Himalayas X Expedition 2011 - Pre-launch Information, June 2011

It's time. After 5 years of constant cycling and training (cross training in the gym these past 10 weeks, while giving the bike a rest losing 10kg in the process), I am prepared for the Himalayas X Expedition 2011. The route isn't etched in stone, but what I can tell you is the route will include transit from South Korea to Tianjin, China and cycling to Qingdao, China to meet my local host Li Wei, an amazing international student now studying at my university. I hope to share a visit with Li Wei and prepare for an overland train experience to the starting point of the expedition. Special interests, the Taklamakan Desert, Central and Western China, Tibet and the Himalayas.

Actually, it all begins when we leave our house in the morning and go out and explore our world...well, this expedition has a little more formalities including immunizations, visa preparations, familial responsibilities, and preparing to face the physical elements -both the natural world, and in utilizing the self-preparation that came in training, and finally sorting out the equipment lists along with the logistics and coordination/communication with partnering foundations). It all took several months to finalize, but we are finally here - 7 days from the moment I walk out my front door onto an expedition of epic proportions -at least in my book.

It's been 10 years since I had once, bright-eyed and bushy headed, set off as a thrill-seeker (1993-2001), my purposes and calculations are much different now - but I do hope to catch that endless 'spirit of adventure' while out riding, speaking in foreign languages (Mandarin, Tibetan, Uighur) as I roam the urban, rural, inhabited and uninhabited-open landscapes that envelope the people in tiny pockets of cultural perimeters. I hope to cross through geographical (following the topographical curvatures), cultural, linguistic, and national boundaries into open domains with a bicycle. Inside of me there is fear, apprehension, calculation, mental mind-mapping of the route, the experiences expected or unexpected - of course all of this is human nature to find out the -why? -where? -who? what's next? and deal with the uncertainties when they must be dealt with -all these questions will be answered in a rhythm that can follow a route and keep within the limits we set for ourselves, or those imposed upon us and make alternate arrangements to carry on. I look forward all of it. It's a moment of choice, a moment of chance, a moment of freedom, and movement across a great land.

It's an exciting time in my life, I will share the journey with you, and make it more than just my personal lived experience -reporting back and sharing the "now" with all of you -hopefully, to inspire others to live their personal dreams or support an organization you believe in. I've scheduled 60 days to cover the ground, to experience a region of the world I knew existed primarily in books, blogs, or pages on the internet, shared ideas and daydreams. This time around, the experience is real, the risks are calculated and distances are challenging, especially on a bicycle. What could be better than a bicycle expedition into the unknown (giggles)

I am supporting several amazing non-profit foundations led by explorers Robert Hill, Ostomate and Mountaineering expedition veteran of the Seven Summits Series supporting IBD research for a cure  (for more information: IDEAS - Intestinal Disease Education & Awareness Society, Canada); and Antony Jinman, veteran Arctic & Polar Explorer and founder of the innovative non-profit school outreach, ETE - Education Through Expeditions, UK) and I will share more information about the causes, the mission, and the experiences of bicycle touring along the roof of the world on this journey.

Thank you for taking interest in the Himalayas X Expedition 2011 and I hope you enjoy your visits to the Korean-World, an adventure blog running since 2007 (visit the links to friends and adventurers on this site).


An old quote, I will continue to follow in the coming weeks...


"Face your fears to live your dreams."


Brian Perich, Adventurer, Father, Teacher and supporter of non-profit organizations.

@ the office, teaching English as a Foreign language in South Korea

While Out Riding: Tips for Cycling in Korea, Adventure Touring, Bicycle Freedom

Hi Brian,

I stumbled upon your blog and was hoping you could answer a question for me. I am preparing to teach English in Korea (Seoul most likely, though I don't know which area yet) and I have been wondering about the city's cycling culture. I'm not a very experienced rider. During college (I graduated one year ago) I lived in a small community making cycling an easy, safe, and quick mode of transport. Since, I have moved to the outskirts of Washington D.C. Though there's a growing bike culture here, the streets are narrow and drivers are not yet prepared to "share the road" with cyclists. This results in frequent car-bike collisions, and also in me being afraid to ride downtown.

