazing folks! quick question, how much is a room in a guesthouse on average? I’ve heard stories of horrible rooms for 30$,which would be way over my budget. Would love to catch up with you guys but I’d say ye’re a bit far ahead. I had to India after…
Thanks folks! Just about to head into Myanmar by bicycle in a couple of days. Good to see camping and temples are viable options, and that you’re enjoying the whole experience! I’m Looking forward to it too!
Hi there, Thanks for this post. Very helpful. I was wondering when (the date) you applied for your Indian visa in Laos? I have read online that “As of October 20, 2015, it is no longer possible for non-Thailand residents to receive Indian visas in Bangkok.” (Here and in one other place: http://www.travelfish.org/orientation_detail/thailand/bangkok_and_surrounds/bangkok/bangkok/138). I’m wondering if as of October 20th the same applies in Laos. Thank you! Happy travels!
Hi again! It’s a long time since i send you my greetings. I really hope everything is “on track” for you guys!? I enjoy reading about your adventures and daily “work”. Will you ever arrive…….? And in that case, where is that?
My very best regards to both of you!!
WOW!
Very cool! Nice to know it’s a simple matter in crossing the Myanmar border, these days. How much it’s changed! Even a few years ago, I’ve heard it was impossible to cross via land. By the time I get there, maybe it will be easier to camp.
Hi Guys!
We r in Thailand now and we absolutely love it. Nice change after China and Loas. We took some small trafficless roads in north east and it was great. Food, people, landscape – gooood! We plan to get somehow to Chiang Mai, apply for Myanmar visa and explore western mountains for another 2, 3 weeks 
Very cool
Take care guys!
Regards M and Z
Hey Susanne and Martin!
Great to read your blog, I am using it a lot in preparation of the trip of me and my boyfriend starting in a few weeks. We will cycle from The Netherlands to India, and for a long time we will follow the same rout as you have cycled.
I have a practical question about Uzbekistan. How did you get around the obligatory registration? Did you have to pay a fine at the border for wildcamping? And you are mentioning that Uzbekistan was a bit more expensive than expected. How much did you spend per day per person?
Thanks a lot for your help, and enjoy your trip!
Nienke & Balint
Hi Nienke & Balint
We have sent you an email with some info
Enjoy the journey to the east!
Are you guys in Thailand?
Yes, leaving Chiang Mai today on our way to Myanmar. Had seen you were in Vietnam are you in Thailand now too?
Heading to Thailand on the 19th – the Chiang Mai I think…but not by bicycle!
Too bad we’ll miss each other!
Really too bad. You’ll enjoy it here it’s quite nice!
OK – I found this: http://rovingsnails.com/index.php/2015/03/10/hitchhiking-from-myanmar-to-india-overland-crossing-at-tamu-moreh/
Is that the way you plan to go for?
Thanks M
Yes, that is the plan. We know of quite a few cyclists who have crossed the borders of Myanmar from Thailand to India and vice versa. Among others Punctures & Panniers: http://www.puncturesandpanniers.com/cycling-burma-what-you-need-to-know/ and World Biking http://www.worldbiking.info/wordpress/2015/09/free-ebook-burma-by-bike/. There has just been an earthquake in North-East India, so they are not issuing permits currently. We hope this situation will change sometime soon. Enjoy the ride!
Cool. Thanks for links & info. Hope situation will improve asap, otherwise we meet you on the road
Regards M
Hi Guys,
a question again
How certain are you about crossing from Myanmar to India? is it ok these days? Have you got any info about it?
Thanks M
Great article with just full information, but why not Roloff with carbon drive like bicycle junkies?
Hi Gert, Thank you for your kind words. We are yet to see the added value of the Rohloff with carbon drive. To our knowledge maintenance is still needed and when it breaks there is no easy fix. We love our old fashion shimano with a proven concept and parts available worldwide. Price is more or less the same when comparing cost after 30000km. Have a read about Stephen’s experinces with Rohloff the http://www.cyclingthe6.com/2015/08/equipment-reviews-2015.html.
Wonderful, useful post. I’d long decided that Iran being a country that I will go through. Though, I’ll be going from from East to West (China to Turkey). One of the countries I’m really looking forward to seeing!
Hi,
Thanks.
One and half mnth Laobeer, then N Thailand, Burma, India and prob 2 mnths in Nepal. Then we will decide what next but ideally Karakoram and then towards Iran through Pamirs. But that very long rerm plan…
Regards M
Hi guys,
thanks for sharing this info – definitely useful for us as we plan to take very similar route towards Burma/ India.
I was just wondering about one thing re Indian visa: it is stated pretty much on every Indian embassy web that visa start running since the day they have been issued. Not from the day people actually enter India which is weird..
What is you experience from Vientiane pls?
Further, I was wondering what are you plans for next leg of your trip or next few months after you leave Chiang Mai?
Will you go to India and Nepal? What next?
Thanks and regards,
Michal and Zuza
Hi Guys,
Great that you could use the info.
The Indian visa starts from the day issued also in Vientiane.
Our plans are not yet in the making as we had to return home for family issues. We know that we will cycle Myanmar and India. The route we are not sure on yet. We will have 3 months for India so time enough for some nice routes.
What are your plans?
All the best :0)
Wow. I don’t know what else to say, apart from ‘fantastic!’.
Great tent
Hi Guys, myself and my husband will be heading to China from Korea soon by bike too and we’d like to get a 90 day visa…could you send us the 88 day itinerary that you said you used in your application by any chance? Everyone here I’ve spoken to says 30days is the max you can get in Korea but you proved them wrong! Thanks so much, Stef
You got lucky
Check your mail. Good luck from Thailand
Hi Twisting Spokes
Really enjoying your website and looking forward to your reviews. Please can you review the Zzing USB hub charger
Many thanks
Bonjour Martin, My name is Pierre from Quebec City, Canada. Very interesting reading your blog.
Can you tell me how do you get these maps with elevations from Google and how do you upload them in your wordpress?
Merci, Pierre
Thanks for commenting! It was really cold in minus 30. We had a warm core because of cycling but still hands and feet go numb and Martin lost some feeling in his hands when he was alone. The pogies are the best though! Although hand and toe warmers could also work for a short period of time.
Hi Andrea, thanks for sharing your experiences with us. India is going to be interesting in many ways. Hope the previous countries have made me more prepared for what I can expect there. Cultural differences really ar hard to understand sometimes but something that is part of traveling of the beaten track. Take care!
It is so great reading about your adventures, even if they were from last year! Things here in Southern Sweden are getting on to winter, but still it is warm with +8 or 11 during the day. Zara and I have just gotten back from New Mexico. More on that later with pictures. All Blessings and Go’ tur! Jonathan (and Zara)
Hi Jonathan, Great to hear from you and Zara
You get to travel quite a bit a must say. That is warm for this time of year in Sweden. We skip winter as we had quite some winter last year 
Take care and hugs from us
I think one of the reasons why women are not acknowledged in islamic countries or traditional places such as india is because it is assumed that it is inappropriate/off limits to talk to a man’s wife. Its not a question of rudeness. She is considered his and any interaction with his wife could be construed as a lack of respect at best and a sexual transgression at worst. Anyway leeway you might make in this regard could easily lead to a line being crossed with regrets for you both. It happened to me when i was much younger (23) and in Turkey. We were at a man’s house for dinner. The man had been friendly with my partner for a long time but this was the first time he’d been invited home. After the meal, i was offered a face massage in front of his wife who sat nearby. I said no. He gave one to my partner. And then to be polite, I gave in and let him give me one but he rubbed his hands up and down my chest twice in front of everyone. Shocked! But we didn’t make a fuss. There was another incident on another day but its tedious to try to recall it properly. But it was as though the man thought my partner had given him permission.
I had a friend who travelled with her partner in india and she found it very difficult being ignored in the way you describe. I would too. Most of us westerners would.
If i were to go to Iran, i expect i would probably not get as much hospitality offered as couples and men do. In india I was never invited home by men, only women.
Interesting blog post. I’ll be sure to come back to this page if I’m ever comtemplating anything this crazy. I live in the tropics and don’t like being cold, It takes my energy away. I wonder if i were doing your trip, if i would just have much longer days in camp than on the road cycling so that i could avoid the difficulties of getting up, thereby reducing the daily quota of pain and suffering. I do’nt like having to get up in the dark. Once or twice would be ok but not every day.
Martin!
Wonderful pictures of the cold lands but -30 is too much for me.
Take care
Emilio
Uhf! This looks so cold! I’m nervous about 0 degrees coming up in Turkey, but -30 degrees! Good on both of you for trying it out. My hands get really cold while cycling, so I always make sure to toss in a few hand and toe warmers when I know we’ll be cycling through the cold. Thanks for these helpful tips!
I think if your hands are getting cold you need to add more warmth to your core, as well as having good gloves. I was recently in the alps in Japan and although it was nowhere as cold as the above, it was raining all day and my feet did not get cold, nor my hands. My feet were totally wet and i had puddles in my shoes but with non expensive wools socks with nylon coating and garment hiking shoes, they were great – though i didn’t really relish them being wet. On my hands i had seaskins waterproof gloves or thinsulate gloves and winter cycling gloves. I did not like the sealskins gloves that much because they were hard to get off and on when wet.
Hi Martin & Susanne; great you’ve made it back to Laos and the pics tell a thousand words
Thanks for the postcard which I received last week where you wrote from Dali in Yunnan and your cycling artwork is better than mine.
Did you get the wheel rim fixed? Since you were in Dali you have cycled 850 km to get to Laos so that’s about 500+ miles and on a dodgy wheel rim under weight that’s pretty good.
