Episode 86: Claire Wyatt

Mongolia to the U.K – Biking Against Bombs

In this episode I reconnect with adventurer Claire Wyatt, ahead of her ambitious journey biking from Mongolia all the way home to the UK.

As Claire prepares to embark on her most daunting journey yet, riding from Mongolia to the UK, she shares her insights, experiences, and reflections from her previous bike tours across Australia, Southeast Asia, and Sri Lanka.

The Mongolia to U.K Adventure: Preparation and Anticipation

Claire’s journey is set to start in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. With her panniers packed and her bike ready, she’s set on conquering the steppe landscapes and moving through to China, Kyrgyzstan, and further west. For Claire, the joy of bike touring lies in the unpredictability and the opportunities to immerse herself in different cultures.

“I’m not looking any further than Mongolia right now, to be honest,” Claire shares. With a 30-day visa for Mongolia, she intends to enjoy the experience fully, refusing to stress about upcoming borders or unforeseen challenges.

The Lessons from Past Adventures

Claire’s previous tours have equipped her with a mindset to embrace spontaneity and unexpected obstacles. In her journey across Australia, Claire meticulously planned routes and stops, a habit she has since relaxed. “Australia, I was so, so organised to the T… This trip I haven’t. Something has changed since Australia. I’ve kind of let go… I’m not planning too much,” she reflects.

From the wild expanses of Cambodia’s jungles to the crowded and chaotic roads of Bangkok, Claire’s adventures have shaped her understanding of resilience, adaptability, and human kindness. She recounts dusty rides through Laos where the road conditions were challenging but the scenery breathtaking, and thrilling but cautious rides through the busy streets of Southeast Asian cities.

Memorable Moments and Reflections

Claire fondly recalls several standout moments from her past journeys:

• Tasmania’s Wilderness: Stunned by the untouched beauty of Tasmania during a weekend test ride, Claire felt that sense of remoteness and purity, a moment that stays with her.
• Southeast Asia Adventures: Whether navigating through Laos’ pothole-ridden roads or discovering the ancient temples via the Khmer Ancient Way in Cambodia, Claire’s experiences were both awe-inspiring and humbling.
• Sri Lanka’s Surprises: Borrowing a bike in Sri Lanka, Claire ventured across varied landscapes, from Jaffna in the north to the central highlands and down to the southern beaches. Encounters with wildlife, especially elephants, added to the thrill.

The Spirit of Kindness and Flexibility

Claire embodies the spirit of kindness and flexibility, traits vital for long-term travel. Despite the occasional warnings and fearful apprehensions shared by others, she remains positive. “Every day, I receive an act of kindness, and I hope to give this back to as many people as I can as well,” she says.

Her commitment to raising funds for the Mine Advisory Group through her Biking Against Bombs initiative speaks volumes of her Claire’s character. The organisation works to clear landmines and make land safe, a cause dear to Claire after witnessing the close proximity of landmines to homes and children in Cambodia.

Looking Forward

Excitement is high as Claire gears up for an epic journey, filled with incredible experiences. Follow her adventures via her Instagram, and perhaps, a newsletter too as she tries to navigate the connectivity challenges during her route.

Claire’s journey is not just about covering miles but about capturing the essence of travel. It’s about learning, meeting new people, staying positive, and truly immersing oneself in the experience.

For those interested in supporting her cause or staying updated with her travels, stay tuned to the Seek Travel Ride podcast. And for those looking to embark on their own adventures, Claire leaves this advice: “Don’t overthink what could go wrong… people are good, and kindness is everywhere.”

Stay Connected

• Claire Wyatt: Follow her journey on Instagram for updates.
• Podcast: Subscribe to Seek Travel Ride for more inspiring stories.
• Support: Check out Claire’s Biking Against Bombs fundraiser in the show notes of the podcast episodes.
• Listen to Claire’s previous episodes: Episode 14 and Episode 41

The Seek Travel Ride podcast