cycle - Inspired Adventures

Arriving in Hong Kong in late November 2016, Charlie Bartlett, Inspired Adventures’ former Fundraising Manager, flicked the kickstand down on her Vivente bicycle for the last time. It was one of thousands of stops that year, but certainly the most significant. It marked the end of a six-month cycle journey that had taken her, and cycle partner Sam, from Ankara, Turkey over the hills and mountains of Iran, Armenia, the ‘Stans (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan) across the changing landscapes of China and finally to Hong Kong.

At a time of year when many resolutions or promises of adventure are made, we hope the tale of Charlie’s epic cycle will give you the reminder you might be needing right now about how to say yes to adventure. And who doesn’t want to know what it’s like to rock up to a family’s home in Iran and sleep on their couch? We certainly did!

You cycled from where to where?!

Ankara to Hong Kong (I think it was about 13,000 km), but not entirely sure. It wasn’t about the distance or getting to a certain point, really.

Making friends with our first Warmshowers family hosts.

Where'd the idea come from?

I first decided I wanted to do a cycle tour whilst walking the Camino de Santiago in 2009. I saw people doing it on bikes and thought it would be a great way to see a country and cover more ground. However I only seriously decided and started planning for my cycle tour about six months before I left. (Editor’s note: This might not work for everyone – but moral of the story is, don’t overplan or overthink it!)

When cycling you are so exposed to all the elements and therefore so many more exciting things can happen. You go places you would probably not go in a car and cover more ground than walking. You also experience so much kindness from strangers: beds for the night, food, good company, etc.

While Sam was fixing a flat Tomas came along with home grown veg for us, watermelon, ice cold beer and Chacha - the local spirit in Georgia. We had a wonderful night at Tomas' house and although none of us really knew what was being said it didn't really matter.

Camping high on a pass near the Pamir Mountains in Tajikistan.

One of the reasons we love cycles so much - you really get a feel for a place and can cover so much ground. Okay, you must have faced some challenges being on the road for six months?!

Of course. A few were:

-Camping in the cold and cycling with no gloves and socks in the snow.
-Having a funny stomach for about three months and living on Snickers in Tajikstan.
-The attention I got as a woman and clothing requirements.

I am used to not really having home comforts and being on the move a lot so I enjoyed most of it but when its wet and cold camping is not as fun. However it makes you appreciate the small things more and I learned that I don’t need much to be happy and that I prefer warmer weather to the cold. 🙂

Just outside the city Rasht struggling to find anywhere to camp. Asked this lovely couple if we could camp in their yard and were instead given their side flat for the night. Warm shower, bed, kitchen, food...was luxury! Without being able to speak much Farsi and them English our conversation was mainly game of charades but one thing was not lost in translation was how much love and warmth these two radiate.

Last day in Uzbekistan and my back tyre was really starting to test my patience with 6 punctures in two days.

In terms of highlights, what was the best part of the cycle?

Pretty much the whole trip. I learned so much, saw so many beautiful places and met so many wonderful people. It was also so great to just be reminded of what’s important in life and to not get so caught up in all the small things.

The realisation of how lucky I was to be able to take six months off and travel to which ever country I chose. This was unheard of in most countries I travelled through and really reminded me what a luxury it was to most of the world.

Wild camping in a beautiful spot in Armenia.

Sam posing for a photo with a group from an Iranian cycling club who saved the day with spare parts.

Any words of advice or tips?

If you are thinking of doing something similar just do it! You will always find an excuse not to take an adventure on like this, so just do it and you will work out everything else along the way 🙂

One of those special moments when you are completely welcomed into a new family. Once again were struggling to find anywhere to camp and were helped out by this beautiful family in Iran. One of my favourite nights.

Wild camping under the moon near the Iran border in Turkey.

Ok, bonus question: best food?

All the food in China was AMAZING!!! Being a vegetarian was pretty much impossible in the ‘Stans so I was in heaven when I got to China with all the tasty fruit and veg.

Feeling inspired?

Check out our upcoming cycles (you don’t need six months!) to delve into a new culture and have a great adventure for a cause.

