A father and son from Norfolk push through an extraordinary 400-day cycling expedition around the world, covering more than 25 countries and raising over £30,000 for charity. George Kohler, 57, and his son Josh, 23, kicked off their “Pedal the Planet” challenge from their hometown on March 29 last year. The duo has logged thousands of miles, targeting a total of 30,000 kilometers, while climbing 180,000 meters—equivalent to scaling 20 Mount Everests.
Record-Breaking Feats on the Horizon
The pair positions themselves for three Guinness World Records: the fastest father-and-son team to circumnavigate the globe by bicycle, the furthest distance cycled by a father and son, and the most countries pedaled through by such a duo. After conquering South America, they take a brief rest in Rio before the final push.
Standout Moments and Surprises
Daily rides last 7-8 hours, revealing stunning sights like Australia’s remote Nullarbor Plain, South America’s Iguazu Falls with over 200 cascades, and Turkey’s Cappadocia dotted with hot-air balloons at dawn. Yet, China emerges as their undisputed favorite, defying all preconceptions.
“We didn’t want to leave,” Josh, a videographer and content creator, explains after spending two months there. “We arrived with no expectations, but it was completely different to what we had expected. It was incredible. Every day, there was so much going on, so much to see. It’s a completely different culture, the food and scenery was incredible, and the people were really friendly.”
George highlights unique experiences: “Little snippets from China include being able to walk on the western side of the Great Wall in this incredible scenery, to witnessing the Hani rice terraces, the largest in the world—it was like overlooking the Grand Canyon but made of rice, it was just insane.”
Toughest Tests Along the Route
The journey delivers relentless hurdles, from fierce headwinds and blistering desert heat to steep mountain passes and lonely highways. Brazil tops the list of challenges with its hilly terrain. “South America as a whole, they don’t have a cycling culture or infrastructure, so there’s no back road or anything,” Josh notes. “We’re on the highway, and especially in Argentina, there’s no hard shoulder, so we’re on the same lane as the trucks. Mentally, we were always having to be aware… and it was around 35 to 40 degrees during the day, it was hot, and very remote.”
Australia ranks high too, George adds, due to its vast scale: “Until you’ve experienced it, it’s just a figure on a map, but going through a 1,200km stretch of treeless desert with maybe half a dozen or so road houses… it’s hot, it’s dusty, and just goes on forever.”
Final Leg and Emotional Reflections
With weeks remaining, they fly from Rio to Lisbon on April 6, now biking through Portugal, Spain, and France before arriving back in Norfolk on May 2. George reflects: “There’s been so much we’ve been through, in terms of hardship, challenge, pressure… But on the flip side, we’ve recovered from that every time… the mutual support and respect we have for each other. The amazing people we’ve met, the incredible journey… it’s quite daunting” as the end nears.
The adventure deepens their bond amid emotional strains. “Spending this much time with anyone, you’re going to clash, but especially when it’s your dad,” Josh shares. “You do get on each other’s nerves… but the bonds we’ve formed and strengthened have just made this whole thing incredible.”
Charity Achievements
Beyond personal triumphs, George and Josh raise funds for UNICEF and Bicycle Links, a Norwich bike firm aiding those in need with refurbished bicycles and mental health workshops through community programs.
Track their progress on social media at @joshpkohler and @georgemkohler, or contribute via their JustGiving page.
