Life Cycles - The Bicycle // Our Noblest Invention //

Sit back for a 3-minute teaser of Life Cycles, enjoy the journey. Adventures are in the making. Freeride Mountain Biking - Another form of two wheel freedom, every pedal stroke.

Images of Bicycle Travel: Day Trip MTB @ The Mongolia Crossing Project

We won the Lotto! No, we traveled to outer Mongolia!

Natural hues of an amazing sky at sunset in Olgii, Mongolia

Dry bones. Can you name this animal?

My friend rented a mountain bike and we set out for adventure.

Our third amigo, he is new to MTB adventures

North of Olgii, we rode up in the hills past the sheep heads for beers.

Storms were brewing as they always do in Mongolia.

Looking back to Olgii, Bayan-Olgii Province.

Cycle and Motorcycle touring in Mongolia is epic.

There is a sky out there that will take you by surprise.

Clouds, they tell stories of Genghis Khan and the Mongols

Day trips with backpacks are relaxing, easy, and rewarding too.

Gravity helps us float back into Olgii to stay the Gers.

Speed and gravity, the endless pursuit of motion.

Backpacking for a day out in western Mongolia.

Ride on!  Inspiration is in the journey ahead of you.

Support for this expedition came from LYNSKEY USA, Makers of fine titanium frames.

Dream the big rides, face all the fears, live all the dreams.

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Brian Perich

Adventure Cyclist, Explorer, Father, University Lecturer

Global Ambassador at Education Through Expeditions

Ambassador at IDEAS, Intestinal Disease Education & Awareness Society, Canada

Nandadevi International MTB Expedition

Korean-World Micro Blog

A2A Expedition project

Facebook groups, 1, 2, 3

Facebook profile

Twitter: Cycleagain

Media Sample Media Sample 2

Skype: prof.brian.perich

Ph. 82.10.8075.5121 (South Korea)

Eddie Glayzer's Journey Across Asia :: Cycling in Korea & then the World

Eddie Glayzer's Journey Across Asia

Posted on 10. Jan, 2012 by Brian Perich Tag: bicycles, cross-country cycling, cycling around Asia, Cycling in China, cycling in korea,how to, India, international travel, Nepal, outdoors, travel

One man. One Bike. A staggering, 7271km. Cyclist and outdoor enthusiast, Eddie Glayzer, talks about a 2011 jaunt that saw him cycling 129 days from Tianjin, China all the way to New Delhi, India. 

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GANGNEUNG, South Korea - With the Korean language being a difficult language to master, some people find choosing a hobby in Korea can be a difficult task as well. However, a large group of expats around the country have taken a big interest in outdoor recreation such as cycling in Korea, where the common language is the road. One of those people, is Eddie Glayzer.

The 26-year-old Sacramento, California native began riding after graduating from the University of San Diego, when he embarked on a six week trip where gathered what little cash he had to ride across the U.S. from Vancouver to Tijuana. Having arrived in Korea in 2009, he quickly got involved in the cycling community and was soon riding around the country at every opportunity that arose.

Glayzer then set about making a plan to ride across Asia, and set the wheels in motion for what would be an almost four-month struggle across some of the toughest terrain, climate and political turmoil around. 

From March 1st to July 7th last year, Glayzer covered 7,271 km (4,518 miles) on his bike, which started from a boat ride from Incheon to Tianjin, China. Over the course of 129 days, Glayzer rode through China, Tibet, Nepal, and finishing his miraculous journey in New Delhi, India. The photos and journal  of his amazing ride are a must read for any cycling enthusiast, as well as anyone who has an interest in off-the-beaten path travel.

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Eddie Glayzer with Mt. Everest as a backdrop

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For those looking to get into cycling, Korean-World  is a blog developed from the adventures of Cycling in Korea, which is now a popular Facebook group . Through this social media activity, I've met some amazing distance cyclists who have a passion for outdoors, and would like to live there permanently, but choose to call Korea their home and live on their bike. Eddie Glayzer is definitely that sort of individual, and he has an amazing story to tell.