I have never been to Asia, but as Seoul is even larger than New York (somewhere I have been) I was hoping to use my bike as a healthier and faster way of commuting around the city. Maybe as I get more comfortable, I'll take longer rides, but right now my goal is simply to get to and fro.

My main questions are:

1. How bike friendly is Seoul (are there bike lanes, do cars watch out for bikers, are there a lot of bikes, etc.)?

2. What does it cost to buy a road bike normally? (Keep in mind, I don't need anything fancy. Something used, bare bones will get the job done, at least for now.)

3. Do you have any recommendations for bike shops in Seoul? (I don't know Korean :( Just English and Spanish)   Thanks so much. Can't wait to hear from you!

Cassandra

Here's a detailed version of an English-version Seoul metropolitan map*

Hi Cassandra,

Koreans are culture keen to see change, Cycling in Korea is much a part of the growing lifestyle choice for millions of nationals here, and foreigners who Teach English in Korea (as in elsewhere in Asia) find their new host culture to speak a universal language -Bicycles.

That said, you will find that pedestrian sidewalks exist all over Seoul as well, there are tributary rivers that connect different urban areas of the greater metropolitan areas. The Han River connects many riders due to its tremendous geographical length and the use of bike paths along the banks with areas for refreshments, rental bikes available free to registered local residents (Mountain bikes available for a few hours, I have tried and liked using them...from Yongsan Digital Market, I walked up to the Han River and rented one. I rode to Bukansan National Park and back in 2 hours and thoroughly enjoyed the urban riding. At times, the sidewalks exist and there is enough space to ride along until you reach a patch of people, and the streets do not generally have designated bike lanes, you ride at your own risk and should be aware of the hazards accompanying Cycling in Korea along heavily used auto routes. Therefore, the alternatives (paths along the rivers intersecting Korean urban areas, such as Seoul) and the pedestrian walkways are alternatives. Cycling is friendly in Korea, it is also quite safe when you understand the nature of traffic and the laws that are somewhat breached by drivers in Korea as well. Traffic laws are not heavily enforced, therefore, riders should be aware of their surroundings and ride with an alertness to any sudden danger.

It is quite safe, I must stress the "Safe Cycling in Korea" - Wearing a helmet, cycling gloves, and bright/reflective jersey, reflective decals and definitely lights for later rides/after dark (headlight and tail lights, available for $10 at $1 stores here, or bicycle shops). Korea is safe and secure, the culture lends itself to protecting their own homogeneous people, this reduces crime and any threat to personal property and your personal well being as well. I enjoy living in Korea and find Koreans to be a welcoming culture collectively, as well, they extend kindness to foreign nationals in many ways, just smile and be polite -ask anyone for help, and they will respond and most will jump into action to assist you.

I know a few locals that enjoy Cycling in Korea - My friend Brian Sullivan and son Matthew James

Sourcing a bicycle once you have landed in Korea is easy. Either a local Samchully bicycle store (Korean national brand, some of these shops sell high-end Giant, Rockey Mountain, Trek, etc...and some sell the local, or now Made-in-China varieties - Lespo, Alton, Blackcat (best entry level bike in Korea, Blackcat is a OEM aluminum frame similar to Giant in the MTB category. I rode 10,000km on one of them (6/2009-2/2011).

Using http://gmarket.co.kr and searching for MTB in the terms I used (bicycle brands here...Alton for example) turns up many low-priced options to start Cycling in Korea. Have a Korean national at your new employer help you order the bicycle and have it delivered to your school.

