Episode 144: Fergal Guihen (Part 1)

A Travel Adventure Cycling From Ireland All the Way to Australia

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What does it take to cycle from Ireland to Australia? Hint – it has nothing to do with having a load of bike touring experience and more to do with deciding to lean into the adventure and give it a go.

In this episode I had the pleasure of chatting with Fergal Guihen, who set off 18 months ago from Roscommon in Ireland. I spoke to him while he was in Timor-Leste, just a short hop from his final destination of Australia, and it was a pleasure to hear him share the stories, challenges, and lessons so far from this incredible 20,000+ kilometre journey so far.

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An Adventure Born from Curiosity

Fergal admits he was someone who barely knew how to fix a puncture before setting off. His bike – affectionately called Nimrod – was bought second hand online after a rudimentary google search for ‘steel touring bike’. He knew how to ride a bike but no idea how he’d get on fixing one if it broke. But that is all very much by the by.

Growing up in rural Roscommon, Ireland, his early years were spent playing Gaelic football and helping out on the family farm. The COVID-19 pandemic, and his work as a newly trained nurse, gave him a new perspective on life’s brevity and the importance of seizing the moment and this is where the first seeds for this adventure started developing.

Initially Fergal had plans to test himself in some form of endurance event. He enjoyed running and thought he’d do an ultra run, but he pulled out and his confidence took a hit. Then, an unfortunate ACL injury to his knee gave him the motivation for this incredible plan. He wanted to go to Australia – why not cycle there? He didn’t even have a bike at that point!

Fergal recounts how a previous short cycle tour in Europe, had gotten him hooked. The warmth of strangers in rural France, where a local confided in him and his friends about expecting a child, showed him the unique connections possible through slow travel. These were the very sort of experiences he was after.

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Facing Fears and Changing Routes

Originally planning to take a “safer” route through Central Asia, a chance meeting with fellow cyclist David McCourt in Turkey would dramatically change Fergal’s plans. He was inspired by David’s stories of Iran in particular, and made the decision to face his own fears and take the more adventurous path. Despite concerns from family and friends, his mind was made up and he secured his visa for Iran.

Fergal’s journey through Iran and Afghanistan was filled with hospitality, generosity, and unforgettable experiences. Contradicting the fears and stereotypes he’d heard back home he shares that “the places that have the least are where I’ve received the most,”.

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Endurance, Resilience, and the Kindness of Strangers

From wild camping in remote fields to enduring minus 20°C in China’s deserts, Fergal’s trip has been a masterclass in resilience. He learned to get comfortable with discomfort, whether it was sleepless nights in a tent or navigating language barriers in China.

Prior to making it to China, Fergal had another unexpected twist in his story. Sadly due to the death of his cousin he had to unexpedtedly fly to Ireland for the funeral. This would mean he woudln’t have enough days to cycle with his bike across the Pamir Highway and enter China in time before his visa would expire. Enter Chiara and Eva, two fellow adventurers who saved the day by hitch-hiking with Fergal’s bike Nimrod, all across the Pamirs and brought his bike to China, allowing him to fly home for the funeral and return to China in time to validate his visa.

Another standout story which Fergal shared was when he was in China cycling through the Taklamakan Desert with another friend from Ireland. They were both running low on food and water, with the length of Ireland between them and any resupply spots. Taking shelter in a roadside culvert, they were unexpectedly helped by two local workers who invited them into an abandoned factory, fed them, and gave them the energy to continue. This was very much a case of ‘the road always provides’ and is a mantra that has stayed with Fergal and a key lesson from the adventure so far.

Lessons Learned and Paying It Forward

Fergal’s journey has also taught him about vulnerability, openness, and the willingness to accept help. He’s raised nearly €90,000 for hospice and suicide prevention charities, causes close to his heart especially after losing his cousin to suicide during the trip.

He’s also learned that people everywhere are fundamentally good, and that travel – especially that taken on a bike – breaks down barriers and builds empathy. “A person is a person, no matter where you are in the world,” he says.

Adventure is as much about inner transformation as it is about crossing continents. His willingness to face fears, embrace the unknown, and connect with people along the way will likely inspire you to dream big yourself.

My conversation with Fergal lasted so long I’ve split the episode up into two parts. Stay tuned for part 2 where we get into his experiences in Iran, Afghanistan, China, Tibet and SE Asia.

If you’d like to support Fergal’s fundraising efforts you can do so here, and you can follow him via his instagram – @rossie_to_aussie

Lastly, if you’re planning your own adventure, remember: the road always provides.

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The Seek Travel Ride podcast