After a late morning, to make the most of my hotel, I set off. To begin with I was cycling roughly parallel to the river Sava, with dry-looking farmland all around
Continue reading “Serbia and Bulgaria”Slovenia and Croatia
Slovenia is where the Alps meet the sea, so I had to cross them one more time. Not long after I set off, the road began to climb.
Continue reading “Slovenia and Croatia”The Alps
In the next 100km, there were four big passes which would add up to over 4000m of climbing. I decided to try and do it all in one day because, well, why not?
Continue reading “The Alps”Back to Europe
There was one other cyclist on the ferry, with a setup even lighter than mine. Frank was taking a two week trip to the south of France and back, aiming to cover 150 miles (240km) a day. That would be a long first day for me but I figured I’d give it a go. When the ferry arrived the next morning, we cycled off together.
Continue reading “Back to Europe”The plan
The method I used to decide where to go next is pretty simple. I had a look at a map of where I’ve cycled, and picked the one continent I’ve not yet been to. So next up: Africa.
Continue reading “The plan”UK
I was pretty much packed to go in the summer of 2020 – but then we had a second wave of COVID. As it became clear a vaccine was going to be ready soon, it made sense to wait for that. After I got my first jab in May 2021, I set off on a “practice” tour of the UK.
Continue reading “UK”Covid-19 Cancellation
On the day I arrived in Bali, Australia stated that any arrivals in the country would be required to self-quarantine. Looking at the way other countries have ramped up their border controls, it seemed likely this was a prelude to a ban on incoming travellers. My original plan had been to fly from East Timor, in about two weeks time. I decided to move my flight forward, and fly to Australia from Bali instead.
Java
The trip from Batam to Jakarta took the form of a 31-hour ferry ride. With hundreds of people all sleeping in one room, it got quite hot and sweaty. I found a quiet corner in a stairwell, set up my sleeping mat and spent the crossing there. I did have a few people stopping by to stare at the white guy, but it wasn’t too bad.
Malay Peninsula
After several days relaxing in Bangkok, I finally set off cycling, headed south on to the Malay Peninsula. With my new saddle and shorts the bike was much more comfortable, and with the new wheels and drivetrain it was going faster too!
Continue reading “Malay Peninsula”Cambodia (and back to Thailand)
A couple of days rest in Pakse had been good for me, and I felt better by the time I left and started riding towards Cambodia.