Seek Travel Ride

Ever camped in bear country in Japan? Brian Sampson has. This is his second update from his mission to cycle every destination in 1000 Places to See Before You Die.
In this episode Brian shares stories from cycling through Japan, including encounters with bears and wild boars. He also shares his experiences exploring the Hiroshima Peace Museum.  From Japan Brian crossed into South Korea, where herides the famous Four Rivers trail and shares the buzz of cycling in the huge city of Seoul.
Brian is now heading into China. Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss what happens next. You can follow his journey on Instagram at @brian.sampson4 and his blog.
If Japan or Korea are on your cycling bucket list, you might also love Terri Jockerst's book Biking to Busan, her nine-month solo ride through Taiwan, Japan and South Korea.
And if you haven't seen it yet, come ride with me, Claire Wyatt and Marta Ballús in the Pyrenees over on the Seek Travel Ride YouTube channel. 
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What would it look like to tour a concert by bicycle?
In this episode, I’m joined by musician Sarah Small, a viola da gamba player who chose to cycle between performances rather than travel by train or plane.
Between May and July, Sarah rode across the UK with her instrument on the bike, playing concerts in village halls, churches, community spaces, and remote locations. Her route took her along coastlines, across islands, and as far north as the Hebridean Way and the Shetland Islands, bringing live music to places that rarely host performances.
We talk about the realities of cycle touring a concert, the challenges of carrying a fragile instrument by bike, and the generosity Sarah experienced when she arrived under her own steam. We also explore topics such sustainable travel, taking music to people rather than the other way around, and how taking a bike adventure can give you that hit of self confidence you didn't realise you needed.
Sarah also shares her experience using low-impact transport options, including the SailLink ferry between the UK and France.
You can follow Sarah's future adventures via her instagram - @SmallSarah
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Imagine cycling from Glasgow to China for your honeymoon! Well that's exactly what guest Helen Watson did with her husband Ed, back in 2010. That extended honeymoon turned into a huge 15-month adventure across Europe, the Balkans, Turkey, Iran, Central Asia, and into western China.
Helen gives us an insight into what it's like to use cycling as a way of moving slowly through cultures, and about what it feels like to experience places that are often reduced to headlines. She shares powerful stories of hospitality in Iran and Syria, including an experience which left her husband needing treatment in a Tehran hospital.
Helen has recently published a book about this journey, Tea and Grit: A Bicycle Journey Along the Silk Road
Old Man Mountain
Big thanks to Old Man Mountain for supporting this episode of Seek Travel Ride.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show
Buy me a coffee!
I’m an affiliate for a few brands I genuinely use and recommend including:
👉 Zorali
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Follow us on Social Media!
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What is it really like to cycle solo from Vietnam to the UK?
In this episode, I’m joined by cyclist Matt Whitley, who set off from Ho Chi Minh City in March 2025 to ride home to the UK. Nearly a year into the journey, Matt shares stories from riding solo across the Tibetan Plateau, Central Asia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Europe.
We talk about the intensity that comes with taking long-distance bike travel, choosing the remote mountain routes, managing mechanical issues when you are far from help, as well as how Matt was able to share parts of the journey with his Dad and sister. 
Be sure to follow Matt via his instagram - @Matty.Travelz
Support the show
Buy me a coffee!
I’m an affiliate for a few brands I genuinely use and recommend including:
👉 Zorali
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Follow us on Social Media!
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Ever wanted to cycle the South Island of New Zealand?
Rebecca Gross shares an honest update from her time bikepacking the South Island. It was a bikepacking trip shaped by relentless rain and freezing summer temperatures. This led to long days of riding chasing weather windows that would allow for side quests such as hiking around Mount Cook.  From Te Araroa sections and west coast gravel to the high mountains around Mount Cook, the final days of riding saw her and partner Javi ride into Paradise near Queenstown.
A must listen if cycling in New Zealand on the South Island is on your own bucket list. 
Be sure to give Rebecca a follow via her instagram - @Rebecca_Grb

Support the show
Buy me a coffee!
I’m an affiliate for a few brands I genuinely use and recommend including:
👉 Zorali
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Follow us on Social Media!
Instagram - @SeekTravelRide
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YouTube - @SeekTravelRide
Seek Travel Ride Newsletter
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Seek Travel Ride Music Playlist available now on both Spotify or Apple Music