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There’s something utterly special about Vietnam and Cambodia and on this amazing adventure, you will cycle from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to Siem Reap, Cambodia, open to the changing landscapes and colourful culture of the Mekong Delta.

You’ll explore the majesty and mysticism of the Angkor Temple Complex in Siem Reap and marvel at the magnificent spires of Angkor Wat. Explore historic Ho Chi Minh City on foot with an experienced guide and wander the bustling streets of Phnom Penh.

Day 1, Ho Chi Minh City

The adventure-of-a-lifetime begins today as we board our international flight to Vietnam. We arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the late afternoon and later gather for a trip briefing before a group welcome dinner.

Day 2, Ho Chi Minh City tour

Today we embark on a guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City. We visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. From here it’s only a short stroll along Dong Khoi Street to the Opera House. Next, we visit the Reunification Palace, once a symbol of the South Vietnamese Government. We will explore the palace’s War Room, the Banquet Hall and the Presidential Office, before continuing to the War Remnants Museum. We then head to Cholon, the city’s Chinatown, and Thien Hau Pagoda, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. We head out onto the bustling city streets for a cyclo tour to Binh Tay market.

Day 3, Ho Chi Minh City – Vinh Long – Can Tho

Today we bid farewell to Ho Chi Minh City as we embark on our first day of cycling. First we cycle to the quieter town of Cai Be. We enjoy lunch together in a French colonial-style villa then board a boat for a leisurely trip to Vinh Long. From Vinh Long, we transfer by private vehicle to Can Tho.

Cycling distance: 40km

Day 4, Can Tho – Ha Tien

This morning, after breakfast, we transfer by private vehicle to Tri Ton. From here, we set off cycling alongside the Vinh Te canal through scenic, peaceful countryside to Ha Tien.

Cycling distance: 50km

Day 5, Ha Tien – Kampong Trach (Cambodia) – Kep

This morning we transfer to the Vietnam–Cambodia border and prepare to cross into Cambodia. Once across, it’s back on our bikes, cycling through the Cambodian countryside and local villages to Kep, via Kampong Trach. This sleepy beachside village is famous for its incredible ocean vistas and fresh seafood.

Cycling distance: 35km

Day 6, Kep – Phnom Penh

Today, we set off cycling from our hotel, stopping in the small town of Ta Keo Province for lunch. In the afternoon, we transfer to Phnom Penh and share our first meal in the county’s capital city.

Cycling distance: 76km

Day 7, Phnom Penh

Today we have a free day to discover the delights of Phnom Penh, the bustling, vibrant capital of Cambodia. Perhaps explore the Royal Palace, the National Museum or Wat Phnom, an impressive Buddhist temple standing 27 metres tall. In the evening, stop in at the thriving Central Market before settling in at one of the city’s many restaurants.

Day 8, Phnom Penh – Battambang

Today, we leave Cambodia’s capital and cycle north to Udong, at the foot of the Phnom Udong Mountain. This town, once the capital of the Khmer Empire, serves as a monumental necropolis for some of the past kings of Cambodia. Here, we have the opportunity to explore many temples and three large stupas in which the ashes of former kings are interred. In the afternoon we transfer to Battambang where we spend the night.

Cycling distance: 80km

Day 9, Battambang – Siem Reap

Today we rest our legs with a private transfer to Siem Reap. Take the time to watch the Cambodian countryside come to life from your bus window, while allowing your body to recuperate. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, we have the afternoon free at leisure to explore or relax.

Day 10, Siem Reap: Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm and Angkor Wat

This morning, we set off towards the South Gate of Angkor Thom, part of the Angkor Temple Complex. A World Heritage-listed site, Angkor is some 400 square kilometres of crumbling stone temples draped in jungle vines. We explore the Bayon—the centrepiece of this ancient complex, then visit the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of Elephants and Terrace of Leper Kings, as well as Ta Prohm Temple. After lunch in the complex, we discover Angkor Wat. In the afternoon, we cycle back to Siem Reap.