Sierra Blogging Post Archives

What's your trip of a lifetime?

For Erin Arnold and Sam Barkley, it's an 18-month bicycle tour of Asia and Europe. Intrigued by their commitment to this dream, (they quit their jobs and sold their home before leaving) Sierra Trading Post decided to sponsor and follow them on their incredible, eco-friendly journey.



Now three months into their trip, they have gone through Kazakhstan, Russia, Mongolia and are now in China. They carry all their gear with them: clothing, tent, bedding, stove, basic bicycle repair equipment, a small computer and, of course, cameras to document their adventures. They have tried fermented mare's milk in Kazakhstan, enjoyed a traditional Russian sauna at a family's home in Siberia, stayed with nomads in a ger (yurt) in remote Mongolia, and ridden their bicycles with hordes of afternoon commuters on the streets of Beijing.

Why a bicycle tour?

We asked them why they chose to travel by bicycle. The answer was simple - they consider it the best way to experience foreign lands and cultures. "The bicycle is fast enough to get you places but slow enough for you to experience a culture," says Erin. "It immerses you in your surroundings, enabling you to soak up the scenery, interact with locals, and exercise the mind and body at whatever pace you prefer."

"Bicycles can access parts of countries where public transportation, if it exists at all, is unreliable, uncomfortable, tediously slow and expensive," she continues. "Bicycles mean freedom for a traveler. Arriving by bike in a town all laden with gear also makes for a great way to meet curious locals."

The Route

Seeking an authentic experience, Erin and Sam chose a route through vast unknown parts of Asia that remain remote and rarely visited by tourists.

So far, they have discovered astounding scenery, fascinating cultures, and warm and hospitable people that provide one adventure after another. And while some might think parts of the world dangerous, the opposite has proved true - Erin and Sam have been amazed at the genuine generosity, friendship and interest in their trip locals have consistently shown along their route.

Stay tuned for occasional trip reports from this once-in-a-lifetime trip. In the meantime, why not start planning yours?

Photos:


#1: Sam, Erin and bikes resting near a turtle, the only remnant left at the site of Ghengis Khaan's ancient capital of the Mongol empire, Karakorum.
#2: Erin and Sam's bikes resting against a ger (yurt) in far western Mongolia
#3: Erin and Sam in the Gorno-Altai region of southern Siberia
#4: Erin and Sam at a fountain in downtown Taldyqorghan, Kazakhstan
#5: The route across remote Mongolia