In this Episode of the Seek Travel Ride Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Paul de Tilly about his recent adventure cycling from Paris to the Chinese Border. Paul set off from Paris in January 2022, on a mission to cycle all the way to China. An expedition this big is normally one reserved for what we would classify as 'experienced bicycle tourers', yet when he set off, Paul was very much a novice. In fact, he mentions the only training he did for this big tour was learning how to clip in to his pedals during a 2km ride around a park in Paris!
During the interview Paul shares with us the inspiration behind taking on such a huge adventure, and what it was like setting off as a relative beginner - during the middle of winter no less - on a tour which would see him cross Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia.
Paul tells us about his struggles during the first challenge of crossing the Alps in winter, dealing with the adversity of injuries as well as frigid, cold temperatures. But while many people may have quit after a miserable first week on the road, Paul continued to persevere with his adventure and by doing so transformed himself from novice to endurance athlete.
I talk about the highs and lows experienced on such a big trip, and how Paul kept himself motivated to continue on an adventure which saw him cross mountain ranges, countries, continents and even skirt war-zones! During this trip it became evident that Paul was keen to push his own limits of what could achieve each day. This included sending his tent and cooking equipment home, as he sought to go as lightweight as possible - keeping in mind Paul was going to be cycling through remote environments including deserts!
Paul took the time during his trip to film his adventure and you can check it out on his YouTube Channel. The Video of his trip is called Cycling Solo the Silk Road on a Gravel Bike: 12,000km and 18 Countries.
Paul is about to embark on his next challenge - cycling from Lima, Peru to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil During this trip he is fundraising for a charity which seeks to provide education to those growing up in pover
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