Safety lights "On" in urban areas and rural areas where visibility is in question

 Suitable protection from climate and the possibility of a fall (GOPRO camera mounted to helmet)

 Riding on sidewalks as the alternative when bike lanes are not available

 Watch out for ice in winter and car, bus, truck traffic -all year long.

 Intersections, you must be very cautious in Korea (notice location of truck at intersection)

 Urban cycling, going with the flow of autos

 Urban riding in Gangneung, Gangwon Province (northeast coast of South Korea)

 Hwy 7 - Getting outside the cities and into the provincial territories

 This is my favorite style of Cycling in Korea, on Tour

 As the seasons change, so will the crops. There fields will be lush green in summer with rice

 On tour while Cycling in Korea

 This is a Blackcat MTB, this particular bike cost $400 and covered 10,000km

 Qualityisn't always in a name brand, it's in the build. I replaced the cranks, chain, rear cassette and brakes after 10,000km

 Uljin County, Eastern coast (inland) of South Korea, paved roads for farmers and cyclists

 Crossing tributaries of rivers that orginiate in the Eastern coast mountains

 Cherry blossoms and a man-made reservoir

 Finding the alternative to the urban/rural pavement is another option

 There are also folk-lore and defenders of the friendly spirit in South Korea

 Awesome woodart en route to Busan, Gyeongsannamdo, South Korea

 Love the "rolley eyes" on this one

 Are you fueled on fruits and vegetables while out riding? You should be.

So, for under $250 you can now use http://gmarket.co.kr/ as your search engine for bike shopping (Alton, Lespo, Blackcat, etc...for the cheap starters, still good quality though) and if you want something more expensive, you can search for Trek, Scott, Marin, Giant, etc. for much, much more money. You can also visit your local bike shop, regardless of where you purchased your bike, if you become familiarized with them -practice your Korean and the owner/operator or other customers will practice their English, you can accessorize your bike, get it tuned up from time to time, and make new friends in the process. Find out where they are riding and join them if your bike fits their groups intended usage.

Getting started Cycling in Korea is easy (join the Facebook group too) and you will instantly find your new home in Asia easier to navigate speaking that universal language of love for two-wheels that you probably grew up with and keep firing up today! Gareth Z Barker is a Cycling in Korea enthusiast and administrator for the group locally (based in Gimpo), he has recented posted his bicycle tour from Seoul to Mokpo (West Coast Tour 2011), it looks to be awesome too! This is the sort of exchange happening in social networking sites, where riders can connect, exchange route ideas and socialize -while out riding, or preparing for the next one.

Cycling in Korea is an international spirit, a language which stops at no borders, no languages, no cultures, no boundaries -except the ones we build for ourselves (growing more confident, these boundaries will disappear as well) and eventually, you will be Cycling all over Korea. This is a great place for bicycle cultures to find their place and many Koreans are keen to see those changes come true - helping the bicycle culture grow in Asia.

Hope this message helps you, I'm glad to share it with you.

Peace from Korea,

Brian

...Response from Cassandra (in DC): (Brian says, "THANKS MUCH FOR THIS MESSAGE!")

Dear Brian,

Thank you so much for your thorough response. It was extremely helpful. My good friends works at CityBikes here in D.C. I'm going to browse the links that you've sent me and talk to him about buying in Korea v. bringing one on the plane/ shipping.

Thanks again. You've made me extremely excited for the move!

Warm regards,

Cassandra

View Larger Map Map for West Coast tour of South Korea (4-5 days)

Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea (Hwy 1 Route)

Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Osan-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea

Daecheon-dong, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea

Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea

Muan-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea

and Mokpo-si, Jeollanam-do, South Korea.

Cycling in Korea: Is it safe to bicycle tour solo in Korea? The answer is: YES!!!

 Julian Kim wrote:


Hi Brian,

I'm sorry to message you out of the blue, but I found you via your blog and I was hoping to ask you a couple of questions.