I completed a brief interview with Eddie during his Korea-China-Tibet-Nepal-India cycling expedition to share with friends and others with these interests. The interview is a background to Eddie's motivations and experiences, and his journal, The Cycling Vagabond is a popular read in the pages of crazyguyonabike.com 

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The trip outline

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What made you decide on your current journey?

I have no idea. The journey sort of made itself more than any decision I have made. When I graduated from University in the U.S., my gift to myself was a cycling trip across the U.S. I was only just starting to commute by bike at that time, but it seemed like a neat thing to do at the time. When I moved to Korea, I bought myself a proper touring rig and was riding everywhere on it. After completing two tours of Korea, I just decided to branch out and make this an official hobby among many.

Where did your journey begin & when did you come to Korea?

I came to Korea in February of 2009. I was completely broke with massive student loans in the U.S. Still, my first paycheck in the ROK went to a new bike! I actually gained several pounds when I first moved to Korea because I had no bike to ride!

What are your favorite bicycle tour routes in Korea, China or the USA?

I have crossed Korea two times and my favorite ride was along the west coast through the sleepy fishing villages punctuated every now and then by super popular vacation beaches. I hear the east coast is awesome as well, so that’s on my list for next year when I get back to the ROK. So far, China has been a royal pain in my ass bureaucratically. It’s complicated, much more so than a bicycle ride should be, even of this length. The people I have met on the road have more than made up for that shortcoming though. When I crossed the U.S. it was from Vancouver to Tijuana and it was spectacular, if a bit expensive. I am planning a Great Lakes tour next year when I return for grad school.

Does your bicycle have a name? How long have you two been together?

Of course she has a name. It's bad luck to raise a kick-stand and set off on a long voyage without christening your rig. Her name is Shirley. We have been together for almost three years now and I have never strayed, unlike some of my other relationships....

What are 3 tools that a long distance cyclist cannot do without?

I'm not a big repair-on-the-road kind of guy. If something breaks, I see it as an opportunity to meet new people as you seek help from the locals. That being said, tools are essential. I carry a Topeak Alien II that has been wonderful for the last five years or so and still going strong. Although, I admit I hardly use any of the stuff other than the Allen keys. It’s still nice to have everything you need in one package. Duct tape (Gaffer) is extremely important, as are zip-ties and extra straps or bungees.

Why did you decide to cycle across China?

My major in University was Cultural Anthropology with an emphasis on Asian culture. I want to visit as many countries as I can in this region, specifically, North East Asia. Japan is expensive so that left China!

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The roads through Lanzhou, China

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What are important things to prepare before setting off on tour?

Your head. Get it straight before you leave and everything else will sort itself out. I'm serious about this. Five days after leaving on this trip, I almost boarded a plane back to the ROK because I missed my girlfriend. Not too macho huh? I have never met a woman who had that sort of impact on me, especially to affect a long term goal such as this trip. It caught me completely off-guard. The other typical things I could tell you to prepare like your bike, your fitness, your traveling technique will all happen within the first two weeks on the road, regardless of whether or not you’re prepared before hand.

What is your greatest moment so far while riding in China?

There have been a lot. My most recent "great" moment was summiting Tranggula Pass at 5231 meters which is also the boundary between the TAR (Tibetan Autonomous Region) and Qinghai. I was completely out of breath due to the elevation. Just standing around left me light-headed. Other than that, I enjoyed staying in the Ganjia Monetary for three days with a group of monks, playing drinking games and listening to Micheal Jackson with a Tibetan restaurant owner near Qinghai Lake, or staying with a local one-eyed woman in the ancient, crumbling walled city of Jimigi in Heibe province.  Oh, I was also invited to a local school to do an impromptu English lesson in the country side of Shanxi province. I was half-drunk at the time and gave a 45 minute lecture to about 150 Chinese middle school students. I definitely did not see that one coming when I woke up that morning.

What’s your average mileage per day?

I have been keeping around 100k as a rough goal, but often times I do 80-100 with the occasional 50k or 150k day thrown into the mix. I don't really keep close track because I don't like to be on a tight schedule. Unfortunately that has been impossible in China due to their unreasonable short visa periods and expensive (sometimes impossible) extension system.

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Cooking noodles on the side of the road during a short pitstop.

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What would you bring on your next tour?

