How it all started: the months and days before....

A new chapter at my work supposed to start in 2014 but it turned out different. So, I asked and got a break for 9 months.

End December 2013, I should have go back from my China delegation to Belgium by plane. Then the idea came to do it on an alternative way: car, motorbike, train, boat (?), bicycle, …..

I heard already about the Silkroute, a famous old route from merchants going from China to Europe and as I do like biking, the choice was made.

However, I went to Europe by plane for Christmas holidays and the preparations…..

As I was biking the last 3 years with an old, second hand mountain bike bought in the USA a couple years ago, buying a new special bike was definitely on the "To Do" list. So, since January, I am the owner of a Fahradmanufaktur TX400 bike. What makes this bike different is the Rholoff 14 speed gear. No conventional gear, instead, a kind of gearbox integrated in the rear axle. I bought the bike in Brussels at “La Maison du Velo”. Very kind and helpful people there!

I was told that there is a German automotive company named Continental who is specialized in all kinds of car parts, including tires. I was wondering if they also had tires for bicycles. And guess what: they have! After sending an email, I got positive responds. So, the orange logo with the horse will soon spinning around on the Travelcontact tire in various countries….. A special thanks to the Continental Kolbach plant, in particular Mr. Salokat to make this happen!



A box with some gifts from a well known German Automotive company



 

Almost all the rest of my needs was bought in Germany (Koln) by Globetrotter. The paradise for the camper/traveler.

My Kazakh visa was a little pain: After visiting the Kazakh consulate for 4 (four!) times just to discuss what to do and how to get (“the rules are the rules” and “I cannot do anything illegal”). For them, I was the "crazy Belgium biker" but at the end, it turned out just right. Also here I want to thank the Kazakh consul for his support, especially by making finally my visa in a world record time!

In February, I made as much doctor visits in 1 month as I did in the last 10 years. But now, my body is updated again……I have all the vaccines I need.

We are 2,5 months later, all preparations are done and I am now on the plane to China. This Saturday, March 22^nd,  “The Trip” will start. I am ready to go!

I will try to update this blog as much as possible…