First, I am a Canadian (aged 22) with a modest control of the Korean language. I will be visiting Korea for 1.5 months starting late June to first visit family with my parents. However, I will be staying after my parents depart and was hoping to do a bike trip. After reading your blog, the Seoul to Busan route has interested me. I have this poorly thought-out and hastily thought up notion of a soul-searching and culturally revelatory solo-trip down the country. I was wondering if, from your experience, riding alone for that distance was generally inadvisable? I understand everything comes with its risks, but I'm wondering how much general risk am I going to be dealing with by going alone? By the way, I have some experience (2 trips) biking but have always done it with an experienced friend.

In addition, I was wondering if you knew of any places I could possibly rent a bike for said trip. Would it be possible to rent from a place in Seoul then drop it off in Busan?

Sorry for the wordy message and thanks in advance!

-Julian..

 Brian Perich wrote:


Hi Julian,

I appreciate your interest in visiting family in the homeland and taking the idea seriously to go Cycling in Korea. Rental bikes for touring all of Korea are hard to find, if available at all. I can direct you to cheap bikes in Korea, perhaps a relative in Korea can order you, I'll search for a link... I have a used 2008 Trek 6500 completely rebuilt with Schwalbe touring tires, frame is 17.5 large, and it's selling for 600,000 won, similar to the new 2011 TREK 6500 selling for 1,600,000 KRW Otherwise, in a local bike shop in Korea you can purchase a decent bike for touring Korea for under 600,000 KRW (about $550 USD). Thanks, hope this information helps you!

Cycling near Gangneung, Gangwon-do Province (northeastern coast of Korea), Express bus across Korea (bike and bag stowed in luggage compartment, this is hassle-free in Korea, D.I.Y.). Gangneung is the starting point to excellent riding either north to Ganseong (DMZ outpost) or south to Busan, Gyeongsannamdo. There is one route along the coast - Hwy 7. There are mountainous routes as well for the more adventurous cyclists whom enjoy 700-1000m climbs, Take Hwy 35 West from Gangneung, over the mountains (883m) to Pyeongchang, another 20km to Jinbu, turn South on Hwy 59 towards Taebaek, at the junction (road T-bones) you turn right (West) to Taebaek, Gangwon-do or left (East) and cross 7 -700m peaks and eventually decend back into Donghae (south entry), turn left (North) and continue on the coastal Hwy 7 to Gangneung, you have just completed a 257km loop. Continue South on Hwy 7 from Gangneung, you will pass Donghae, Samcheok, Uljin, Pyeonghae, Pohang, Gyeongju, Ulsan, Busan.

  Hi Julian,


I didn't answer all your questions - my apologies. Absolutely, I recommend Cycling in Korea to anyone experienced or new to bicycle adventures, and you can definitely (without any problems) do it solo. I have crossed Korea on various routes riding solo and sometimes meet other cyclists while on tour, and we finish the routes together. South Korea is incredibly safe, diverse (topographically) and has enough open spaces (despite it's size 99,000 square kms, 48 million population), since development is concentrated in Seoul and surrounding cities, Daejeon, Incheon, Daegu, Busan, perhaps the rest of the country is much less developed, either mountainous or used for agricultural purposes. Korean nationals are friendly, welcoming, offer free water to cyclists at any service center for autos, and there is little risk except for general traffic and hazards that come with bicycling in close proximity to urban roads.

 Cycling from Seoul to Sokcho on a KSPO Tour was a highlight for me in 2010

 It's easier to meet other riders while out riding than it is to schedule it ahead of time, just go out and ride!

 After heavy rains on tour, the air is fresh and the nature's movements are amazing to see

I suggest being better prepared, a helmet, cycling gloves for hand protection, a reflective neon vest (Home Plus sells them here), cycling shorts (for comfort on long tours), a nylon or sports jersey/cycling jersey, a decent bike with quick release hubs, a pump, patch kit and levers to remove and replace the tire in event of flat/puncture, a light weight rain poncho (Sold at Home Plus in Korea, 5,000won), a bicycle headlight and tail light. It doesn't take much to be prepared, the rest is water, raisins for emergency and continuing tour fuel between meals on 10 hour days, and keep smiling throughout your journey.