Iodine or chlorine tablets. I brought two stoves with me on this trip, my trusty Trangia alcohol stove and a Primus Himalaya multi-fuel. I hate cooking with petrol. I inhale the stuff all day and the last thing I want to smell when relaxing around camp is burning gas. I brought it for Tibet and other out of the way places where I might have to boil water a lot for drinking in which case the petrol stoves fuel efficiency becomes very important. This has turned out to not be a problem since there are more settlements than I thought and I just end up carrying extra water rather than boiling it in route.

What would you leave behind next time?

Primus Himalaya multi-fuel stove. A pair of shorts that I have yet to wear. I also brought a pair of Teva sandals that I am hoping will see some action once I reach Nepal but...

What equipment is essential for an ultra-distance bicycle tour?

A bicycle, an open mind, and a smile. That’s it. Everything else is optional. For me, personally, I would also add coffee.

Where can readers find more information about your tour? Can you give us your website?

Here is my website with a daily updates, pictures, and route information visitwww.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/thecyclingvagabond 

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Eddie Glayzer’s Trip Facts

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Longest day on the cycle (hours): 14 hours. Tianjin to Beijing.

Longest distance in a day (kms): 159k loaded.

Nights spent sleeping in tent: Not nearly as many as I thought it would be. So far just 7-8 days. Accommodations have been so cheap in China, and the weather/pollution, so miserable that it hasn't been worth pitching that often. However, since I recently entered Tibet and am dodging the local police like the plague, I am guessing I will get more use out of it, freezing weather be damned.

Nights sleeping in other places: I don’t know, probably 60 or so in cheap guest houses that cost anywhere from $1 to $5. About once every two weeks or so, I splash on a decent hotel with a hot shower. They usually run $10-$15 here in major cities.

Wildlife seen on tour: Not a lot until I got out of eastern China and away from the land of a billion bodies. After that I see stuff everyday. Lately I have been seeing Yaks and mountain goats all day long. I saw lots of camel herds in the deserts outside Golmud and Donkeys on the way to the Tibetan Plateau. There were thousands of species of migrating birds at Qinghai Lake since it’s their breeding season right now. There are some strange looking guinea pig-like creatures that take great pleasure in darting across the road right in front of me in Tibet. The desert rabbits have woken me up in the tent quite a few times while they did through my garbage for food. I have heard there are large bears and wolves in Tibet that come out at night but I have yet to see them in the flesh. I get attacked by large Tibetan Mastiffs on a regular basis.

Weather conditions: Mostly terrible. They were at their peak in southern Gansu, but I have yet to have a day that I could cycle in shorts. I started the ride a bit early in Tianjin and continued to gain elevation as I traveled west faster than the seasons could keep up with me. It feels like I have been going back in time. The last two days in Tibet have been blissfully snow free. The winds in the deserts of Qinghai were always against me and always very strong.

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Potola Palace - Lhasa, Tibet

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What type of landscapes have you encountered? Mostly arid desert and high mountain planes. In Ganjia and Tibet, I encountered high grasslands. In parts of Gansu the weather permitted lush agriculture, but I was only there to enjoy it for a brief time. I have encountered a great deal of sand throughout this trip....

What is your favorite food on a bicycle tour? Coffee. Everything else is mere luxury. The coffee in China sucks by the way, if you can find any at all. Besides this obvious truth, Snickers are hands down the best food to eat while cycling. They fit in your handlebar bag, fill you up, and are easy to eat with one hand. When camping, I like to make noodles with fresh veggies and whatever meat I can get my hands on for dinner. Lately, it has been dehydrated yak. In the mornings, I eat amazing amounts of oatmeal mixed with dried fruit and honey.
 

Currently, Glayzer is in Vietnam, readying for his latest adventure, which starts in Hanoi, Vietnam, crosses Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and ends in Jakarta, Indonesia. You can find out more, and follow his trip here.