I envy you both, but at the same time know how tough it can be on the road like this day in day out. You can’t stop now.
I’m looking forward to more instalments and please keep those wheels spinning
Be safe
Hilary
Hi Hilary, Great that the postcard arrived well and you liked it
We are definitely carrying on to Nepal and looking forward to it. The rim has done a good job but soon it will be time to change. You don’t have to envy us, we all make our own choices and life on the road as you know is not always easy. But still the good is great! We will keep the wheels spinning 
Hi guys, congrats on reaching the Mekong River! Keep pedaling!
Thanks Bicycle Junkies!!
Nice! We have good memories of this ride in China, beautiful! Enjoy!
Yep, you have to be completely aware of your surroundings prior to setting up camp…what is know as a quick ‘recce’ of the area and to work out the risks if you do decide to stay there for the night. I think this is one of the most important points to follow, especially if you are camping alone.
Wow, great achievement so far. Just worked out that in old money 4720 is approx. 15,500 feet…that’s a lot of climbing. Yes, I am glad you have conveyed how difficult it can be on the road sometimes as anything can happen(e.g cracked rims…would like a pic of this if possible, never seen that before) and varying moods of the cyclist/s. I really hope that you both go on this journey for as long a possible and beyond Kathmandu even
God speed.
Can you tell me what app you’re using to document the travel plan? So nice to have the statistics so convenient
Hi Vincent, yes for us it is very nice to have the overview. We use a GPS to track our route (you could also create your own gpx file at http://www.ridewithgps.com). This way we have an overview of our route in Basecamp. We then filter our route using an app called JaVaWa RTWtool. Finally a WordPress plugin makes everything visible on our page: Google-Maps-GPX-Viewer. Hope this helps!
Hey,
it was great to follow your journey through Korea! Glad to see that you enjoyed it and not many make such unique experience of this hidden gem for cycle tourists.
Hi, We enjoyed Korea very much! A hidden gem maybe not but has some great spots
Thanks for the quick reply! A few more questions…
1- how many km/day are you averaging on these roads?
2- for the visa application did you have proof of flight in/out of the country?
Thanks again!
We have calculated an average of around 60 km a day which is reasonable with the altitude gain and some rough roads. We also don’t want to be stressed and enjoy where we are. If you are lighter packed and go faster in general more would be possible. We did have an option for flights which we could cancel with an agency, it was necessary for the visa. Good luck with preparing!
I cant believe you two are still going. You seem so at home on the road….
We sometimes have a hard time believing! We are still challenged on the road!
Great read – incredible travel blog and your photos were stunning. Thank you for sharing
Hi Helena! Thank you for stopping by. Enjoy the next post
We are interested in a similar trip and had a few questions:
1- What were the exact dates of the trip? We ask because we read that July-Aug is rainy season and the roads are subject to closure. Did you ride through the area in those months?
2- Did you have trouble securing a long visa for China, when we last tried rules had tightened?
Hi Em, Thanks for your questions. We have cycled this in the last two weeks, so most of it at the end of August. We did encounter a fair bit of rain but it is possible to cycle around the rain. we had most rain during the night. The Chinese are steadily paving roads so we only had one road which was quite muddy until now. For the visa, it is our third tourist visa which apparently influences the chances of getting a longer visa. We applied in South Korea with all the paperwork for three months and were granted a 3 month visa. Hope this helps!
Hi Suzanne and Martin, You guys sound like you are having a great time. Jenny and I are departing on our trip next June and you are very inspiring. Can you tell me where you got your 90 day visa for China from and how easy was it to get? Thanks and safe cycling.
This is living life to the full. God bless you on the rest of your trip.
En ik ben 70 en benijd jullie, maar volgend jaar fiets ik Ocean Road Australa
Reply op 31 oktober
Mooi
Hello from Skåne and Jonathan and Zara! We met you, Martin, on the plane to Moscow in June. What a treat for us to read your adventures! Thank you for sharing this adventure. Since Russia, I have been visiting friends and family in the USA, together we went to a Nature and Spirit festival in Italy where we did a ritual for a 300 year old Oak, a talk on the ecology of giving and receiving, a workshop on Living the Tree of Life, a round-table discussion on practicing spirit-consciousness, and eating amazing organic gelato and other Italian delicacies (including Rosso Detox – a sorbet made of red beets, carrots, ginger and lime)! Now we’ve just done 2 workshops here in Sweden and on Wednesday I am being interviewed for internet radio.
Sending prayers for your good health and well being
All Blessings on you and your inspiring adventure, also from Zara
Jonathan
[…] Qingdao to Heze […]
Wat een kleur allemaal!! Super leuke foto’s! De slager is best bijzonder……
Really amazing what you are doing. Your jorney seems impresive from here, only reading and watching pictures, so imagine how it should be in real life. Martin, Suzanne, all my best for the rest of your trip. Keep your positive attitude and keep enjoying.
Pedro
Hi Pedro, Hope you are well! Thank you for the nice words and for following us on the journey. We try to share how we feel and what we see along the way. All the best from us
both bike and sun are fascination for me
mooie foto!
[…] Gangneung to Suyi-Myeon […]
I second the “How to stay warm” post. It’s still fascinating and bewildering how you do it, thinking of the temperatures in Mongolia.
How about writing a – this is how we stay warm in the winter article
Im interested to know if you ever cycle in your down jackets and if they have lasted all this time ….
Yes not a bad idea! Will do
You forgot to mention the copyright for the buckwheat!! :-):-):-)
we use our frying pan to make cheese toasties. just right in British weather. we put them in those little toaster bags to keep them together.
What little toaster bags? Have never heard of them! (off to google right now).
so,ist der Martin wieder da?
looking forward to hearing on how you keep clean! hehe
Hoi Martin en Susanne
Lang niet op jullie site gekeken, maar wat een cool avontuur zeg! Ziet er geweldig uit, het gevoel van vrijheid lijkt me ook heel onwerkelijk in het begin! Have fun!
Bart
Hoi Bart! Cool dat je even een bericht achterlaten. Is ook een leuk avontuur. De vrijheid is eng in de begin en nu kunnen wij niet zonder
Hoop alles is goed bij jou en je familie. You too!
thank for posting! sounds complicated the whole thing with the garmin software but looks like you guys have that well figured out. I use an Iphone6 with offline maps of the app Maps.me in combination with Google Maps. Maps.me is great because you download all the data upfront and it shows almost all restaurants, hotels and bars in all villages. My phone is charged by Supernova The Plug III and Son dynamo. I’ve only cycled from Amsterdam till Romania (thats where I am now), not sure how it works outside of Europe.
succes & groetjes (fiets een vergelijkbare route dus check vaak jullie blog!)
Hi Martijn, Thanks for stopping by! We know it sounds complicated but it really works for us
We have used maps.me as well on the ipad but in reallity we found maps.me often only written in the local language in china it is impossible to read. Great that you are on the bicycle! It will be a great year for you no worries about that.
Have fun out there
Hi guys, great blog. You, too, Martijn. We did a similar thing with maps and gps etc. on our last long tour. Recently, I’ve started using ridewithgps.com which allows you to plan routes on just about any map format you like and then you can upload it to your GPS to follow the directions, or see what kinds of elevation gains/drops you are facing. Wished we had had it during our last tour.
By the way, I have a cousin in Amsterdam also called Martijn Doolaard, but I know it’s not you. What a coincidence. Mijn moeder heet Doolaard – van Oud Beijerland. Mijn ouders, zussen en ik zijn daar allemaal geboren maar in 1980 zijn we naar Canada verhuisd. Small world. Keep posting. You’re an inspiration while I sit here planning the next trip… Cheers.
Thanks, and that is a coincedence! I am also from Oud-Beijerland originally but there are a lot of Doolaards there which are not directly related. (Sorry Susanne en Martin, of topic!)
Sorry for going off topic, Martin and Susanne. Keep up the blog. Love it.
Nice to keep reading you and to be impressed by you cycling experience. Pedro
Thank you Pedro! Nice to have you around
Great to hear how far you’ve come! Keep on pedaling!
Martin, all the best wishes for you and your mother. I hope that you can give her the comfort, strength and optimism that she needs.
Good luck to you two!
Hi Thorsten, Thanks for stopping by
How are you back home in Germany? Thank you
Great trip. We´ll start in June from Germany nearly same route. Will post on: http://t.co/fDTFvw0DfM http://t.co/oHCtnCmg6e
Very interesting article guys. Nt sure if you will cover this in future posts (or covered already) but what about the brakes? You mentioned an issue with pressure leaking? Did you use hydraulic brakes? What about rims? Which material did you use? Also curious about whether you had issues with any of the bearings at the bycicle.
Also, are spares generally available? I.e. transmission set?
Thanks! I am very jealous of your trip!
Hi Angel, great to hear from you! Are you planning a bike ride? Well we will cover some aspects in future article but maybe not in such detail. We bought our bicycles ready for this trip and did not think through every part of the bike. We use hydraulic brakes from Magura, but normal v-brakes would have worked aswell and probably as good. The rims are made for the purpose by the company we bought the bikes from: Santos Bikes. They are aluminum with 36 spokes. We have had no problems until now, but lately the bottom bracket is giving a ticking sound on both bikes so we will have to replace them on both bikes probably. It differs per country if spares are available. We carry things, order them online or search in the different countries. We did a big service in Istanbul where there is a good bike shop. How is life in Aus? Haven’t seen too many updates from you lately
Really amazing story on how you started, and truly inspirational!! So glad to have met you guys in Mongolia!! Safe travels!