 If you have children going cycling with you, remember to always them buckle up

 Helmets are a must when Cycling in Korea or any country where road hazards exist

 With a little preparation, even winter Cycling in Korea can be safe and enjoyable

Take a camera and charger unit for multi-day adventures. These are a few more ideas for you to consider while Cycling in Korea, and enjoy the journey, this is the place to do it, in the company of others or in the solitude of yourself and your bike. Always remember to bring several locks, a Sturdy TONKIN chain lock is preferred, take your seat and seatpost inside for overnights. Remove the front wheel and lock the wheel to the frame/rear wheel, and lock the bike to a fixed object. My only concern with Cycling in Korea is BIKE THEFT (as it would be internationally), ALWAYS LOCK YOUR BIKE OR KEEP IT WITH YOU.

Thank you Julian - for important questions and I am glad to help you. I will be away on expedition across western China, Tibet and the Himalayas this summer, talk about going solo, remember to trust yourself and all your instincts while out riding, play it safe and never assume drivers know your next move. Keep safe, check my blog for regular updates, I like to ride solo and I like to ride the extreme, or at least I am trying!

I wish you success on your tour of South Korea!  Peace, Brian P

• June 5
• 

  about an hour ago

  Julian Kim

  • Hi Brian. Thanks for all of the info! I'm trying to get everything together, but arranging for an affordable and decent bike is proving to be quite difficult.
    
    -Julian
• 

  2 minutes ago

  Brian Perich

  • Next post on my blog explains (contains a link to Gmarket) how to source a decent bicycle for general riding or light touring in Korea. http://korean-world.blogspot.com/2011/06/hi-brian-i-stumbled-upon-your-blog-and.html
    
    Many riders I know, have expensive bikes and many have passed me bye over the years, but I started with the cheapest bikes in Korea and gradually built up my experiences, technical skills in maintenance repairs. Better to start cycling cheap in Korea, buy a Tonyon lock (big, cotton cloth covered chain, commonly used on motorcycles in Korea, you can get a chain version, wrap it in clear tape (wide-style) from end to end, protected from grease/dirt and wrap it again when it gets dirty. Secondary smaller locks, a good idea too, all found in local bicycle stores. 
    
    
    Good luck with the launch, let me know how it goes. ^^
    
    Brian Perich

Cycling in Korea: Routes & Microfinancing ideas for adventure cyclists

 Kitting a baby carrier with a seatpost rack (do this for only light weight children cautiously!)

 Mountain bike touring with two children in South Korea - It can be done ^^!

 Cycling the East Coast, Sokcho-Gangwondo to Busan, Gyeongsannamdo, Korea 2007

 Cycling first day with Cho In Gwang in 2007. We also bicycle toured the West Coast of Korea 2008

 Do you have this feeling? Better start cycling if the answer is - NO!!! ^^

 South Korea's northeastern coastline (East Sea and across the sea is Japan)

 Get fit, stay positive, keep cycling!

 In Korea, the roads are paved like Silk, bicycle touring here is as easy as 1-2-3

 Hwy 7, 475km route along Hwy 7 from Sokcho to Busan. See Google Maps for details*

 Making friends on the journey, makes the journey more than a journey, it's a friendship!

 Finding Buddhist temples en route, discover Cycling in Korea

 Andong Masks, Cho In Gwang took another route around Korea starting in Anyang

 Korean crafts and pieces of their cultural heritage

 Bike-lite MTB touring, it doesn't have to be expensive to impress anyone -just ride and enjoy!

 This is a Korean Jim-Jil-Bang (Public Sauna/Family accomodation coed style, $6 a night)

 Fire station in Gyeongju, Gyeongsannamdo. Definite place to visit is Seokguram and Bulguksa located on Mt. Tohamsan nearby the route from Gyeongju to Ulsan to Busan, Hwy 7.

