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China By Bicycle
Many people dream of taking on a big challenge in another country or doing an adventurous trip, but few actually follow
through on their ideas. Hiroshima resident Nathan Taylor and his mate Joe Ryan are taking on the challenge of
cycling across China with
nothing more than the packs they can carry. No doubt many physical, mechanical and cultural challenges will pop up
during their trek, but since their trip's goal is to raise money for an orphanage and encourage others to live a
bit more eco-friendly,
we hope nothing will stop them from completing everything they have planned.
Of all the places to do a charity project, why did you choose a cycle trip through China?
Both my co-rider Joe Ryan and I are coming to the end of our JET contracts and were agreeing that it is the perfect
opportunity to take on a once in a lifetime challenge before returning seeking new employment.
I was thinking of cycling the length of Japan, or walking (as much as possible of) the great wall of China.
Joe came up with the cycling China idea, which seemed to combine with my thinking and take it to a new level,
so I agreed and it went from there.
We quickly decided that as well as being a fantastic challenge, the project could be used as a way to give to the
less fortunate Chinese community. Being teachers in Japan it seemed natural to try and help a children's charity.
We will be giving talks at numerous schools along our route, and will be raising money for the renovation and the
two year running costs of an orphanage in the south of the country.
You say you hope to encourage people to live greener by your example of surviving on your own power and
solar energy during your trip, how are you planning to live clean/green during your trek across china?
For example, does that mean that you will be completely self reliant as well?
The dream is to be totally self sufficient while in China. Using Bicycles for transport, a tent as a home,
and cooking all of our own food while on route. Unfortunately, the reality of the situation presents a number of
difficulties. The laws in China vary from province to province and sometimes we will be in areas with camping/
cycling restrictions. In these cases we will do our utmost to stick to our ideals but may find ourselves forced to
deviate slightly (by being arrested for example).
As for Internet use, we have committed ourselves to providing certain sponsors with continual expedition updates,
so using internet cafes also seems unavoidable.
Why did you choose this orphanage as your charity to sponsor?
Any personal connection/feeling toward orphanages in particular?
We decided that we wanted to be involved with a school or orphanage building project.
One of the Charities that responded to our enquiries was the 'Half the Sky' foundation. They showed to be very
enthusiastic about our project and mentioned that one of the orphanages that they need help with is at the
southern point of an island just off the south of the country. This happened to be the same place that we had
decided to aim for and it seemed silly to ignore fate and decline the offer for us to have that as our project
(financially speaking).
Gear & conditions- could you tell us a bit about the gear you will be travelling with,
the terrain/kinds of roads and conditions you expect you will be crossing?
Firstly, the China By Bicycle project is in two halves, the Charity work, and the expedition.
The expedition is being funded privately so that all funds raised can go to the orphanage.
We anticipate that we are going to encounter virtually all manner of terrain on route from mountains to plains,
valleys to desserts. We are also anticipating seeing some of the most beautiful natural scenery on the planet.
Due to the time, distance, and aforementioned terrain involved in the expedition we have had to aim for top quality
equipment. Luckily, some of the companies that we have approached have shown an interest in the project and have
decided to support us with discounts, and even free equipment.
We will be riding top of the range touring bicycles (Koga Miyata) with large pannier bags (Ortlieb) on either side
of the front and back wheels, as well as on the handle bars.
We are being given superior quality sleeping bags as well as waterproof clothing and an awesome tent.
How about your personal goals and plans- what do you hope to get out of this experience
personally?
To raise enough money to pay all of the running costs of an orphanage for two years, and to know that it will have
such a positively impact on so many lives both at the time and in the future will feel like my legacy.
Beyond this, to complete the challenge of something that so few people have done before will be immensely rewarding,
and will give me memories (and great stories) that I can take to my grave.
No matter how much I travel or age, I am continually learning about myself. The more extreme situations that you
encounter, the more of yourself you can reveal. I'm looking forward to seeing how I deal with the problems and
stresses of the trip.
Joe and I are very good old friends from back home in the U.K. we played rugby together, went to the same college,
even co-owned a house for a short time. Most of our time together is spent arguing over one thing or another.
Spending about nine months living in each others pockets is going to be a very interesting experience.
Family & Friends- how do those around you respond to your plans and ideas?
I think it took a long time for my family to realise that this idea was for real. Now that the start is reaching
fruition they are very supportive as with everything I do. (and of course my mother nags me about numerous safety
issues). My friends have all been very excited, shocked, and supportive about the project. Jokes aside,
I have not encountered any negative feelings to date about what we are hoping to achieve.
Can you reflect on your experiences in Hiroshima as you are about to leave it behind? The good, bad,
the best of .., the worst... something that surprised you about living here? Something you will never forget ...
I may not be leaving Hiroshima behind for good. There is a chance that I may find my way back here sometime
post-China. When I arrived in Hiroshima nearly three years ago I was expecting to stay for only one year.
I had no idea what to expect (due to lack of research) about the city or indeed the country.
As it turned out, I have had such a fantastic time here that it seemed like I have had little choice but to stay
for further years. In truth, if the JET contract lasted longer then I would have happily stay on.
The fact that I will shortly be without a job or a home prompted the idea to try something different,
yet I feel that I haven't finished with Hiroshima yet.
I think the worst part of living here is knowing that I am leaving. Having made this commitment,
I have started to be effected by the frustrations of cultural differences, much like when I first arrived.
I think that, had I decided to stay then I would continue to happily accept things the way they are.
Having said this, I also think that generally, living abroad often feels like a temporary arrangement for a long
time. I have only recently started to think of Hiroshima as my home, so it is (now) difficult to leave.
The high school that I currently work in has made me feel incredibly welcome. Working there has been an absolute
pleasure and becoming involved in the 'school community' has been a large part of my experience here in Japan.
Finally, I will never forget the experiences that I have had with the Hiroshima touch rugby club.
I started the club about two years ago and have watched it grow from its initial five members to the twenty plus
that we now have. I have met some great people from all around the world, as well as Japan and have travelled to
tournaments, experiencing Japanese culture, some otherwise unseen areas of the country, as well as having relative
success on the field.
jjwalsh
June 2006
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