Thank you very much for the kind words! Have fun!
Hey guys, thanks for putting into words some ideas that are still just formative for me (as I’m en route but about 12 months behind you!) but make so much sense as you write them.
Cheers
Evan
Hi Evan, Cheers enjoy the road ahead! Tail Winds
Happy birthday Martin. I hope you enjoyed the day.
Really nice video, guys. I see you enjoy and I like.
Hey Suus, heel leuk om te lezen! Wat een schattige foto’s van jou and the girls :D. Mooie portrettekeningen ook. Fijn dat je je eigen specifieke bijdrage hebt kunnen geven! Veel succes on the road again! xxx
Hey Xanthe, dank je! Het was ook heel leuk om te doen!
Wauw, Sus. That all sounds so interesting. Good for you and for allThe children. Lots Of thoughts from Denmark
Thanks Stine! All projects were really interesting and a good way to learn more about Mongolia. Thinking of you too!
great photo, proud people
Wow heel bijzonder dat je zo bij die verschillende gezinnen en kijkje hebt mogen nemen! Leuke foto’s!
Once again, super photo’s !
Hello, I couldn’t find a post on how you got from Hakkari to Iran, although I can see on your map that you crossed the Serow border. Everything OK in that part of the world? I’m deciding on my way through East Turkey. Great blog and great facebook updates by the way, although you are real sufferers!
Hi Bego,
Yes we crossed the border Turkey/Iran (Esendere/Sero) this was fine no problems at all. Only they are rebuilding the border so a bit unclear where to go, a nice guy helped us through though.
The area was okay we were there not sure how it is now would think it is okay. The military presence is the greatest we have seen so far on our journey. You will meet patrols several times a day and stop at check points. They will tell you if there are any problems further on.
When this is said it was a minor thing as people were really nice and the nature really great. Think back on this and it is for sure in the top of places we have beeing to.
Let us know if you need more information of the area. As you already know you can see our route on the maps and are able to download them as gpx so you can use them for planning your trip!
Where are you going and for how long?
all the best from us
Hi Martin,
I’m Bego’s boyfriend. Thanks for the info! Very helpful. GPX downloaded, we’ll most probably follow your route. Just one question: somewhere between Sirnak and Hakkari (more or less starting from Uludere) there is a road that runs parallel to the one you took (D400), but it is further north,, i.e. not along the border with Syria and thus, probably safer. You probably won’t remember it but, is there a reason why you decided to take the D400 instead of the other one? I thought I’d better ask…
About your questions, we are from Spain, nine months so far on our 4-5 year long round the world trip. We may follow some more of your routes in the future, even the ones in northern China or Mongolia…, but certainly not in winter!
More from our trip (in perfect Spanish, sorry) in http://aquitanagustito.blogspot.com.
Thanks again and safe travels…
Hugo
Hi Hugo,
I remember this road as we were looking at doing it back then. I think we chose D400 because of les mountains and a better road surface. We met some nice people in Sirnak and the guy Ramazan would be glad to meet you as well when you get there.
We were just very very warm back then with +42c and found the D400 really beautiful especially that part.
They recommended to stay on the D400 as the other road is just a track over the mountains, which could be a good trip
Nice journey you have sat out on! 9 months already great
Spanish is not my strongest side, google is a friend in these cases.
Winter is not as bad as it sounds and it really brings some special moments with it. lets face reality and reality is that winter comes every year
Have fun and keep in contact. Yes and you are welcome to ask questions along the way.
MArtin,
nice trip guys!!!
Martin, what a story! An inspiration for many no doubt! Well done.
Irene, Thank you for the nice words!
Nice post dude and well done. I liked the part ‘If I set of to do a challenge be sure to have the desire in the right place. I was too focused on end and not on the part in between’
So true, i’ve made this mistake before as well and still do, good to be reminded. Be in the moment, not in the future!
Ham my good friend! Will there be a time on the bicycle?
What a trip Martin. Amazing and so cool you are.
Glæder mig til at høre mere:-)
Hej Jesper, Skal vi ikke snart skype?
Amazingly tough stuff. Keep pedalling! I enjoy following along.
Thanks Paul! At the moment Mojo and Isaba is parked for a few weeks and then we pedal on
Hoi Susanne, groeten van het Dutch Couple uit Hohhot! Onze reis zit er al weer op…
)
We hebben een fantastische maand in China gehad en het schaatsen op de Gele Rivier was onvergetelijk. (zeker als je met echte 11stedenkanjers rijdt, die je niet bij kan houden
goede reis! van:
Willemijn en Ids
Leuk om van jullie te horen en goed dat het schaatsen onvergetelijk was! Wij gaan snel weer terug naar China om daar verder te ontdekken
Well done Suus, (understatement) what a story!
Hi, if you are still in UB, we have a friend who lives there. We have done some cycling trips with him in the Middle East. Sebastian works at the UB Goethe Institute. He might be able to assist in any logistics. I’m enjoying your blog. What a great adventure.
I coincidentally met him in a café when I was there with friends! Thanks for the contact though! We are on our way out of Mongolia now and soon back in China. Thanks for following
Hoi Susanne, mooi stuk over je gedachten tijdens het fietsen en de treinreis. Veel plezier in Mongolië.
Dank je Marit! Mongolia was echt super en het is een goede keuze geweest.
Hoi Susanne, lijkt me een prettige afwisseling! Een beslissing waarbij je luistert naar jezelf is altijd goed. Heel veel plezier op jullie avontuur nog!
Inderdaad een fijne afwisseling. Nu stappen we weer op de fiets. Was fijn om even wat andere dingen te doen en een ander ritme te hebben. We gaan weer richting China!
when will you be swinging by to China? Rhode.
In china now
Living free man
I am thoroughly enjoying both your stories. I completely understand both your decisions one to push oni in the snow and the other to skip the freezing cold conditions. Hey this is not just a journey about cycling across continents. It is the story about the journey through life. I would say we should read your blogs in 5 to 10 years. Let’s see how you cope with life at that time. Can you avoid a mundane existence after these day to day adventures.
You,ll never forget Mongolia! What a story. Keep safe xx
Wat een kans, dit is het moment om (eindelijk..) te doen wat je hart je ingeeft.
Zo’n tijd zo dichtbij met elkaar leven vraagt om even niet. Althans zo zou het bij mij werken. Misschien is er meer aan de hand, maar opsplitsen lijkt een goede optie. Of het een sjieke keuze is… dat vind ik eigenlijk niet. Maar goed, wie ben ik. Bij min zoveel dag in dag uit zou ik het ook niet lang uithouden, wie wel eigenlijk? Dus doe wat je wilt, echt wilt. Pak die kans! (Hij doet het ook..!) Wijsheid gewenst!
Dank je Yvon. Het is goed geweest om even iets anders te doen en de winter was hard. Op deze manier kunnen we beide onze doelen behalen wat voor ons beide belangrijk is. Nu stappen we weer op de fiets richting China!
Tak for kaffe! God tur Martin:-)
Martin, super photo’s . The Camel must be a favourite! Xx
Hi .lm rahman – you meeting me in iran in golestan wher are you now ?how are you and your waif. l cant faind you in map. Mmm happy new yer and bye….
Really nice to follow your adventure by watching these movies! Keep going making them
Hi Sabine
Glad that you are following us and enjoying our small films. Will do our best with making more!
Great post, thanks!
Glad to hear you enjoyed our post
det var da sjovt at i mødte sam og holdt nytår med
det var da sjovt at i mødte sam og holdt nytår med
Awesome! Back in the day I bussed if from khorgos to central china – i was just too unprepared for the cold, I didnt even have a sleeping mat as a remember – but ive always regretted missing out on Sayram lake and the road on from urumqi is something special i feel – lots and lots of history and beautiful wilderness and isolation
You two rock
Looking forward to read about your chinese experience. I wish you a great new year
Hi Pedro, Thank you and a very great new year for you too!
Martin and Suz, Our paths finally crossed – i remember these places. You’re in Khorgos now right?
I crossed into Khorgos about this time 8 years ago. I vaguely remember Charyn Canyon, there was such a storm that day i’m not sure about it now.
You two seem to be fully in it right now, in cycling zen.
Ham ! Nice to hear from you hope you two are doing well in Turkey. Finally we followed in too your tracks! We are now in Urumqi I have become one with my bicycle
I plan to cycle through Mongolia to Ulaanbaatar where i will reunite with Suus. Have a great 2015!
Well, here’s a belated Happy Christmas to you both and I am so happy you have made it as far as you have. Having cycled solo from Scotland to Morocco March until June this year, I know about ups and downs, but you two have excelled and shown how it’s really done and you have taken the time to share all this with us…which is more than I have done. I have a diary full of entries, but have not published anything yet. You are both a massive inspiration to me and it is making me think about another trip maybe following in the same sort of route, but not as fast. How you are managing to understand the different languages is fantastic. I’d be interested to know how much the whole trip cost when you get back.
Here’s to a wonderful and safe trip for the rest of your tour and of course Happy New Year for 2015!
Peace be with you Martin and Susanne.
Hilary
Hi Hilary, Thank you for your kind words! We really appreciate this, it gives us some motivation
Yes we are curious about the cost of the trip as well. We will at some point make an overview. We wish you a happy New year! 
Interesting reading………and the photo’s ! Wow!
We are glad you enjoyed the reading
Happy New year!
Merry Christmas, brave cyclists. En een voorspoedig 2015.
Happy new year to you too! Thanks for stopping by
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!
You look awesome with this two Big hands!!! Well done!!
They are doing the job really well. It makes such a difference!