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Brian Perich is an English teacher, father, and adventurer based in South Korea. He completed his first solo expedition of Western China crossing the Borohoro ranges of the Tian Shan Mountains, the Taklamakan Desert, the northern Himalayas, Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces, traveling over 3240km standing next to his bike on a overcrowded passenger train for $50, cycling 3200km across Western China, hitchhiking with locals, and learning about cultures and his own limits. He returned and completed the expedition, supporting ETElive.org Education Through Expeditions , UK and IDEAS Intestinal Disease Education & Awareness Society, and he plans to cycle 32,000km from Alaska to Argentina starting in 2012. You can read his extensive blog about cycling in Korea here .

[Source: Busan Haps, Amazing magazine for Expats and English Teachers living, working and Cycling in Korea!]

Repost: Technical habits of Chris Akrigg @Mongoose & Types of Mountain Biking

For 4 min 45 seconds of film, this is about all the inspiration I needed to get out (tomorrow) and ride another 150K for the weekend. Chris Akrigg of Mongoose demonstrates the finer lines of mountain biking control. Obviously, the mountain bike is designed to perform in all road conditions, there are distinctions though, let's have a look in each category. This is an incredible video, glad to share it here too.


What are some popular styles of Mountain Biking?


(XC) Cross-Country: is the most popular style of mountain biking. Cross-country trails consist of a mix of rough forest paths (tree roots and rocks exposed) and narrow mountain trails that are ideal for this type of riding that are known as 'single track'.  In other areas between forested areas, there are also fire roads (gravel roads in timber areas or through protected national forests), and even paved paths connecting other trails. Riding or racing is also only deemed cross-country if the technical complexity of the trails is easy or moderate. Trails nearly impossible even to experienced riders are more often dubbed "all-mountain", "freeride", or "downhill".


(DH) Downhill: is a gravity-assisted time trial mountain biking event. Riders race against the clock, usually starting at intervals of 30 seconds (seeded from slowest to fastest), on courses which typically take two to five minutes to complete. Riders come from all around the world. 


Freeride: is closely related to downhill cycling and dirt jumping focused on tricks, style, and technical trail features. It is now recognized as one of the most popular disciplines within mountain biking. Freeride bicycles tend to have shorter wheel bases, and lighter components than Downhill bikes. 


(AM) All mountain: these full-suspension mountain bikes are crossed between Freeride and XC. These bikes have long-travel dual-suspension and are suited for big mountain terrain. The frames are made from aluminum, carbon, and dual composite builds. Take this simple example: a 2008 Gary Fisher HiFi Deluxe. This model was built with Bontrager Race Disc wheelsets and handlebars (by the Trek company). The traditional double-walled rims are ultra-durable and featured SUP-tubeless ready applications. The standard rims on most mountain bikes in this category are 26" and feature 6-bolt hubs to mount 185mm front and 160mm rear disk rotors powered by Avid Juicy Five hydraulic brakes. The crankset is the standard Shimano Deore LX, and drive train is complimented with SRAM X7 rapid-fire shifters, SRAM X9 rear derailer and Shimano LX front derailer using a 9-speed chain. These mountain bikes have 27 external gears, while newer models have switched to 2X10 (2 gears up front, 10 gear cassette in the rear). Popular components are now the 2011 Shimano Deore SLX, XT and ultralight (and expensive) Shimano XTR models. SRAM produces similar component groups like the X7, X9, X.O, or ultralight X.X. components and these shifters are designed to work with complimenting SRAM rear-deraillers only. Depending on your bike and model and price, these components will be available to you to choose from.

