Not a whole lot of cycling in this video! I spent a couple more days exploring different sections of the wall and feel really lucky to have the time and flexibility to break out of the main tourist areas. I then cycled the short distance into Beijing city centre. As capital cities go, Beijing was the easiest to cycle in. There was always a cycle route to use.
The week in Beijing flew by and I was looked after so well my the Defence section at the British Embassy. I saw most of the main tourist sights and fully mastered the subway! The first time I visited Tiananmen Square was to watch the raising of the flag at dawn. I just made it in time and although I was warned there would be a lot of Chinese tourists there, I was shocked at the crowds that gathered at 06:30!! Crowd watching was far more interesting than the flag ceremony!! I couldn’t help but laugh at the number of tour groups in matching hats, running to join queues and trying to keep up with each other. It was worth the early start!!
I’m writing this on my second flight of the day. I flew to Vancouver and am now heading for San Diego. Fingers crossed my bike and bags made the transfer too! I am sad to leave China but also excited for this next part of the journey. With the obvious benefits of ditching the sign language that I’ve got so used to and being able to have full conversations with people I meet! Polly, sister no. 2 (I’m no. 4), is flying out to meet me for the next week which will be great, so not straight back onto the bike just yet.
A video that I put together as a short summary of the last 6 months is below. It was tricky to cut down the last 6 months into such a short time but I have enjoyed looking back. I posted this video on Facebook a couple of days ago and have had some really kind feedback. As ever, thanks for all the support.
All The Way Round 
Hi Kez,
Good to see that you have reached such a huge milestone in your epic journey. I’m at home this weekend visiting my mum so I decided to share your latest update story with her, which then led to various back tracking through previous posts; she is extremely impressed by your courage!!!
Anyway, I hope you have a great time catching up with your sister before commencing the next element of your trip. Stay safe, Shaun
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Hi Shaun,
Ah that’s kind. I haven’t watched back any of the videos yet, maybe when I get back I’ll do a video marathon! A couple of days into the US cycle now and there has been way more to see than I had expected. Thanks again.
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Awesome Kezia, I feel like I have learnt a fair few things about different cultures of the world, whilst you have been peddling (50-100 miles a day!) and I have been sat in my chair, haha. So chuffed for you. It is clear from your beaming smile that you are enjoying your experience. Good luck for the US of A! Gareth
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Ha. You’re no fool! Thanks, a couple of days into my US cycle and still so much to see and do.
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I love your second video ( but the first too 😃) What a fantastic trip well summarised. How challenging was the Pamir Highway ? Are you a good climber ? All the best for the Trans-USA 👍🏻 Philippe
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Thanks! There were lots of other cyclists along the Pamir Highway. Fairly challenging but it’s all pretty gradual. I met some cyclists who started at Dushanbe and ended in Osh as part of a normal 3-4week holiday. I wouldn’t say I’m a particularly good climber but I’m sure I’ve improved over this trip. My bike is really very heavy so I just get into the lowest gear and keep pedalling. I would recommend the highway. 👍🏼
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Ihave enjoyed every bit of your journey and your videos are incredible for someone without a film crew and a couple of helicopter Did you tobbogan down the wall it looks very exciting. We have had some holidays in America and I am sure you have some great experiences ahead of you xxx
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Thanks a lot Ieuan. I enjoy making the videos especially compared to the thought of doing a written blog!
Yeah got the toboggan down, it was definitely worth the extra money. It was fun.
I’ve only ever been to NYC so this part of the US is all new.
Thanks x
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Your video shows such a lot of information that I didn’t know it is very well done and you haven’t got a film crew and two helicopters with you xx. H i
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