2012 has been a good year for us.  It is, quite possibly, the only year I haven’t seriously contemplated giving up this bicycle touring gig.

The year began on the hazardous Chinese highways (with a missing passport no less!) and comes to a close on an alpaca farm in the Southlands region of New Zealand.

We covered some 20,000 kilometers in eleven countries on two continents and have faced the usual challenges—headwinds and heat, crazed and contemptible drivers, days in the saddle far too long for comfort.

Those trying times have been quickly forgotten as serendipity intercepted to bring good things our way.  By things, what I really mean is people.  Fleeting interactions with folks that boost morale and leave a positive mark on our lives.   Strangers that become friends.

Yes, 2012 has been one of the best bicycle touring years yet.  And here are a few of the highlights.

The slideshow is best viewed in full screen mode.  Hit the button with all the arrows in the lower right hand corner and be sure to use the Show Info mode (top right once you’re in full screen mode) to view the commentary.

 

 

 

Looking Back on 2012

8 thoughts on “Looking Back on 2012

  • December 28, 2012 at 2:33 AM
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    Hello Eric and Anya,

    merry Christmas. You stayed with us in Prince George, BC. That must seem so long ago compared to now! Great job on your achievement and website. I rode across Canada this summer and had so much fun! Next I will try Europe (France). I’d appreciate any feedback you might have for my website. You guys are awesome! Keep up the good work and safe travels! David

    Reply
    • January 2, 2013 at 1:36 AM
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      Great news! So cool that you’ve entered the bike touring revolution.

      Reply
  • December 28, 2012 at 3:29 AM
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    Wonderful slideshow, not only because they are great pictures, but they are a perfect antidote to a cold, gloomy, mid-winter northern hemisphere day, thanks!
    Best wishes for the New Year, rb

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  • December 28, 2012 at 10:12 AM
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    Good day to both of you. Looks like you are having the time of a life. Good on you. I am certain all mankind was suppose to enjoy this planet like you are doing and we have failed at that because we work instead. What a choice. We choose work and are grumpy when we die. I can see you two going with smiles on your faces. You have travelled more countries than what people even look at on a map. Most people do not even imagine to think how marvellous it is to wake up in the morning in the remotest place on earth all by yourself with views to make a million albums full. You sit and gaze and gaze and gaze and realize there is no other place you would rather be except the next amazing place round the corner. I can only imagine how many places you could of wished was home during your years on the road. Countless. I bet. Yes you may miss some of the luxuries we have while we work yet we are never satisfied and we work all the time. We have fancy cars homes some of us anyway. Not many fancy homes in the UK affordable to buy. We live day by day knowing the next one is the same. Go to work. Yippee. Weekends don’t slow down. They rush by and before you know it your hair is gone your back aches your knees crackle and your mind is not happy. There is an amazing earth to enjoy like you guys are doing and we don’t. Whatever you do whatever your next steps bring all i can say is keep the dream alive. Yes it is hard some days but this life we live in the not real world is.not whAt you want to come back to. Yours is the real world. Yours is what dreams are made up of. And you are living it. ChristmAs flew past you really did not.miss much. So many people buying beyond their means and now will suffer for months to pay off debts. Families arespreadall over the globe so most don’t even see loved ones. New year on the horizon. Blink and it gone and when you open your eyes again you back at work. Damn I am at work right this second. You two are in the best position possible. Keep the spirits up. Crack a joke and enjoy the scenery you have. Keep the miles cranking away as there is another unimaginable view round the bend. Although I really dont know you both except by reading your blogs and meeting but once I know I would want you home if I was your friend. Smile. Enjoy your sleep and have a fantastic tomorrow. I am not going to say all the best for the new year because it just will be anyway. Just enjoy it

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    • January 2, 2013 at 1:37 AM
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      Hi Graham,

      Thanks for sharing your beautiful and inspiring thoughts–your comment brought a smile. Hope you’ll get the Landy back on the road soon.

      Reply
  • December 28, 2012 at 10:30 AM
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    Happy Holidays Eric and Amaya!

    Thanks for this burst of cheer on a gray day in Germany. The photo of the camels in sillhouette is stunning. How the years have flown by since you called this part of the world home. Any plans to pass this way in the near future?

    Thanks for your always-wonderful job with your website. The things you’ve seen and done are mind-boggling.

    all the best! Karen

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  • December 28, 2012 at 9:40 PM
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    Great photo’s. Keep cycling you’re an inspiration to all. Leaving the rat race in 2 years time to go cycle the world if your still on the road we may bump into each other! keep cycling. Wish you well and happy cycling Steve.

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  • January 2, 2013 at 7:17 PM
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    Hi Amaya. We’re always inspired by you and your reflections of the world from a bicycle seat. Thank you. We continue to “dismantle the machine” to release the grip from 39 years of building a life structure we want to put on hold. We’re getting there but undoing some parts of the machine require more time than others. It’s a fascinating process and one that will be a chapter in the journal. In the meantime, we stay fit and ride along with you in our minds. The tunnel is long but we can see the light now.
    Lovely to hear David rode across the country. He stayed with us just prior on his test ride from Prince George.
    Safe travels to you and Eric.
    Chris & Heather

    Reply

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