A father and son duo, George, 57, and Josh Kohler, 23, from Norfolk, have embarked on a remarkable cycling journey around the world that has spanned over 400 days, covering more than 25 countries. Their expedition, labeled ‘Pedal the Planet’, has taken them through a variety of landscapes, from desolate deserts to rugged mountains and terraced rice fields.
Setting off from Norfolk on 29 March last year, the pair has pedaled thousands of miles, nearing an impressive 30,000 kilometers by journey’s end, while also raising over £30,000 for charity. Expected to conclude their extraordinary voyage next month, George and Josh will have spent almost 400 days cycling globally, conquering a staggering 180,000 meters of elevation – equivalent to scaling 20 Mount Everests.
Their journey aims to secure three Guinness World Records titles: ‘Fastest father and son to circumnavigate the world on bicycles’, ‘Furthest distance cycled by a father and son’, and ‘Most countries cycled through by a father and son’. As they approach the final stretch, George and Josh recently shared insights with The Mirror after completing their South America leg.
Reflecting on their experiences, George, a chimney sweep business owner, emphasized the challenges and rewards encountered during their expedition. He highlighted the resilience and mutual support that have seen them through tough times, along with the incredible people they’ve met and the breathtaking landscapes witnessed.
The duo’s global cycling voyage, which entails around 7-8 hours of cycling daily, has included memorable moments such as traversing the remote Nullarbor Plain in Australia and marveling at the majestic Iguazu Falls in South America. However, amidst all their travels, the standout destination for George and Josh has been China, where they spent two transformative months cycling through a unique culture, relishing the diverse food, scenery, and hospitality.
Despite the awe-inspiring experiences, their journey has been arduous, navigating challenging terrains across various countries. Brazil posed notable difficulties due to its rugged topography, especially the hilly regions. Reflecting on the difficulties faced in South America, Josh highlighted the lack of cycling infrastructure and the demanding conditions they encountered.
As they near the completion of their global odyssey, Josh and George anticipate breaking three Guinness World Records, awaiting official confirmation post their 400-day endeavor. Their final leg involves pedaling through Portugal, Spain, and France before returning to Norfolk on 2 May, marking the end of a transformative journey that has tested their physical, mental, and emotional limits.
In addition to creating lasting memories, the duo has also raised over £30,000 for UNICEF and supported Bicycle Links, a Norwich-based bike company aiding those in need. To follow more of their journey or make contributions, you can connect with them on their social media accounts @joshpkohler and @georgemkohler or donate through their JustGiving page.