Susanne,
This was your best blog so far. I could just imagine you cycling in Kazakhstan on snowy icy roads and then sleeping in a tent at -18. What an experience! I totally enjoyed the story. I am a periodontist,gum specialist. Unfortunately, you did not know but there was no emergency when the crown fell off. You already had a root canal on the tooth so there was no chance of infection. You could have just left it until you got back home. You could have seen your own dentist. Or the dentist in Kazakhstan should not have extracted the tooth. He could have placed a filling on the tooth to prevent any leakage in the root canaled area. Later you would have a crown lengthening procedure and a new crown. Now since you had the tooth root extracted,you need an implant and a new crown. Oh well. You will survive. Keep sending stories. They are very entertaining. You guys are so adventurous. I do hope you survive. I just want to say I just cycled in the northern balkans in the fall. I found the roads with all the traffic too dangerous for me. So I admire your “bravery”.
Keep on Truckin,
RICHARD
Hi Richard, thank you for you long and expert comment! It was quite an experience especially because I really don’t like going to a dentist. And not knowing the language doesn’t make it easier. With guidance of my dentist at home we made this decision. The main reason was because the root was broken, so it felt this was really the only option… Hope it will work out in the future with everything but now it seems okay. Traffic is always scary but I think we learn to live with it and try to search for smaller roads. Have a nice 2015!
Really super well done. Super video! XX
Hi Martin. From time to time I read your posts and just can tell that your adventure is amazing. Enjoy it.
Hi Pedro,
Hope everything is okay with you in Spain! Take care and enjoy 
Thanks for stopping by! We are really enjoying this lifetime adventure, not sure where it will bring us. We are sure it is worth it
Ontzettend mooi!
The landscape is very unreal! But beautiful
Truly amazing, those photo’s are just unreal!
Incredible pictures and stories guys! It must be really nice to be traveling in a group for a change. I’m missing the endless horizons and mountains… keep enjoying your adventure!
Thanks Coen! We are doing our best
Beautiful, amazing photo’s. Well done you two!!!!
Yay…just noticed that I am on your website!
Many thanks. I hope to do this next year. Can you clarify the month you did this section.
I will be finding time to enjoy this story soon and try to live the adventure with you guys. Just had a quick look at the amazing photos and scenarty, martin: you look like a sun burnt Leprechaun
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leprechaun#mediaviewer/File:Leprechaun_ill_artlibre_jnl.png
Susan: you’re one tough mama x
Hi Yoel, After that is was clear to me that getting a vis in Holland was not easy (I had to book a guide for each day, €100 /day) I went straight to Trabzon, without trying something else.
Allez les copains!!!
Happy to see that even in tough conditions you still enjoy your ride!
We think a lot about you!
You will need to cross Afganistan or China for a very little?
Amazing!!!!! You can do it! !!!!!! XXXXX
Hi, Is it possible for you to remember the location of the picture you took in shiraz from the window of Kabab Store? Thank you. If you remember please email me. All the best, Ali
Nice!
Do you guys film on an SLR?
Thanks, well we film on 3 different cameras Sony A77, Sony RX100, Gopro.
Again a few minutes for me, but a long time and a lot of energy and efforts for you! It is a treat everytime i read about your adventures!
Thanks for sharing!
Great info! Planning on going a similar route soon! Very helpful and up to date info!
Along the way stop in Dushanbe as well. And enjoy the fruits, they are at their best now )
They’re almost in Tadzjikistan Shavkat Kholmatov, any tips?
Desert rules!
Se min seje lillebror:-) “: On our way to Kathmandu part 6 – http://t.co/x4F4toAXPM http://t.co/jGVfihJI41”
Wow, was that you Martin overtaking that lorry?
Nice to ‘see’ you both.xx
Is die baard al bewoond, inmiddels?
Hello Susanne and Martin, nice to get some News from you. We stay in Osh/Kyrgistan since last friday and have a break. We hade also problems with the stomach trough Usbekistan and since we are here everything goes on well. We will leave to China on thuesday. Wish you all the best and have good time. We will follow you and hope to see you somewhere, sometimes. Take care, Bea an Pit
Wow, wat zijn jullie al ver! Enjoy de rust na het harde werken in turkmenistan!
det gjorde i bare godt gået på jeres jeg glæder mig til nogle magneter hihi
Wooooooow!
…ahhhh the tripod…
Wonderful moments, wonderful pictures…
… and it looks the separation from Mojo and Isaba did not prevent you to have a lot of fun!!
Really enjoy my armchair travelling! Love the photographs and your writing.
Thanks, Kay, for travelling with us
Wow!!! Lovely photo’s yet again! Keep safe XX
We will!
So great hearing from you. It sounds so interesting and adventerous. We all really admire what you are doing. Lots og thoughts from Kolding.
Also great hearing from you! Take care and hope you’re having a lovely summer
(This is Susanne btw, not Martin…)
Hi Martinif you want to contact Mohammad Ashouri our distributor in Tehran please feel free 00989123018532 ashouri@negah-teb.com
Succes groet Coen
Seen the photo’s! Wow! That’s alot of sand! XX
[…] Previous […]
“you ok? Yes, a little bit sweaty”
Heftig zeg !
Moving pictures, fantastic! Films to cherish for when you,re old and grey and can’t even get. on a bike ;))
great film:-)
wow you’re a long way from Efrizweiler! good work guys! Is it getting physically easier now after so much ‘training’ and is your bike feeling much lighter now? How are you coping with the climate? Good luck xx
Hi there. At the moment there is problem for British passport holders. I applied for the LOI a month ago and nothing. My husband is Spanish and we were told that he could get the LOI “soon” but the British passport had problems.It seems like any other British that I have chatted with have had the same problem. =(
I thought I could add to this subject.
Hi Liliana, true. We are Dutch and Danish nationals. It is definitely different for British. The Brits we met on the bicycle have all chosen a different route and could not travel individually to Iran at this time.
Are you planning on cycling right through Turkmenistan?
Hi Johno, Yes that is the plan and the only possibility at this moment due to the visa rules… 500km of desert in 5days
wow this is great information. Just got my Iran visa in Trabzon in one day, which was very easy. Thanks for the detailed information
No problem, it is always nice to find recent information. Other peoples reports have been of great help to us. Did you use a reference number in Trabzon?
Well thanks again. No I did not use a reference number. There were 10 more people and as far as I know no one had a ref nr.
Bert, sorry miss something did you pass by Ankara at all or just went to Trabzon with nothing done before? I am in Istanbul now and considering what is he best way to get the visa. Cheers
Hi, that`s pretty ambitious. Turkmenistan will be really hot. You should pick your bikes on a truck or bus. What do you want to do for China? Visa is expensive to get it in Bishkek. The border crossing the same. Heard from 400 $ at Torugart. Irkeshtam I`m not sure. But 100 $ definitely. CU on the road.
peter
About 8000km since Rotterdam and now in Teheran. Goodness me what an achievment !! Compared to The Netherlands loads of space between villages and towns, wide spaces and desserts! Don’t you miss the close proximity of just everything?
Lovely photo’s once again! Xxxxx
Well done Sus! Respect, both for what youre doing and how you are writing about it.
Love it. “WHERE ARE YOU FROM MISTER?!”
The people of Iran are great
You rock!
Thanks, Marit!
Beste Suzanne en Martin,
wij wensen (voor beiden) dat je in jezelf de kracht vindt om deze ernstige dip te boven te komen. Probeer jezelf onder deze zware omstandigheden ook eens te verwennen, met welke simpele dingen dan ook. Luister goed naar je lichaam en vertrouw op je gevoel.
Houdt moed! Hartelijke groeten van Jeanette en John uit Stompetoren
Bedankt, Jeanette en John! Het was inderdaad een ernstige dip en die is niet zomaar over, maar het gaat de goede kant op en ik begin weer meer vertrouwd te raken met mijn krachten de berg op. We houden beide moed!
Hello Susanne
When the going gets tough just think of Holland getting into the finals of the World Cup :-)) . No seriously, having just returned to the U.K after cycling 4000miles solo from Aberdeen to Morocco I know that feeling. As a female doing it on my own with 70% of it wild-camping and now back in the U.K after a Tangier to London Gatwick flight and now in North Yorkshire with just 300miles to go I am completely and utterly physically and mentally exhausted and have had to stop an extra night here to catch up on rest. We all handle it in different ways, but I seriously commend you for your honesty and your desire to continue, but getting as far as you have and not continuing is no shame at all, esp after all the distance, terrain and countries you have been through, not forgetting the challenges of weather and climate. Sometimes a break for a week even will be just the ticket.
Respectfully
Hilary
Dear Hilary,
Thank you for your comment! It sounds like we have been in a similar position. Especially being so close to the end of this adventure must be an overwhelming feeling for you. I hope you have been able to complete the last 300 miles in style. Really nice trip and brave to do it all by yourself! My mind is more at ease now, it helped to share my thoughts and to receive powerful feedback from people who care. Take care!
Susanne, keep your faith. I have been in a similar spot myself (in Turkey and China). There will be hard days, but don’t be afraid of them. Take them slowly, calmly, and have faith that they will pass. You CAN do this!
Thank you for the pep talk! I know I can but the mind sometimes thinks differently… It helps to hear that I’m not the only one with these feelings.
Nothing is easy! And what to expect? I keep my fingers crossed and do believe strongly that you can do this!!
Come on Susan! You will find a way to do what is best for you!
My best to both of you!
BR
Stefan
Thank you, Stefan! We are finding our way. Nice to hear from you!
