I was asked to write something short and inspiring to fellow travellers about my nine-month cycle trip that took me from Southern England to Hong Kong. So I will give it a go!
I met Meng in Shenzen on the eve of my arrival into Hong Kong my final destination after completing almost 16,000km by bike! I cannot describe the emotional feeling of achievement, excitement, and bewilderment that I was feeling. Above all it was the feeling of achievement, I had made it, the hardships of crossing five deserts, countless mountain passes, illness, and lack of food and water no longer mattered. Tomorrow I would cross the finish line!
I was triumphantly riding up the wide-open highway of this modern Chinese City in search of my last night’s accommodation on the main land when I met Meng. Fellow cyclists are all part of a community, there is a camaraderie that exists and you always recognise one of your own. That night I ate dinner with Meng and a large group from the hostel, with so many miles behind me many people had questions. These questions were to become so frequent over the next couple of months it was a good chance to practise the answers.
Travelling by bike is a journey and a story, and it is your own story whether you choose to write it or not. What I learnt among countless other things is that if you have a good story to tell you know that people will always have time to listen.
Micheil Gordon