Ex-Tokyo teacher and son cycle from Ireland to Japan

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TokyoGas at 01:32 PM JST - 20th September

Well done!
Bholder at 04:02 PM JST - 20th September

as i was contemplating a bicycle trip from japan to europe myself this article was really an interesting read. surprising to see someone's already been as crazy. will check a book as well when finished. my plan was to go through russia rather then passing a lot of different countries, with all the border crosses, custom services and what not. but no planes or anything in between. just bike, all the way. hope i'll be able to pull it off some day...
simonkobe at 06:42 PM JST - 20th September

long way
bakabaka at 07:28 PM JST - 20th September

met a guy here last winter who had done the same thing... http://ojisanjake.blogspot.com/2009/02/japan-on-1000-yen-day.html
Badge213 at 12:25 AM JST - 21st September

Train ride in Romania? Sort of defeats the purpose of cycling your way doesn't it.
LoveUSA at 12:31 AM JST - 21st September

why did they take this route? Passing through russia is shorter.
helloklitty at 09:02 AM JST - 21st September

why did they take this route? Passing through russia is shorter.

They started in August. That would have had them crossing Siberia in December.
WhiteHawk at 12:28 PM JST - 21st September

Alaska to Chile? Once you cross the U.S. southern border, your chances of being kidnapped skyrocket. I wouldn't even recommend it for Ewan & Charlie and their BBC crew.
lostrune2 at 12:58 PM JST - 21st September

why did they take this route? Passing through russia is shorter.

Quote:

"Mark said there were three possible routes they could have taken to Japan from Ireland and they opted for the course they did because it involved the most opportunities for contact with people."
Multipath at 10:36 AM JST - 22nd September

A lovely father and son story, and a great trip, well done both. My son is seven and I would love to think of making a trip with him later, provided he gets over his Oedipal rage stage! The whole point is surely to do it whatever way you fancy - such trips are an experience, not a sporting record or for others, inspiring though they may be. When we have the practical choice and good health it is great to make time for these adventures when we can - who knows about next year? Sadly most Japanese people are usually time-poor because of their work commitments and the need to build up savings to compensate for the lack of a social safety-net.
realist at 05:19 PM JST - 22nd September

A wonderful story, and I cant wait to read the book. However, it included at least one long train ride and two `plane trips, so it is not exactly a "cycle ride all the way from Ireland to Japan." Still, they are to be admired for their guts!
helloklitty at 11:01 PM JST - 23rd September

Mark, however, discussed the idea with his wife, a child psychologist, and she thought it was a great idea that would help to strengthen the father-son relationship.

Not to disparage the psychology profession, but they do tend to go overboard. At Nova, we used to get blind people and stroke victims who came because their shrinks sent them. How many have had the pleasure of teaching one of these students in a group lesson? Kind of makes it a waste of money for the other students.

This father and son could have done some weekend hikes/bikes and strengthened their relationship just as well. I think the wife just wanted to get them out of the house.
Nessie at 11:14 PM JST - 23rd September

It'd be nice to have a 10-month break for a long cycle trip.
NeoJamal at 11:01 AM JST - 24th September

This father and son could have done some weekend hikes/bikes and strengthened their relationship just as well.

But can those things measure to this? The trip not only developed their relationship, it also demonstrated how strong it is. In my view it passes the endurance test.
LoveUSA at 11:04 AM JST - 24th September

why did they take this route? Passing through russia is shorter. They started in August. That would have had them crossing Siberia in December.

It seems they were afraid to pass through Siberia.