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Rossie to Aussie: Launch
Rossie to Aussie: A month of Cycling Adventures and 10 months more
Rossie to Aussie: Month Three Update
Rossie to Aussie: 4th and 5th month updates
Rossie to Aussie: Cycling Through Iran and Afghanistan
Rossie to Aussie: Updates from Month 8 and 9
Hello again, everyone!
As I approach the one year mark since departing from my village of Arigna, Co. Roscommon, my journey from Ireland to the Sydney Opera House in Australia has been nothing short of eye opening. Over the past year, I’ve traversed diverse terrains, forged new friendships, and immersed myself in experiences that have profoundly shaped my perspective.
After enduring days of camping in -22°C temperatures on the Tibetan Plateau, my friend Finn and I arrived in Chengdu on Christmas Eve. We took a two week respite to rest and recover after one of the most challenging segments of my journey. Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Chengdu’s sole Irish bar alongside an Italian and French couple was a unique experience. Despite being in a bustling city of 21 million, it felt markedly different, as China emphasises the Lunar New Year celebrations at the end of January over the traditional Western festivities.
In early January, a friend from home visited, prompting a brief detour from Chengdu to Chongqing, renowned for its futuristic architecture and vibrant LED displays. I also explored the Zhangjiajie mountains, reminiscent of the floating peaks from the movie “Avatar” marking one of the most breathtaking landscapes I’ve encountered.
Upon returning to Chengdu, Finn and I resumed our journey southward, optimistic about milder temperatures and more navigable terrains. However, unforeseen challenges arose when my bicycle malfunctioned shortly after our departure. While I managed to address some issues, persistent problems left my bike unable to change gears or freewheel. Complicating matters further, this occurred during the Chinese New Year when most bike shops were closed. Fortunately, we were welcomed into a local home for the festivities, witnessing an awe inspiring 40 minute fireworks display that illuminated the valley we were transcending. After contending with additional setbacks, including a broken chain and multiple flat tyres, reaching Kunming city felt like conquering a formidable challenge despite our best wishes of less hardship. After acquiring new bike parts I had sent to the city for our arrival, Finn and I made a determined push towards Vietnam embracing warmer conditions for the first time in several months.
Spanning four months, my journey through China encompassed cycling across the Taklamakan Desert, ascending the Tibetan Plateau amidst snowstorms and navigating expansive megacities. China’s unparalleled scenery, coupled with its rich history and culture left a massive impression. Despite facing difficulties such as undercover police following us and freezing temperatures, I wholeheartedly recommend China as a travel destination. The country’s diverse landscapes, distinct culture, accessible transportation, and affordable food and accommodations make it a place worthy of visiting.
When I first set out on this adventure, I estimated it would take around 11 months, viewing it primarily as an endurance challenge. However, as the months passed, I realized that a journey like this isn’t something to rush. I may only visit some of these countries once in my life, so it made sense to fully immerse myself in the experience and learn as much as possible along the way.
With growing confidence and inspiration from other travellers I met heading in the opposite direction, I also decided to adjust my route. Originally, I had planned to cycle north of the Caspian Sea through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Instead, I opted for a path that Western media often labels as more dangerous, cycling south of the Caspian through Iran and Afghanistan. This decision slowed me down, especially after an unplanned visit to an Iranian hospital (as detailed in a previous update).
China also added unexpected delays. Arriving in the heart of winter, I faced snowstorms, frozen roads, and relentless sub-zero nights, which made progress slower than anticipated. These factors have extended my timeline, and I now aim to reach the Sydney Opera House between July and August.
Currently, I’m in Northern Vietnam, preparing to continue south along the coastline before crossing into Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. From there, I’ll cycle through Indonesia before finally reaching Australia.
I plan to start my Australian leg in Perth and then take on the vast southern coast, making my way towards my finish line, Sydney Opera House within the next four to five months (July/August).
For those who have already donated to the Mayo Roscommon Hospice and North West STOP, thank you so much for your generosity. If you’d like to support my journey by an alternative means, I’ve set up a link where you can buy me a coffee. Every contribution helps keep me fuelled as I push through what will soon be sweltering, tar melting conditions!
I am really looking forward to meeting my sister and my new baby nephew in Perth when I first step foot in Australia! I have also been invited into every Irish home and bar in South East Asia (which is a lot) so I’m looking forward to spending some time with Irish communities in different parts of the world.
Throughout this expedition, I’ve been committed to raising funds for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice foundation and North West STOP suicide prevention. The support from communities back home and followers worldwide has been overwhelming. As of now, we’ve raised over €53,000, a testament to the collective effort and generosity of many.
If you’d like to contribute and help keep this momentum going, you can donate here. Your support means the world. Thank you!
Catch up with me real time by following me on Instagram @rossie_to_aussie.
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