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

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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

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Check out Old Man Mountain for the perfect way to carry gear on your bike.

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Buy me a coffee!

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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

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Support the show

Buy me a coffee!

I’m an affiliate for a few brands I genuinely use and recommend including:

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Follow us on Social Media!

• Instagram - @SeekTravelRide
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Seek Travel Ride Music Playlist available now on both Spotify or Apple Music