Hey Susanne! Af en toe lijkt het wel of het alleen maar bergop is en als je dan eindelijk naar beneden mag is het tegen de wind in! Haha…
Ik zeg, tijd voor een nieuw land, nieuwe ervaring, nieuwe mensen (die je overigens nog steeds volproppen met heerlijk eten). Na een weekje Iran en nieuwe ervaringen in het vooruitzicht komt het allemaal weer goed!
Groetjes,
Marten
Hey Marten,
Bedankt voor je bericht! Ja soms zit het mee en soms zit het tegen. Gelukkig gaat het inmiddels wel beter. We waren ook toe aan een nieuw land. Heel bijzonder om nu in Iran te zijn ook al is het ook heel intens. Hoe verloopt het allemaal in Teheran? Druk met visa?
Groetjes!
Susanne, you have to decide for yourself what you will see in the mirror every time from now on.
Do you want to see a beautiful young woman who has biked to the border of Iran, who is satisfied about that achievement and is now living an easy life of luxury?
Or do you prefer to see a strong character who has overcome many major difficulties and hardships because she decided to fulfill her dreams?
It’s really your own choice but if you want to be proud of yourself for the rest of your life I would suggest to press on. Martin will give you all the support you need. Other times may come when Martin has mental problems and then he would count on your support. You’re in this together.
Roel
Dear Roel,
Really nice to hear from you again and with very wise words. I have decided to press on and although there will be a lot of hardship on the road ahead we will be able to deal with this together. It has been very special to share my feelings, very personal and having very special personal reactions. Thank you!
Dear Susanne,
Your spirit has definitely changed. You have to make yourself a promise. If it ever happens again that you can’t resist the honking trucks, you will go back to the point of your hike later and climb that tiny mountain yourself as soon as your spirit is back. Should you not do that, well, you would lower the barrier for quitting every time and you might as well quit there and then. Hitch hiking is for real emergencies like broken frames or broken legs, both legs that is :-). All other circumstances would be self-pity and you can’t allow that taking control of your dreams.
I’m really impressed by your powerful mind and Martin’s support to get the best out of yourself. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will become your trademark for the rest of your life.
A good side of your interruptions is that it makes it easier for me to match your combined kilometrages. Since Feb 2nd my reading is 12,700 kms. Where are you at?
Keep pushing those pedals in the best spirit!
Roel
Nice post! All the best!!! Try to drink half liter of water on morning before breakfast to hydrate your liver. It’s help a lot. See you!
Thank you Bertrand! At the speed you are going we will see you soon
thanks for the tip!
Hi Susanne, I enjoy all your updates and envy your spirit! Maybe your body isn’t “sick” but it has been through some hard times and is just letting you know. I for one really look forward to enjoying a cup of coffee with you and hearing all about your trials and tribulations. I wanted you to know that we are thinking of you and wish you well “climbing that mountain”. Keep those wheels turning, you are doing well.
Kay and Dawa
in Kathmanduxxx
Hi Kay! How lovely to see your post. Susanne is the daughter of an old friend of mine. I was never certain that I had managed to connect you. Now I know she will be welcome in Kathmandu! She is one
brave girl. Take care. Beth x
Hi Kay and Beth,
Beth, thank you for connecting us. Kay and I had short contact before we left and really nice to hear from both of you. Thank you for the nice words and see you in Kathmandu!
Kay, it is great to know that we have a date in Kathmandu. Very motivating!
You inspire me!! next week my boyfriend and I will start a 236 mile ride, my first one. Maybe take some time to heal your body, you should be very proud of yourself for accomplishing the challenges so far.. I really enjoy reading your updates, you are having an adventure that only few will ever do…Don’t Quit… Just know that some girl in washington State is rooting for you!!!
Wow, thank you for letting me know
I always hoped to be an inspiration and this is very special. I hope your bike ride went well and you enjoyed it a lot. Where did you go? And keep the cycling spirit!
Hoi Suzan, in 2008 heb ik, samen met een vriendin, een lange fietstocht gemaakt naar Nepal. In hartje zomer fietsten we door Turkije met 50 graden celcius over asfalt. Ik ben niet gemaakt voor de hitte en had behoorlijk vaak een mental breakdown (en vaak een fysieke :)) waardoor we vaak moesten stoppen en het gewoonweg wat rustiger aan moesten doen!
Maar bedenk wat je allemaal al gepresteerd hebt! Als je hier doorheen komt met z’n tweeen dan kunnen jullie de rest van de wereld ook wel aan!
Zet em op! Hou de banden vol met wind en blijf doortrappen!
Groeten Sanne Oorebeek
Hoi Sanne,
Dank voor je bericht. Het is erg fijn om te horen dat ik niet de enige ben met deze gevoelens. Het klinkt als een mooie reis die jullie gemaakt hebben. Heb je sindsdien nog reizen per fiets gemaakt? We gaan door en komen elke dag een stukje verder. Leuk dat je meeleest en fijn dat je een bericht achterlaat!
Rustig aan, zorg voor jezelf en je lijf and yes you can do it!! You,ve proven that during the last six months! Why are you doubting yourself now? Yes because you, ve had a knock back being ill!!! Hitchhiking from now now on is forbidden Suus! Wil ik niet hebben, het maakt mij niets uit hoe vriendelijk de bevolking is, fietsen!
Dikke kus xx
Bedankt, mam! We doen het rustig aan en komen er wel. We hebben niet voor niets al 7000 km gefietst! En we doen voorzichtig, dat weet je
dikke kus en liefs!
hopelijk voelen jullie je nu wat beter! Nog plannen om Irak in te gaan of zijn die ondertussen gewijzigd?
Helaas niet meer, het Kurdische deel had misschien wel gekund maar te onzeker op dit moment helaas. We hebben wat dat betreft ook weinig zicht op het nieuws. Over een aantal dagen zijn we in Iran! Het gaat inmiddels gelukkig weer beter
goed om te horen! Ik maakte me er al even druk om, het is daar nu zo onrustig. Iran gaat vast heel bijzonder zijn! Sterkte met de hitte en hopelijk zijn jullie weer snel helemaal op sterkte.
Heavy! Heavy! Heavy!
Once again, fantastic to follow your adventure! Hope both of you are healthy and strong!
Best regards
Stefan
Getting pretty close the Iran and Syrian border there! Great read. Take care and enjoy Iran….you should do. I heard its the jewel of the Middle East!
Pleased that you,re giving Irak a miss! Take care! XX
Also by bike of course,
Nice to see and read! Wonderful journey. We did the same through Turkey 10 yrs ago and it brings back great memories about how beautiful the landscape was and how nice the people. Remember Elbistan very well. After Malataya we went to on to Syria.. but that was in a different world then..Stay safe!
Happy days, looks awesome!
Ive heard this is the censored version made fit for public viewing. When are you gonna upload the un cut version
Very nice beard also, much better than the one you grew in 2004 x
Looks like you are having a great time.
That’s what I thought Jesper! Ready to go out and linch them! WTF!
It is all part of the experience… Most people are really nice though
Hey nobody throws stones at my little brother and his girlfriend!
Luckily it has only happened once until now, let’s hope it stays that way!
I am really curious how you will find travelling in Iran, especially how you feel Susanne. Such an interesting Blog, thanks for that!
Alexandra
Thank you, Alexandra! I am also curious how I will feel. Here in Turkey most people in the streets are male. Most communication is with Martin which I find hard sometimes. Interested to see if this will change in Iran
Breathtaking photo’s! What a lovely camping spot, xx
Hallo Suzanne en Martin,
wij hebben elkaar ontmoet in Pompeï èn bij/op de boot van Bari naar Dürres. Aan deze ontmoetingen met jullie bewaren we een leuke herinnering. Jullie zijn bezig aan een prachtig avontuur. We hebben e.e.a. gevolgd via jullie mooie en volledige website. In Albanië scheidden onze wegen en wij vervolgden onze weg naar het noorden. Wat een regen is er gevallen op de Balkan, hè.
Op 13 mei j.l. zijn we weer thuis gekomen, na een fantastische reis van 2 maanden. We mijmeren alweer over nieuwe reisplannen. We wensen jullie veel fietsplezier en mooie ontmoetingen. We blijven jullie volgen. Blijf gezond en ……niet meer vallen hoor!
Een warme groet van Jeanette en John van Steijn uit Stompetoren (Alkmaar)
Hallo Jeannette en John,
Bedankt voor jullie bericht! Wij vonden het ook leuk om jullie meerdere malen tegen te komen en de boot naar Albanië te delen! Er is op de Balkan inderdaad veel regen gevallen, hebben jullie daarvan nog hinder ondervonden? Het is zeker een mooie reis die jullie gemaakt hebben. We hadden het in Cappadocia nog over jullie. We weten niet of jullie al veel van Turkije hebben gezien, maar we kwamen in Goreme op de Kaya Camping veel Nederlanders tegen met een caravan of camper. Wij denken dat Turkije voor jullie ook interessant kan zijn met veel cultuur, mooie landschappen, interessante mensen en lekker eten. Wellicht interessant om in het achterhoofd te houden
Succes met alles en we zullen proberen niet meer te vallen 
Groetjes,
Martin en Susanne
beterschap Suus!
Bedankt Will! Het gaat gelukkig inmiddels een stuk beter
We are mehr you, so mayeby we will See wach Otter soon. More Information http://Www.bepitha.ch
It looks like you are in Georgia now and heading for Iran, we will miss Georgia so we might run into each other in Iran, you never know
I was thınkıng of gettıng the ferry to Yalova too. I’m takıng notes on your route :)) stıll a couple of weeks before I’ll be leavıng İstanbul though. Have fun, and I hope you have recovered from your fever Susanne!
