A father and son have embarked on a 400-day cycling journey around the world, traversing more than 25 countries. Amid challenging hill climbs, one particular destination has left a lasting impression on them.
George, aged 57, and his 23-year-old son, Josh Kohler, hailing from Norfolk, have been on an extraordinary global cycling adventure for over a year. Dubbed ‘Pedal the Planet’, the duo has explored some of the most breathtaking locations worldwide, cycling through diverse landscapes ranging from desolate deserts to rugged mountains and picturesque terraced rice fields.
Beginning their expedition from Norfolk on 29th March last year, they have covered thousands of miles, expected to total 30,000 kilometers by journey’s end. Having raised over £30,000 for charity, George and Josh will have spent nearly 400 days pedaling around the globe, conquering an astounding 180,000 meters of elevation – equivalent to scaling 20 Mount Everests!
Their remarkable feat is on course to secure three Guinness World Records titles: ‘Fastest father and son to circumnavigate the world on bicycles,’ ‘Furthest distance cycled by a father and son,’ and ‘Most countries cycled through by a father and son.’ In an exclusive interview with The Mirror as they approach the conclusion of their epic voyage, having just completed the South America leg, George and Josh shared insights from their challenging yet rewarding journey.
Reflecting on their experiences while cycling approximately 7-8 hours each day, the duo highlighted memorable moments such as traversing the remote Nullarbor Plain in Australia and marveling at the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls in South America. One particular day in Cappadocia, Turkey, greeted them with a spectacular sight of hundreds of hot-air balloons floating above. Despite these extraordinary encounters, one destination held a special place in their hearts.
China emerged as their favorite stop along the journey, where they spent two months exploring. Josh, a videographer, described the unexpected beauty and vibrant culture they encountered, emphasizing the friendliness of the locals and the incredible scenery and cuisine they enjoyed. George added how walking on the Great Wall’s western side and witnessing the vast Hani rice terraces left an indelible mark on them.
While their global escapade has been filled with challenges like battling headwinds, scorching heat, and demanding terrains, both George and Josh identified Brazil as the most challenging country due to its rugged landscapes. Despite the hurdles, the duo persevered, with Josh noting the lack of cycling infrastructure across South America, particularly in Argentina, which posed additional risks during their journey.
As they near the end of their adventure, with only a few weeks remaining, Josh and George aim to set new Guinness World Records upon completing their 400-day expedition. Currently pedaling through Portugal, Spain, and France after flying from Rio to Lisbon, they anticipate returning to Norfolk on 2nd May.
As they prepare to conclude their monumental journey, the duo reflects on the emotional impact of their shared experiences. Josh acknowledges the challenges and growth in their father-son relationship throughout the journey, emphasizing the strengthened bond and mutual understanding they have developed.
In addition to creating lasting memories, George and Josh have raised over £30,000 for UNICEF and supported Bicycle Links, a Norwich-based bike company providing refurbished bikes to those in need, along with mental health support. Their journey can be followed on their social media accounts, and donations can be made through their JustGiving page.