 "Muu" for sale in the Sokcho street markets

All you need is love, and a bicycle to travel on

 Rice is abundant on the fertile plains surrounding Mount Tohamsan, Gyeongju

 Seokguram grotto in Mount Tohamsan, Gyeongju, Korea

 Bul-guk-sa, a gateway to Korean Buddhism

 Enjoy the rain on a long tour in Korea

 East coast of Korea is my Lucky "7"

 Gyeongju, Gyeongsannamdo, Korea is a UNESCO World heritage site.

 UNESCO site. Tombs in the distance.

 Cheongseongdae Observatory, early Korean observatory for the stars

 Cosmos flowers, one of my favorites around the fall season in Korea

 Three story pagota. Pagota is also a language franchaise and publisher in Korea

RE: Michael Rosenfield Raising money for charity...Do you have any idea how to go about raising money for charity on short notice?

I think you website amazing!... BTW
-Mike..October 8, 2009

Brian Perich:

Hi Mike,

I'm glad Jenn Pedde introduced you. Well, short-notice fund-raising...??? I think you should consider setting up an account with http://www.kiva.org/ - A microlending organization, then you set out to make a Facebook group and Website about your tour in Japan. I haven't even started the charity fund-raising yet, as I am training for the big ride and getting media attention well in advance. Kiva is simple, and you can raise money in Korea with a few poker tournaments or other activities, but on short-notice, it won't be easy. You want the message out there, and you should canvass all your friends and family to make a small donation. Later, when you finish the tour, you can take the funds in the Kiva account, and loan them to various entrepreneurs in developing countries, I think this is your best strategy on short notice! Keep me posted on your cycling and charity campaign, & I wish you an excellent bike journey!!

Brian Perich 010.3037.5126
Kiva - Loans that change lives
www.kiva.org
Kiva enables you to loan to small businesses in developing countries...Share..

Michael Rosenfield: June 4, 2011

Brian, I have friends in Ansan near Oido station - how do you normally bike from Ansan to Seoul-what routes? I haven't biked there yet but lived there for a couple months.
-Thanks
Mike
P.S. I listened to your radio interview it was pretty cool. I guess I am a couple years late. You did that 2 years ago-right?..

Brian Perich:

Hi Mike, yeah really the same interview...same plan. From Ansan, good cycling is actually found south of there. Ansan to the park that runs south from Haundaeup Station (Hanyang University in Ansan) towards Sungloksu Station, but continue south in the park, follow the rice fields, there are paved paths throughout and you pass a number of green houses, some main roads, eventually a large overpass you take with the bike and continue towards Suwon (signs for Osan) and you run parallel to the subway train route, finally Suwon, Pyeongtaek, and Cheonan (1/2 way to Daejeon), you can take the subway train back into Ansan, you just cycled 80km or 50 miles. If you spend a night in Cheonan (jim-jil-bang, Public Sauna/Co-ed Guesthouse), the next day you can actually ride to Boryeong-Daecheon beach -where the famous 'Mud Festival' is held every year. They have a wonderful campground in the off season too (now), that distance is approximately 110km. Continuing south, you can cycle all the way down to Buan-gun and Byeongsanbando National Park, or continue the longer haul to Mokpo in Jeollanamdo Province. As far as cycling to Seoul from Ansan, you would follow the subway line from Incheon (Ansan, Siheung, Incheon over to the Han River...or Ansan, Gunpo, Anyang, north through the satellite cities). Enjoy the rides, I lived in Ansan for many years (korean years, 4 in total). I'm preparing a MA dissertation and preparing for an expedition across western China's Takalamakan Desert and Tibet, the Himalayas. Hopefully, a new interview when I get back to Korea.
Peace and thanks for this message, will post to korean-world.blogspot.com