It is really a nice way of cycling out of Istanbul. The road we took is in general very nice, only de D650 around Pamukova was busy. We didn’t like the ride into Ankara, so maybe find a different way in, if you need to get into the city. Are you enjoying yourself? Had a good time back home? The fever is gone again, luckily, so getting back in there again soon
Hi guys.. What a nice cliffhanger! Planning to go through Iraq, or Kurdistan actually. I love it. That part of iraq is safe and if you like to mountains, thats the place to go. Its all just mountains. In Zakho and Duhok its all mountains. But nice and good roads and good people. I have been in both places many many times:-)
I see the route takes you close to Rawanduz not far from the border to Iran. This village is very spectacular placed on a steep steep cliff next to a deep gorge. So beautiful. The city used to be a fairly rich city in the days of the trades on the silk route, nice old castles and of course the mountain Korak where an observatory was, in that very observatory used to be some old grafitti from around april 1997 with a special greeting to a kid who turned to 17 in denmark:-) You could consider making a stop there:-)
The border to Iran in that area used to be nothing more than a dirt road with a small shed and a handfull of retired soldiers.
Hi Jesper, Yes we found this route very interesting and a bit different than going straight to Iran. Thanks for the advice, looked Rawanduz up and it looks interesting. We might take the detour if possible to go there
All the best from us
Hallo Susanne en Martin, wij zijn Jeannet en Martien, wij hebben elkaar ontmoet in Griekenland, jullie op de fiets en wij lopend met een kar achter ons aangezeuld. Leuk jullie bericht te lezen, ik mis wel de foto die je van ons hebt gemaakt. Jullie zijn een andere grensovergang gegaan als wij, wij zijn via de hoofdweg gegaan en mochten niet over de brug lopen. De grens was een brug over de rivier. Wij moeste een lift zoeken hetgeen niet gelukte, dus toch maar proberen om via de brug de grens over te steken. Wij werden tegen gehouden door twee jonge soldaten met geweer in de aanslag. Die ene soldaat zag het probleem maar we moesten maar wachten tot iemand bereid was ons mee te nemen. Toen er een bus aankwam hield hij hem tegen en vroeg of zij ons mee konden nemen. De chauffer gaf toestemming en leide tot groet hilariteit in de bus. Achteraf was het een zotte maar leuke ervaring.
Groeten van Jeannet en Mart uit Holland want wij zijn dinsdag 13 mei weer thuisgekomen.
Hallo Jeannet en Mart,
Leuk dat jullie een bericht hebben achtergelaten! We hebben nog even gezocht, maar ik denk dat de foto per ongeluk niet gelukt is. Echt zonde! Het klinkt wel alsof jullie nog een mooi avontuur hebben beleefd aan de grens. Hoe was het inlopen in Istanbul, ook wel hectisch kan ik me voorstellen? Fijn om nog wat van jullie te horen en alvast succes met de volgende etappes van de grote reis! Gelukkig schijnt in Nederland nu ook de zo’n
Amazing you are already in Istanbul, in 2 weeks in Dubai . Gon tonics are waiting on you!
Thanks Coen, Now in Ankara. We had some good days with Ali and his family. Gin tonics in Dubai sound good not on our route yet
In North east greece the chance is to find many mosquitos
We did find many mosquitos… Luckily we could keep most away and outside of our tent
geen wifi neem ik aan? Where are you now?
Super leuke foto’s weer! Genieten gewoon, volgende album voorbereiden……xx
hang on there. So you are saying there is internet?
Martin I think you are both amazing enjoying your blog and videos . Keep them coming. All the best for the rest if your trip will follow with interest.
Andrew
Good for you! It sounds like you really live life, day by day! I’m happy for you!
he he, good story and a nice experience for you both:-)
So ehh did you send a little thing from LEGO?
Hi Jesper,
Leaving Berat today. Yes we wanted to have a small thing for storms birthday. Hope i can call and say hi soon.
Awesome videos guys…nice to see my van and Sally making a background appearance
OMG wat een bikkels zijn jullie! En wat een contrasten, slopend door de sneeuw of fietsen op een soort snelweg. Jullie zien er goed en gelukkig (ondanks al die zware momenten Suus!) uit. Blijven genieten en blijven bikkelen dan maar. Ik geniet mee vanaf de bank in Rotterdam
Thanks Tatjana! We blijven zeker genieten en bikkelen er komen nog genoeg bergen aan
vandaag in de richting van Griekenland. Hoop dat alles daar goed gaat 
Waaauw, wat zien jullie veel zeg! Mooie foto’s ook! Heel veel plezier & liefs!
Oh, huh hij pakt automatisch mijn oude blog :p – maar Renske B dus
As allways very nice reading! I am looking forward to next week allready:-)!
Hi Stefan, Hoop you are good in Sweden? Thanks and good that you enjoy. Take care.
Zo bijzonder allemaal! En jullie zien er happy uit!
I enjoyed reading this. Puglia is my family emigrated from. Plan to cycle most of Italy, especially Puglia.
Hi Biketrekker, It is a nice area here. Italy is an interesting place to explore. Looking forward to hear about your journey.
Hey, new photo’s!!! Was that light on all night in the pizzeria alcove? Lovely views, again super photo’s! Not to mention the map……xx
Bellisimo!!!
Sorry to hear it war raining in Naples. Wished I knew you were going to the Amalfi coast; I visited the area five times, would have liked to give you some insider tips. I do hope you went to Da Michele for pizza!!!!! Hope you had some sunshine by now.
I went like this through Chianti. Hope you guys don’t face many uphills. #luggage
The depth of the photo reflects our long journey
The map has been adjusted!
Brilliant photo this! By the way the map says you,re still in Rome
– Hvor det glæder mig at se jeres billeder… nyd livet, venner!
“: The road to Pompeii – http://t.co/z8lKsmJpWX http://t.co/ViIx7lfnBz” Nice piece
Hi Martin !
Let me agree with you that Tuscany is magnificent but , even better , the wine and the food .
I m sure that you will not find similar when you will be in the middle of Asia .
Anyway you will see wonderful things there too .
Compliments !
Take care .
Ciao
Emilio
I really enjoy these updates from you guys:-)
Jeg vil se om ikke vi kan vise drengene jeres billeder her, det tror de vil blive glade for. Og skal vi se om vi kan lidt tid til en lille skype hilsen i weekenden måske?
Har du fået det bedre Martin?
Thanks Jesper! I am feeling better now. Will send you an Email in a minute.
Again super photo’s! I can look at them for hours!
[…] at all when viewed from a smart phone. Much preferable would be an iframe element like on the TwistingSpokes blog. (Martin and Susanne from TwistingSpokes say they use a wordpress.org blog with a google maps gpx […]
Hey guys, wow the Alps are well and truly behind you now, good work! I love your latest chart showing a distinctive downhill trend!
Hope the mountains were good to you and you managed to avoid the piss on the pistes! Great blog. It was great to have you stay with us last month! Take care, Alice
Hey! Great to read about your progress. I hope your spirits remain high, and that the weather improves.
On a different note, how did you get your bike route on the end of your blog? It looks really cool, and it is also visible on my smart phone (where EveryTrail that I use is not)..
Looking forward to your next post!!
Matthew
Hey guys,
You’ve done quite well so far. The Po valley was a bit of a drag but Bologna is a great university city. You will now cross the Appenines, a relatively young ridge of mountains with some steep tracks, but not very high and superb nature all around. This is as far as I can coach you, I haven’t been more South than Roma, but I can assure you it will be gorgious.
Hi Sean, which truth do you want to hear?! Martin is amazing, you know that
and Susanne also has her specialties 
We are still people in the long run… It is a challenge and we try our bests to show how it really is 
Hallo,Martin und Susanne!
Ich bin die Frau vom Camping in St.Valentin die Euch fotografiert hat.Schaue immer mal wie weit Ihr schon seit.Sicher habt Ihr jetzt schon schönes Wetter und könnt Eure lange Tour ein wenig geniessen. Wir wünschen Euch weiter hin viel Erfolg und eine gute Pedale…Doris
Hi Doris, nice to hear from you! By now we have left the Italian snow and are in warmer temperatures, although we also have rain now and then. Thanks for the good wishes and all the best to you too!
People who are always in a a good mood can be really irritating so I can understand why Suzanne is a little cranky
Thanks, Sahab, for the heads up
Some days are better than others and most days are good. The body and mind is also getting used to everything and being out of the comfort zone, so in general its all good.
Hi Martin & Susanne, visiting your site for the first time since you started your journey. And it is so much fun reading through your stories, what an adventure! Ride with joy, keep on writing! All the best, Ilze
Hi Ilze, Great that you found time to have a look at our progress, knowing the busy periode for you and DORC. We have now reached Rome and are leaving again after some days here. Glad to hear you enjoy our writing and adventures. Thanks for stopping by
All the best, Martin and Susanne
Hey, was nice to meet you on the path by the tunnel that you avoided. Thanks for giving me a card to find this blog, I am really enjoying reading about your journey. Good Luck
Hi Joey, great to hear from you, for us it was a surreal experience to be on the same track as your group skiing along. Good to hear that you are enjoying our stories. Good luck to you too!
Hi guys,
Good luck and all the best for your amazing trip!!!
I have some friends in Shiraz (Iran) who hosted me on my Iran trip. They are super friendly and happy to host foreigners. I’m more than happy to connect you to them so you’ll definitely have a place to stay when in Shiraz. Let me know what you think about it.
