The friendship highway

[thomast]

Looking to find out if anyone has managed to cycle the friendship highway from Kathmandu to Lhasa without an expensive escort? Any contacts in Kathmandu would be amazing.

Currently cycling around the world, blog address below. Thanks in advance for any help

www.theadventuresofdonkeyandhorse.wordpress.com

[ians]

Hi Thomas

hope you (and bike) are well.

I found this http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?doc_id=890

don't know if it's any use.

If Dan reads this - might be worth moving this post to the Cycle Tours page.

best

Ian and Annie

[Danneaux]

If Dan reads this - might be worth moving this post to the Cycle Tours page.

Good idea, Ian; done! 

All the best,

Dan.

[ians]

thanks Dan.  I have a vested interest in this epic adventure - it's my old Raven Tour that Thomas is riding.

best

Ian

[Danneaux]

...it's my old Raven Tour that Thomas is riding.

Now, that *is* exciting! Make sure he has the RT send you the occasional postcard, Ian, for old time's sake.

All the best,

Dan.

[Andre Jute]

Make sure he has the RT send you the occasional postcard, Ian, for old time's sake.

And ours, SVP.

[John Saxby]

Great story, and no need to apologize for long johns:  every (ice) hockey player wears them, 'cept for those of us who cut down on weight by using panty hose.  On my Swedish safari, I used long johns over my cycling shorts instead of standard rain pants, 'cos quality polypro keeps you warm even when wet, weighs very little--less than just about anything 'cept panty hose--and dries quickly.

Back to the thread:  loved the Turkey fotos!  On the shelter question:  The Turkish dep't of culture & tourism is restoring caravanserai (plural form??) along the different routes of the Silk Road. These are spaced about every 40 kms, a day's gambol by camel back in the day.  They're intended for The Tourist Trade, but I couldn't help but think how satisfying it would be to roll into one of these after a day's ride across the Great Anatolian Plateau. (See below.)

[Danneaux]

...'cept for those of us who cut down on weight by using panty hose.

Standard kit for my desert/mountain tours the last 35 years. I tried in vain to buy some in Serbia's 43-45°C heat wave* for sun protection, but they were out of season. Regardless of size, cut off the toes and trunk and you have sun sleeves for use on arms or legs. Lots of little air cells trap air when it is cold, and almost unmatched Clo**/weight ratio if worn under cycling tights, compact packing, cheap and available/renewable in most stores along the way. Also endorsed by Igor Kovse (Iik): http://ultralightcycling.blogspot.com/

Warmly (!),

Dan.

* http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/temperature-records-all-over-the-region
** http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/clo-clothing-thermal-insulation-d_732.html

[thomast]

Hi Guys and specifically Ian and Annie!!  I can't quite believe we've left it that long to reply!  We got caught up on the road and I mustn't have got your replies through to my email, sincerest apologies!!

We actually in Nepal now and were in Bhaktapur for the earthquake, it's been pretty crazy!  Making our way West to India now and have decided against the Friendship highway in favour of Burma now as it feels a little easier.

Please don't think me ungrateful re: your replies, this is my first forum and I will check in more regularly now!!

Just about to post another topic re: paint job on my bike.....the metallic blue seems to come off quite easily and my touchpoint paint isn't cutting the mustard

Thomas

[ians]

Hi Thomas

good to hear from you.  Glad to hear that you're safe.  Annie's youngest son Dan was on the Indian/Nepal border when the earthquake struck so we had an anxious few hours, before we found out that he was OK.

I'm sorry to hear about the rust problems.  I'm sure you'll get some good advice here.

best

Ian (and Annie)