I came across your site accidentally when browsing to find info for a bike I’m going to attempt to refurbish.

You both have done some impressive travelling which I admire but can only share the Mt. Killi part which I climbed last April but only with the wonderful help of my porters & guides…amazing but underpaid ppl.

Despite the wandering of my email I do have some Q’s for you both. I apologize in advance if any of my Q’s are too personal as I’m just a very curious person who’s really intriqued/admires people such as yourselves who love to travel/cycle enjoying the outdoor adventures combined with a frugal sense of lifestyle not just because of needing to more wanting to. Makes me think that maybe I could do a trip like this.

Harry:

1) What inspired you to want to climb the big 7, & which summit was the hardest mentally/physically for you to reach?
2) What made you decide to do a cycling trip of this length?
3) Have you had any difficulties in your travels as a single male or did you travel with others?
4) Of your travels/climbing/cycling which have you found the most enjoyable/rewarding?
5) Do you have any suggestions/helpful hints for anyone considering travelling/cycling alone?

Ivana:

1) As a female cycling through those countries did you ever feel frightened to be doing that alone or did you go with a group?
2) What was the most difficult thing about doing the trip?
3) What would you suggest to anyone deciding to do cycling trip to make it easier or less stressful?
4) What made you decide to do the trip by cycling country to country instead of by plane?
5) Do you have any suggestions/helpful hints for anyone considering travelling/cycling alone?

Ivana & Harry:

1) What have you both learned about travelling with someone else that may be helpful to anyone considering doing a trip like this?
2) At what ages did you both start travelling & how old were you both when you met up & started travelling together. The reason I ask this is because at 41 I’m realizing that I don’t have the same recovery time/energy I once did, & would like your opinions as to whether you think someone could do a trip such as this at my age:)
3) Have most ppl been supportive of your cycling trip?
4) Do either of you feel you have lost out on life not being a part of the work a day world?

I look forward to seeing more pic’s and blog updates.

Thank you and happy cycling,
Heidi the happy Canuck from Alberta

I would have contacted you through your contact page but it says comments have been closed. I am writing to ask if you both would be interested in supporting the 350.org climate action event on Sept 24 this year. I am writing to many different sustainable eco-adventurers asking them the same question with the hope we can together help promote the event and action to protect our planet.

You don’t have to do anything, just send some photos of yourselves to us, maybe some bio info (or we can get that from your website) and be available for an email interview, or perhaps to speak to media if you have time. We’ll put your info on the Moving Planet website to show you are supporting the event.

If you are interested, or you’d like more details please email me at rideplanetearth@gmail.com.

All the best and good luck with your continuing adventures.

Kim Nguyen

You should be fine with the 19″ Travelmaster as you are in between us length-wise. Every producer has its own length/sizes, so you can not really compare sizes with the Surly, the Santos has a very different geometry (especially made for travelling long distances with luggage). The main difference is the position: the Surly has the racing posture (down), which is great against the wind, the Santos makes you sit upright, which is better for longer trips and comfort (and for seeing things like scenery and traffic

You can always visit your local bikeshop and have them measure you on a measuring bike (if they have it), or at least your main measurements. You can send that to Santos and they will check and advice as well.

You will love the Santos Travelmaster. Get the strongest rims they offer, with the ceramic layer, they seem to be indestructable. We use the hydraulic brakes (never a problem), and have used only 1.5 set of brake pads in 26,000km. The rims literally look like new (unlike many worn out surly rims we have seen on our way!) and we broke a total of 1 spoke between us.

By the way, if you need a BikeTravellers blog, let me know and I will set you up.
Cheers, Harry

I checked out your guys site World on a Bike

I think our visitors at Bicycle Trader will find your site helpful

I added a link for you guys here localbiketrader.com/links/bicycle_touring.htm

Also if you guys want to link back it will really help out the service we are providing

cheers
Jeremiah
localbiketrader.com