(MTBT) Mountain Bike Touring: is a category where riders carry equipment to be self-supported and ride variable terrain, such as fire roads, single track, or pavement. There are two classifications, light and heavy-loaded MTB touring. The carrier setup can be similar to those racks and traditional bicycle panniers used in combinations to comprise a heavy-loaded touring MTB carrying everything from water purification, cooking stoves, sleeping bags, tents, clothing, food, tools and maps or navigation. The lighter category includes MTBs that are equipped with minimalist camping gear and clothing, attached directly to fixed/non-moving parts of the bicycle, and the handlebars. The lighter category has become popular in the continental North American Rocky Mountain - Tour Divide race. The heavier category hasn't become popularized, however, I have tested the setup using a hardtail aluminum mountain bike frame with Fox RL 120mm front suspension and all components carried over from the 2008 Gary Fisher HiFi Deluxe.  Heavy loaded bicycle touring with a mountain bike is ideal, and stronger frames and suspension forks are well designed to carry up to 40kg of equipment plus a rider (myself being 85kg).  The heavy MTB setup I'm mentioning worked flawlessly across 3,200km of western China's roads this summer. So, I added this new category. MTB touring is becoming popularized across China, while resources for touring vacations and the MTB brands like Giant are finally becoming popular at home (Eastern China's bicycle touring population riding across the Western half of the country*, Tibet as example is now popular with Chinese, although entry is restricted to foreigners*). This photo set includes photos from crossing the 552km stretch of the Tarim Highway across the Taklamakan Desert this summer on my way to the Himalayas of Xinjiang/Uyghur Autonomous Region. Heavy loaded MTB touring is ideal out here, where the roads lead you southwest towards the Himalayas (hard to believe from these photos, but I found it with a paper map in my hands). Enjoy the free Korean-World!

An introduction to types of Mountain Bikes. Thanks for visiting. Good luck, enjoy the rides!

Cycling in Korea :: Essential touring, & where to ride?

Choose the roads where nobody goes. Off the beaten-path should be emphasized more on this blog. Even in a densely populated country (as this is) you can utilize the offroads (rice fields, can you see them from your window in Korea?) or any tributary (river walks) in Korea are usually bike accessible. For longer tours on the East or West coast, you will experience traffic along "route 1 -Western, route 7 -Eastern" however, there are numerous other secondary roads snaking North-South that most people just never explore. Along the East Coast, I have discovered route 456 (East-West) from Gangneung. From North to South (Gangneung to Taebaek (route 35) or Jeongseon-railbiking! and back to the East coast to either Samcheok or Donghae, it's epic cycling in the mountains and along the rivers through the coastal mountain  passes. Both route 35 and route 59 cut along rivers flowing between the coastal and Eastern (Pyeongchang-gun) ranges dividing the countries Gangwon-do Province to the East and Gyeonggi-do Province to the West (at Wonju). I hope to compile a comprehensive guide to the Best Tours in South Korea (while I am at it myself, and others here -please email your routes, I'll gladly share/post to other riders/readers in Cycling in Korea group on Facebook, or here in blog. Meet other riders and share ideas!

Be sure the crew is well hydrated, bring snacks too. As a group, we enjoy pasta prepared the same-day, grapes, apples, or raisins when seasonal fruit isn't available (or too expensive). Use reusable rubbermaid containers. While cycling solo, I usually pack an emergency 300g of sun-dried raisins, a few apples and at least 3L of water (1L per hour).

Mega-Korea Touring Route 2012 (Click link to see locations)

View Larger Map

For starters, find the best location to meet up. I tend to text message a few riders and hope that one is available to ride. We meet in Gangneung at the Lotte Soju Factory (aka Barf Factory), they offer spring/distilled water to the public on tap.

Trek Go-Bug. Definitely essential to add "family" into your next adventure cycling epic. We opted to have a local "cover manufacturer" help us design a durable rain cover (60K won), it'll be featured on the road this fall while we're out riding in the rain. Be sure to vent the rain cover if it's designed in vinyl or other non-breathable fabrics, kids need fresh air! We opted to customize the rear into a flap/roller-clip, it adds some ventilation. 

We salvaged a late model (2003) Lespo mountain bike from a local friend in Gangneung. This was destined for the recycle scrapyard, it was rusty (solid brown chain...like stone!) and all the cables were ceased/rusted out. Do some business with your local shop before expecting anything to happen that's just great service without a negotiation. We repacked the original bearings (bb-spindle in excellent shape, regreased and ready to fly), and replaced the chain and cables, 25,000won. We brought it to a local shop (a place I bought a used Trek Go-Bug trailer, and the Trek tag-a-long trailer for Matthew. 
Happy trails since then. Riding a luggy 19kg bike might be beneficial to the rider too, it mimics the weight on expeditions.

