Episode 107: Jamie Hargreaves

Legacy on Two Wheels: Following His Father’s Cycle Tour 40 years on

A Journey Inspired by Family Legacy

Jamie Hargreave’s bike adventure kicked off in May 2024, when he left his hometown near Derby, England, with the ambitious plan to arrive in Derby, Australia. Taking a journey this long is remarkable in itself, but Jamie adds another layer of interest by attempting to retrace the exact route his father cycled decades earlier.

Jamie revealed the idea to do this trip first came to him when he was in year two – being raised on the stories of his father’s adventure, planting the seed in his mind from such an early age. “It’s chaotic,” he explained, when I asked him about his upbringing in a family of adventurers. His childhood was filled with adventurous camping, trekking, and cycling endeavours, setting the groundwork for his cycle touring aspirations today.

Challenges of an Adventurer

It’s not all blue sky and sunshine on a cycle tour and Jamie shares the hardships he has faced on his route so far. From a crash due to failing brakes in Hallstatt, Austria, extreme heat in Türkiye to the freezing cold in the high mountains of Afghanistan, Jamie has endured it all. One of the highlights of this journey so far for Jamie was when he encountered a thunderstorm in the remote mountains of Montenegro—a challenge or ‘mis-adventure’ that turned into an unforgettable experience.

Something that struck me was these types of challenges are ones which would deter many from bike travel, but Jamie relishes them. As he says, “I want those things to happen because I like being in interesting situations,” clearly showcasing the grit and enthusiasm which is fuelling his journey – it’s exactly the reason why he set out on this adventure in the first place.

Recreating Moments

Something I’ve particularly enjoyed seeing is how Jamie has been able to recreate images first taken by his dad 40 years ago. Travelling to the same place on his bike where his father took a photo, and showing a then vs now comparison. This is something which Jamie relishes being able to do, adn the images really speak for themselves. What strikes me as well is how despite there being four decades in between these two adventures, the landscape often appears almost identical.

Top Left: Jamie, standing in the same spot with his family before departing on this trip. Top Right: Jamie’s dad Phil – in the same place 40 years earlier.

The image on the bottom left shows Jamie’s father Phil – in Kalkan, Türkiye, and on the right is Jamie in the same place 40 years later.

A Tapestry of People and Cultures

Throughout Europe and Asia, he has met fellow bike travellers forming what we call ‘fast friendships’. He has had countless encounters with hospitable locals, lending him to experience the vast cultural tapestry of the places he visited. His passage through Afghanistan, in particular, defied his perceptions, with its warm hospitality, challenging the often negative perceptions propelled by international media.

The Gift of Adventure

One of the great things about bike travel is that gift of introspection and perspective. Jamie treasures the arduous days, as these are the experiences that last the longest in his memory. “The best thing about taking a bike adventure is seeing the world through your own eyes,” he reflects, emphasising how travel dissolves preconceived notions and invites genuine understanding.

Charting the Course Ahead

As Jamie pedals closer to his Australian destination, I can only wonder at the experiences and stories which are yet to unfold. Something he is particularly looking forward to is reconnecting with his friend Malachi Frances – a fellow podcast guest! – and sharing the road together once more from India as they both head towards Australia.

For a great look at more stories from Jamie’s ride and to keep up with his updates, you can follow him via his Instagram account – @j.a.hargreaves and also via his Facebook page.

The Seek Travel Ride podcast