Victor
Hi Victor, Had missed your comment, sorry for that. Thanks! Sure let’s see when we are in Iran how it goes.
Sooooooo great, “I am proud of you”, you didn´t give up because of the snow. Just the best I am thinking of you, Sandra with Joshua baby from your nightplace in Tübingen, Germany
Thanks Sandra
we pushed on and we made it, which was a good feeling because many people told us it was not possible. We think of you too 
Hallo Ihr Zwei Radfahrer,ich bin Doris und habe Euch in St.Valentin auf dem Camping mit dem Zelt im Schnee fotografiert.Habe jetzt Eure web Seite und möchte Euch nochmals viel Glück auf Eurer Rad-Tour wünschen.
Martin? ;))
From Merano you could go down to Bolzano and follow the Adige river until it feeds into the Po. That is the easy route, not necessarily the nicest one. More intriguing would be to follow the route along the lakes, first into Fondo (Lago di Cles). There is even a canyon there. The route along Lago di Garda would best be done via the Eastern side, it is wider and quieter while still having a nice view on the more scenic other side.
Hi Roel, thanks for the advice! We made a combination (blogpost is coming soon) and followed the Adige and then made a detour along the Lago di Garda, which was deserted. Most camping and hotels were closed. We did indeed take the Eastern side and the tunnels were a little bit freaky. It all worked out! It was nice to have a change of scenery after following the Adige for a while… Really nice that you are keeping track of us and giving us advice along the way!
Who’s writing these entries!? This one made Martin sound amazing. What do you we have to do to hear the truth!?……aside from that, well done guys, impressive stuff!
Sorry this was a delayed blog post that was stuck in the system..
It’s interesting to read about snow, at the same time cycling through days full with sunlight and in +30 or more degrees
Hi Kaspars, we can imagine, it is a total different experience. +30 and more also provides its challenges especially in India I would think with finding enough drinking water etc. Hope you enjoy our experiences too
Amazing. And you are talented in your writing. Interesting to read and live the experience with both of you!
Hi Johan, thanks for the compliment. We do our best with writing the stories and making sure also our feelings shine through. We both write which also makes the writing style different per blog piece. Hopefully that makes it less repetitive and our experiences will stay interesting enough to share.
Awesome!
The adventure begins looks like. Dight! Can we comment/leave friendly abuse on individual photos. Is this possible?
Ham now it is really starting and still only 3 weeks in, now staying a few days in a hostel in Meran. Well comments on individual photos is complicated and is not possible at the moment. Will look in to it.
Wat ontzettend gaaf!!!! Lijkt me wel heeeeeel koud, zo met een tentje in de sneeuw.
Heel gaaf en heftig! In de tent was het gelukkig warm in de slaapzak, maar voordat de tent staat en we ook gegeten hebben is het wel een beetje koud… Over het algemeen goed te doen en een beetje afzien
Great photographing! And well done crossing Arlberg pass and Reschen pass in the snow. The landscape of the photos is very familiar to me, although less with winter conditions. Merano is a beautiful town and you will soon leave the old Habsburgian empire and suddenly find yourself in the real Italy. That soon means the plains of the river Po and some first Appenines thereafter, but it is nothing compared to the passes you have crossed. In Merano you will probably be at some 1,400 kms?
Enjoy to the max!
Lovely photo’s. After camping wild for quite a few nights time for a rest and a bed. Not forgetting a nice long hot shower!
Definitely enjoying a bed, shower and sleeping in. Tomorrow doing some hiking for a change
Glad to see you found the Schängel
Good luck on your long journey!
Hi Catalina, we were so happy to stay with you guys really nice of you and Theodor. Finding the Schängel was a good challenge
Thanks 
[…] contrast to our post about the brown coal mining in Germany which was a bit of a negative surprise to us this is then a nice surprise to see the progress of […]
I really enjoy reading your stories! Stay healthy and have fun!
Hi Stefan, Thanks a lot. We are happy to share our stories. You too!
I see you also wear your helmet when you cook breakfast. Very wise, good safety procedures!
Enjoy, Maarten
Maarten breakfast cooking is a big adventure
Please report your odometer readings once in a while. I will try to match your distances, that means: each of you, not both together
That should be doable without carrying your heavy loads and the benefit of choosing train rides if the wind is too strong (like on your departure date).
Hi Roel due to a bit of knee pain we slowed down a bit, but total is now 914km in 14days. So not a big challenge for you to keep up. Soon we enter the Alps and the first pass is 1780 meters. Nice that you are following us.
Thanks, Martin. Yeah, I can do that so far but you will likely be more persistent in the end. Your first pass is Arlberg, which is beautiful. I now see you do not intend to take the Brenner but Reschen pass. That’s very pretty on the Austrian side; on the Italian side you’re looking up at very high Dolomites that you don’t need to climb, so that should be reassuring. Beware of your knees … you have a few kilometers ahead of you.
Last Sunday, when I saw you climbing down the train in Rotterdam, I hadn’t expected seeing you back so soon. I followed my train ride to Roosendaal, biking back to Leiden, when in the Biesbosch I noticed a familiar couple in the far distance … The winds seemed not very generous to you at that time.
Hi Roel, We didn’t see you at the Biesbosch, wind was a bit hard on us and is still keeping us company… Hope you had a good day on the bike and well done with the 20000km per year!
What did the farmer send to Asia??
great update!
The farmer had his first order from South Korea and he will be shipping grass 12.000 pieces of decoration grass.. Thanks. Now in Heidelberg already one week in to the journey.
The waterfalls at Schafhausen are nice to see.
Hi Henk
Our route will properly take us more east so not going past these waterfalls. They do look impressive though.
Good luck and best wishesh!!! Enjoy your biking and I hope everything will go as planned! I’ll waiting for more news
Hi Tiina,
Thanks until now everything is going well and weather is very kind to us.
Good Luck to you both, I’ll be following your journey with interest. All the Best!!
Hi David, Thanks, glad to have you following us! Hope all is well.
Lieve lieve lieve Suus en Martin,
Hoe cool is wat jullie doen?! Echt, ik werd er gister helemaal emotioneel van. Het is zo ontzettend stoer wat jullie doen. Ik heb nu ook enorm zin om eens wat te doen wat helemaal uit mijn comfortzone ligt
Ik hoop dat jullie snel in een ritme komen, geniet van het heerlijke Nederlandse winterweer.
En HEEL VEEL SUCCES en plezier!
Geniet ervan, ik volg jullie zeker!
Liefs willemijn
Hi Will,
Het weer valt tot nu mee alleen die wind mag wel wat afnemen! Liefs!
Gewoon doen! We hebben echt een bijzondere eerste week gehad. Het is zeker uit onze comfortzone en daarom juist zo gaaf om het te doen. Je hoeft er niet emotioneel van te worden, ook al word ik dat ook soms
Dearest Martin.
May all the gods of the world guide you and Susanne and keep you both safe on your journey.
With all my love – your sister
Lovely!
Having done what you are about to embark on many years ago I wish you both BON VOYAGE, go well !
Hi Steve, Thanks. Do you still think back on your journey?
Best of luck!!!
Hi Miguel, Thanks and the best of luck to you too!
I wish you all the best! I will try to follow your adventures. Mostly when i want to dream myself away from my “normal” day situations!
GOOD LUCK!!
Hi Stefan, nice to hear from you! Thanks a lot and we will do our best to share good stories along the way
Enjoy! Don’t forget that a bad on the bicycle is always better than a good day at work. Do take lot’s of picture, and take the time to meet people even if it’s put you behind schedule. Because there is no schedule!
Can’t wait to read your stories!
Lysanne & Louis-Philippe
On Roule La Boule
Hi Lysanne & Louis-Philippe
Great that you are following us, thanks for the advice. You are right, the people makes the journey!
Een mooie en veilige reis wens ik jullie.
Geniet ervan!
Guus
Hoi Guus
Dank je wel, wij zullen zeker onze best doen
May your journey be filled with joy, magic and love. Dream and you will LIVE life to the fullest!
Tailwinds, Frosene Sacco
Hi Frosene, thanks and for sure we hope to experience that on our journey.
It was nice to say goodbye this morning. Worth every minute that I woke up early on this sunday morning…
Stay safe, happy and enjoy yourselves on this amazing journey. Hugs and kisses!
Hi Diane, was really nice of you to come along and we really enjoyed that you were there. Will do our best. Now at Renskes place ready to go to bed after a full day of emotions and biking. Take care!
Good luck and stay safe.
Hi Bob, thanks
We hope you have The greatest journey and are looking forward to following you guys on The Road and reading about your many exciting adventures.
Take care.
The Weltströms
Hi Weltströms, we had a great first day on the road, pure sun shine and a bit of head wind but all good! Great to be on the road. Happy to have you following us along the way. Good luck with moving next week and all the best to you all!
The world is now your oyster – looking forward to reading your posts from wherever you may be. I’ll be cycling in Europe from mid-April myself so we might meet on the road. Happy and safe cycling to you both
Thanks! It would be great to meet on the road. Let us know if you are in the neighbourhood. Happy cycling
Hi Martin, eighteen months since both Susanne and yourself left on this trip and it’s amazing to see what you’ve both been through and where you are now. I left for Morocco on 24 March (2014) from Aberdeen down to Dover, Calais, Le Puy, Mont Louis, Ripoll, Barcelona, Alicante, Jodar, Sevilla, Cadiz, Gibraltar, Algeciras, Tanger Med, Tangiers. Just started writing a very late blog about this called AberdeentoAfricasolo. https://aberdeentoafrica.wordpress.com. Anyway, you’re both amazing free spirits on a bike.
