Rossie to Aussie: 4th and 5th month updates

Fergal here again folks and if you want to catch up on my previous blogs, please check them out here:

Rossie to Aussie: Launch Blog
Rossie to Aussie: A month of Cycling Adventures and 10 months more
Rossie to Aussie: Month Three Update

It’s been five months since I left Ireland, and here I am, still on the road, fully committed and determined to reach my ultimate goal: making it to Australia by the 11-month mark!

How has the past month- the fourth month been for you?

I last left off in the town of Cappadocia, Turkey, where my bike was, unfortunately, in the "intensive care unit." While I waited for new parts to arrive, I took the opportunity to visit Istanbul and play the role of a typical tourist for a change, rather than the usual crazy Irishman on a bike. When I got back to Cappadocia, I discovered that we had ordered the wrong-sized bike parts. This was a major concern since I needed to be in Tbilisi, Georgia, within a week to pick up some visas. With no other option, I caught a bus through eastern Turkey and then continued on my semi-functional bicycle across the border into Georgia. I made it to Tbilisi just in time to watch their European Championship round of 16 match against Spain, which, unfortunately, ended in a 4-1 loss.

Tbilisi was a city I had eagerly anticipated visiting since leaving Ireland—a fascinating blend of Soviet-era architecture infused with a modern European influence, creating a truly unique atmosphere. The food here ranks among the best I’ve encountered on my journey so far, and of course, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to sample some of the famous Georgian red wine from the vineyards along the Caucasus Mountains.

My original plan was to continue from Georgia into Azerbaijan, then catch a ferry across the Caspian Sea to Kazakhstan. However, the Azerbaijan land border has been closed since 2020 and didn’t reopen as expected in July. This left me with a few options: taking a flight (no way), heading north through Russia, or traveling south into Iran. I opted for the latter and picked up my Iranian visa in Tbilisi.

From there, I headed south toward Armenia, cycling through picturesque valleys dotted with UNESCO World Heritage-listed monasteries. It took me four days to reach Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, where I secured my Chinese visa—another crucial step, as it clears the way for me to travel through China and into Southeast Asia.

Yerevan was a spectacular city, rich in history and Soviet-style architecture, remnants of its time behind the Iron Curtain. The city features a massive man-made cascade waterfall at its centre, which you can walk up to enjoy a panoramic view. Armenia’s ancient history, as one of the first Christian nations, is fascinating, though the country’s stature has diminished over the centuries. Despite its unique and somewhat repressed history, Armenia surprised me on many levels. After exploring Yerevan, I headed south past more ancient monasteries.

Climbing into the mountains, I was caught in a storm, but I didn’t mind—it was the first time in weeks that I’d felt rain on my face while cycling, and I knew it might be the last for a while as I ventured further south into the desert climate of central Iran.

I crossed into Iran five days ago with a French couple who are also bikepacking. I’ve been blown away by the generosity and hospitality of the Iranians, and I’m genuinely excited for the next few weeks in this amazing country.

What will be your route for your 6th month?

In month six, I’ll continue my journey south toward Tehran, the capital of Iran. Once there, I'll decide whether to head toward China via Turkmenistan or take the route through Afghanistan. I’m also considering taking a bus further south to explore some of Iran’s spectacular holy cities—it would be a shame to visit this country without seeing as much as possible. Afterward, I’ll return to Tehran by bus and resume cycling east toward whichever route I choose.

What are the challenges that you have experienced for the past month?

Oh man, where do I even begin? Every day brings a new challenge. Right now, my latest hurdle is trying to extend my Iranian visa. Iran was the first country where I had to fill out a visa application, and I naively asked for only a 10-day visa, assuming they'd give me more time. So here I am, scrambling to find the nearest passport office in the first city I visit, thanks to some frantic Googling.
The weather has also been a major challenge. It’s been over 40°C most days since I entered Iran, so I’ve adjusted by waking up at 6 a.m. and cycling at dawn to avoid the midday heat. Before arriving here, I had to sort out bike repairs in Tbilisi, where I was lucky to find a good shop with the parts I needed.
Another challenge has been the language barrier. Over the past two months, I’ve had to navigate conversations in five different languages: Turkish, Georgian, Armenian, Russian, and now Farsi (Persian). It’s incredible how much you can communicate with body language and gestures, but for more serious matters—like visa applications, money exchanges, and border crossings—Google Translate has been an absolute lifesaver.

What keeps you going?

The support from my friends and family back home has been a lifeline on many tough days throughout this journey. Sharing my experiences online through Instagram and TikTok has also brought me some truly heartwarming messages. Hearing that I've inspired someone is an incredible feeling, and I hope to keep encouraging others to get out into the world, whatever that means for them—whether it’s getting off the couch to run a 5k or overcoming the fear of travelling to those “scary” places we hear about in the news. You might just surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.

The Goal

Embarking on this journey has been no easy feat, but my driving force remains clear: to raise funds in support of North West Stop and Mayo Roscommon Hospice.We’re only on our 5th month and we've already surpassed half of the target which is at €23,775 in donations. Although our goal is €40,000, every contribution, no matter the amount, holds the power to make a meaningful difference.

I urge all of you to support in any way possible by visiting the donation page -CLICK HERE.

With each pedal stroke, I'm riding for you - my friends, family, and supporters.

Stay tuned for further updates and please keep on supporting!

By: Fergal Guihen
Instagram: @rossie_to_aussie