Interview with Daniel Lukas and Jake Gilkinson

Bike trip from London to Istanbul

Last year in May I met two guys cycling from UK to Istanbul. During their cycling trip they got caught in the huge floods that were across Serbia and Bosnia, but it did not stop them, they cycled through the whole 3 days of rain and made it to Istanbul in good time. I was really impressed by both of their positivity and the fact that they were so young, just 18 years old… I would have been really scared to take on an adventure like that when I was 18. I love the fact that they just did what they wanted to do and didn't prepare too much, so many times I am working so hard to prepare for something that in the end I dont think I can actually manage, I guess I already used most of my energy in thinking too much and hard about something, less talking... more doing is how we should live. They had lots of cool stories to share with us, some pretty horrific accidents and lots of great moments. I asked them to write something for my blog about their bike trip, I hope you enjoy the read.

1.       Can you briefly describe your journey, how far you went and how long it took 

We cycled 2036.7miles from our homes in South London to the gateway to Asia, Istanbul. The journey took us through 11 countries across Europe.

2.       Can you tell us what made you want to do a trip like this

We had just wanted to get away from home and work for a considerable amount of time and not costing us too much money.  We wanted to visit countries we have never been before and we also knew some people along the way that we wanted to see. We are both adventurous and like to challenge our selves so this would be the perfect trip. Moreover Daniel had previously cycled to Africa with his Dad and he want to carry on the tradition of going to a new continent for the first time by bicycle. We also wanted to raise money for some charities, one being Crohns and Colitis and the other a jungle hospital in Honduras.

 

 3.   How much did you prepare and what did you prepare

We did not do much extra training, as we knew that we wouldn’t cycle at a fast pace. We also cycled in our day-to-day lives to and from work and around London as it is the best way to get round. We had to sort out lot with equipment such as bike and bags and camping equipment. We didn’t over prepare, we thought if we had any problems, we could sort them out along the way.

 4. What were the hardest parts of the trip for you

Although Serbia had by far the most welcoming people, it was not without its problems with the never-ending potholes and huge floods.  We got very cold. Istanbul was very dangerous, but we could see the end at that point. Also finding somewhere to sleep.

 5. What is the best and more rewarding part of these kinds of journeys

Meeting people, hospitality, appreciating little comforts, slow way to travel, getting to see so much more, it keeps you fit, and not knowing what was going to happen that day. 

 6. What stood out to you as something important that you learned on the trip

Patience and sharing, living with someone for 24 hours a day. A lot of really helpful people. How to start a fire without matches and when its been raining for 3 days and how to cook good rice.

 7. Will you continue cycling, what are your plans?

Yes! Almost everyday around town. And we are planning to do a shorter trip form south to north of Sweden this summer as we do not have as much time

 8. What advice would you give to other people who want to do a similar trip

Set some time aside and see what happens. You will learn along the way, you don’t have to be super fit or prepared. Don’t overthink it too much. Relish in the unknown,