You website and posts are always interesting. Safe and happy travels.
Thank you and good luck!
Hi Guys, great stuff, can’t wait to follow your trip.
Hi Sam, thanks for following us!
Poehee spannend
Ja dat was het zeker! Inmiddels een goede eerste dag en de spanning is een beetje weg gelukkig. Nu vooral beleven!
Have a nice journey! I fully support your efforts and wait stories along the route.
Hi Kimmo, really nice to hear! We will be sharing more stories soon
Off you go! I wish you both good luck and enjoy freedom!
Irene de Jong
Thanks Irene, we will enjoy it!
my greatest desire for happiness for you in your journey.
same emotions I’m feeling, my journey will begin in a month as address
http://www.rutasostenible.blogspot.com.es
Hi Jose, great that your plans are shaping fast! Good luck in a months time and let’s stay in touch.
Waiting for your amazing story and photos
Hi Mariejan,
Just 15 more days and we will start on the journey:) We shall do our best to share with you.
Hey there. Thanks for your tweet which pointed me to your website. Cool plans! It looks light the route you have planned is quite similar to my planned route (at least until you get to China). I am brimming with questions as a lot of the things you would have done are now ahead of me as I prepare for my departure in September (http://arctic-cycler.com).
Two questions which I have to ask now: have you got a way of charging all your electrical equipment using the dynamo on your bike? You will be going through places where you won’t have access to electricity for quite some time.. I see there are different products on the market, but I haven’t done too much research yet as to which one is the best.
The second question is, do you know if it is possible to cycle across Myanmar like you are planning? When I last looked, it was only possible to enter and leave from the same border post (i.e. it was not possible to cross the country). If you cross, you may be one of the first cyclists to do it (and hopefully I will be one of the first too, a bit after you).
It would be cool to meet up before you leave if you have time. I live in Eindhoven but am often in Den Haag on the weekends..
All the best!! It will be an amazing trip!!
Matthew
P.S. If you are looking at getting more followers on your trip, try posting on local cycling forums in the different countries you will be passing through. (Find the forums in the local language and write to them in english.) This should be quite effective (at least on the European part). I got almost 30000 hits on my cycle blog on my trip from Eindhoven to the North Cape last year.
Hi Matthew
Thanks for stopping by, found you trough someone not sure how, well thats how it works on the line
We all pick our routes as we like only going east there is not that many different choices, your choice looks great as well!
For the electrical issue we are setting up these systems see our power harvesting on tour this will feed 95% percent of our electrical gear, only laptop will not be powered by this setup.
Myanmar we are not sure yet, we have found information that border crossing Ruili – Muse is being worked on and should become an international border crossing. These are only indications and for crossing in to Bangladesh we are not sure yet what to do. Anyway there is always a way it is just the question if we will find the right way?
Yes lets meet up! will send you an email.
All the best
Martin and Susanne
my only gear tip: take an extra pump because if it breaks you are screwed
Deal!
Hi!
Me again! I have a super friendly warmshowers place in Istambul. His name is Kerem Koçak. Check it out!
And in Iran, lot’s of WShowers and Csurfing, it’s unbelivelable!
Lysanne
Hi Lysanne, Thanks for the tips really appreciated. We are looking forward to all the different hosts along the way.
Hi!
Just found out your blog. I will definitly follow your journey to Nepal.
Will you be carrying all those Lonely Planet guides? Did you know that you can upload them on your computer? Look on the internet, you’ll find sites that allows you to do that. It’s going to be a lot lighter in your panniers.
So, like us, you dreamt about this journey and you dare to give all up to realise this dream. Congrats!
Here’s our cycling blog, in french: http://on-roule-la-boule.blogspot.ca/
Tailwind to you
Lysanne and Louis
Hi Lysanne and Louis, Great to have you following us
Yes decision is made and the departure date is close by. The LP books we will bring in PDF on the computer else it would be to heavy 
Have fun and stay in touch. Martin and Susanne
We will miss you at DORC Martin, but I wish the both of you lots of luck, beware of all the bad things along the way
Hi Irene,
We will be focusing on the reality Good and Bad 
Thank you
Sorry, i just realized, i wrote in german. We, Christian and me are travelling since 6 month by bicycle. Now we are in Pakistan, waiting for our Indian Visa. If you have quetions please don’t be shy! The preperation for our travel wasn’t easy. So …. have fun on your trip. http://www.poab.org
Hi Daniela, No worries with the german
Have to read more on your website, thanks for the heads up. We are preparing as good as we can, now we just need to get going. How long are you going to be on the road?
Hallo, bin über warmshowers auf eure Seite gekommen. Ihr seid ja sehr gut vorbereitet, Respekt. Mein Freund und ich sind seit einem halben Jahr mit den Rädern unterwegs, gerade in Pakistan. Falls ihr interesse oder fragen habt, nur her damit. http://www.poab.org.
I’m interested that you’re planning to travel through Myanmar – from what I had read I thought it was only possible to travel by land into Myanmar to and from Thailand, and not possible to cross the border between Myanmar and India at all. If you have some information that suggests it is possible to travel through Myanmar, it would be great to know!
Hi Chris, thanks for your comment. You are right, we have this info as well. We also heard that crossing the border between China and Myanmar is possible to some extent. In the next year we will do more research and expect the situation to improve. If you have info please share.
May the grace of God be with you!
I’ll cheering for you.
Hi Mike, Thanks for following us. Maybe i will see you in South Korea one day.
Goodluck men! I am going to follow you!
Hi Coen, Great to have you following us. Different subject than usual
Hvorfor vil de ikke lade jer sove på deres græs?
Det ved jeg ikke så godt tror der er lidt fordi der er mørkt og folk er lidt nervøse for hvad vi er for nogle menesker. Men der er altid nogen der syntes det er sjovt at vi kommer på besøg.
Nice one guys! I see from the altitude graph that some of your cycling was underwater but no comment on how the gear performed there!?
Cheers man, not uncommon here in The Netherlands to go a bit underwater.. Any way i am sure the gear will handle some under water cycling.
I would like to learn more about all the electronical goodies you will be taking with you. Back in the day I travelled with a nokia 3100 and, can you believe it, a sony portable discman and stack of cds! That seems laughable now.
Ham for sure we are still working on the details and what we will be bringing of electronic equipment, we will try and keep most rechargeable from USB and thereby possible to charge from the hub dynamo. Furthermore we want to be able to make good pictures and video along the way and probably an Ipad and a small laptop will be included for the website and communications. Point take and a Gear choice on electronic goodies is on the list.
Martin,
You must also be careful of bear. When woman has special time of month it can attract very many bear. One time in Czech when I make it camping with my girlfriend we have this problem.
Bear and woman is much danger.
Good lucks
Roman
HI Roman,
Thats a good question. Maybe there could be a blog post about it in the future.
I agree with Martin, go primal and leave no (unnatural) trace. I never dug a hole……animals don’t
Ham
Hey Ham,
With this one i will make a column in the statistics of number of primal toilet visits and maybe worst public toilet? Blog post will come further on the journey when more experience is made.
Bring more good ideas.
Our garden is at your disposal for a test run, but toilet facilities will be inside the house…not in the garden please.
We might take you up on that one
Hello Martin,
I am name Roman. I am friend Sean and Hamada from Czech
You and Suzanne are welcome at my home in Czech.
I have question. How will you be making toliet and emptying bottom when you are travel bicycle.
Good lucks
Roman
Hi Roman
I remember stories of you from Sean and Hamada, great to hear from you.
Well we are not planning going through Czech as you can see on the page The journey.We are planning to go south due to the time of year when we are leaving. We really appreciate your offer, thanks alot. Maybe an other time!
To answer you question, we go primal and do our toilet visits in the woods and try to leave no traces.
Thanks again for your offer and say hi in Malmö as i see you write from sweden.
Martin,
mmmm kruidnoten! Lekker!!!
Just 14 and 10 Kg gear is hard to believe if you even take a kitchen sink with you
“Under construction”, I presume.
Yes under construction :), we expect around 25Kg per person. At the end of the year we should have a complete packing list.
Weer zo’n kijk-ons-eens site. Ga lekker fietsen
Jammer dat je het niet leuk vinden om onze avontuur te lezen, wij delen dit om in contact met mensen te komen en hier over te praten. Op 2. februari gaan wij lekker fietsen. Wij gaan ook al dit weekend lekker fietsen naar Soest.
And the third and (for now) last time….Maybe I’ve got a black spot, but is their a sort of ‘get informed’ link, so I can see in my email when you’ve put up a new blog? Or do you hope people will come back to your site through internal motivation:-):-)
‘Cause hell yeah, I’m gonna follow you…..
Hi Arian,
Thanks for all the comments, we like that!
Yes maybe a newsletter is a good idea will look in too that one, we want you to follow us.
All the best
Twistingspokes
Oh yeah, and btw… Leaving in Februari in this direction is perfect!!!!! Start a bit cool, but after a while everywhere in the right time:-)
Hello you two!
You’ve got a great plan! Hope things will work out for you as you’ve planned. Though I’m very curious how you’ll get to Nepal through that area. I know things change all the time, but getting to Nepal from anywhere north has been a problem for a while (which doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try!!!!)
Saw you comment on Fietsjunks. Kirgizstan has no visa anymore for Dutchies. We paid the last ones:-)
–Taken in too advice–
Enjoy!!!
Thnx Rens, ik vond het ook fijn om jullie plekje te zien. Hoop dat jullie ons zo een beetje kunnen volgen en we vinden het leuk om alles te delen