Sometimes you want the "good stuff" as I have over the past 4 years stationed/working/marooned in South Korea. I have settled with the cheaper line of bikes (200-500K range) and purchased in bicycle shops locally (once, a 2006 Lespo Tracker MTB, heavy-bone bike! I cycling the length of the Eastern/Western South Korean coasts, replaced 3 bottom bracket bearing sets, 1 headset, brake pads, fixed numerous flats, but it remained a steady ride for 220,000 KRW and 1000s of Kilometers on the road/offroad light XC. 

The kids needed a trailer to roll with Mi Sung and I.  First opted for a brand-new steel frame/steel wheel trailer in the effect/copied design of a Schwinn, rode a few times - it was solid, but a little heavy. We paid 175K on Gmarket.co.kr.  Next, our used/like new Trek Go-Bug, if you find one (used on eBay.com) definitely buy it. We paid 300,000 KRW used.

Remember, it's the motor under the hood that counts. Cycling in Korea starts with the initiative to see more outdoors, the vigor to pedal, and a bike that fits your budget, while it's important to source the right gear, here's a few tips that might help: 

Search - Gmarket.co.kr and search for "Blackcat" That's a good start to Cycling in Korea. The branded bicycle is basically an imported, unpopularized frame from either Taiwan (higher end) or China (lower end), frames in aluminum (grade unknown) and components differ considerably between a 200,000KRW and 600,000KRW model. These are great bikes, with a few tweaks, upgrades to the tires (Schwalbe Marathon 26x1.5-2.0), you'll be singing. 

There is a local scene for (GARMIN CONNECT, SEE GPS ROUTE!) intense off-road XC MTB riding (Daegwallyeong, Gangwon-do), but plan to bring your bike into Korea 

(QUALITY MTB'S ARE EXPENSIVE HERE IN SOUTH KOREA, BUY IT IN THE USA!!!)

Another option, if your looking for Touring/light XC trail riding around your city, farming fields or similar, then the Blackcat mentioned above, will fit the bill. Always, consider the specifications that are available (forks -Suntour XCM V2 come with many Blackcats, it's a road shock only-as tested, derailler system (Shimano components? Most have model marking, Alvio, Deore, SLX, XT, XTR...from the bottom to the top of the line), the wheelsets are always solid builds in Korea, from Lespo, Alton, ProCorex, up to Blackcat, Cello and the international makers (Merida is popular here, then there's the best of the bikes (specific by model and/or components, don't be fooled by the Branding): Specialized, Cannondale, Trek, Mongoose, Yeti, Kona, Jamis, Surly, Look (expensive!), Santa Cruz, Ellsworth, Ibis, Norco, Giant, and many more...the source for reviews is MTBR

More suggestions - Where to ride in Korea?

1. Han River Cycling throughout Seoul Metropolitan Area.
2. DMZ Mountain biking routes north of Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi-do
3. Daegwallyeong Mountain, 25km west of Gangneung City, Gangwondo (XC and DH)
4. Muju Resort, Awesome Mountain Biking DH routes for experienced riders. 

Next are Cycle Touring Routes for South Korea areas

1. Jeju Island Loop, Free camping and enough smooth pavement to tour for weeks.
2. Southern Korean coast, Busan, Gyeongsannamdo to Mokpo, Jeollanam-do. 7-10 days.
3. Sokcho, Gangwon-do and Busan, Gyeongsannam-do, 4-6 days.
4.  (distance: 475km, Time: 5 days, Route: Hwy 7, Ride Diff: High)
5. Seoul (Seongnam-si), Gyeonggi-do -> Suam, Andong, Daegu (distance: 355km, Time: 3 days, Diff: Medium), 3-5 days
6. Seoul, Gyeonggi-do -> Seoraksan National Park, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do (distance 315km, 2 days, Diff: High) 2-4 days
7. Gangneung, Gangwon-do -> Busan, Gyeongsannam-do (distance 415km, 4 days, Diff: High)***
8. Incheon/Siheung/Ansan, Gyeonggi-do -> Suwon, Pyeongtaek, Cheonan (Hwy 1 to Daejeon*) West to Boryeong/Daecheon Beach, South to Byeongsanbando National Park (or Mokpo*) (distance 355km, 415km to Daejeon, 460km to Mokpo*, Days 3-5, Diff: High)
9. Gangneung, Gangwon-do -&gt Daegwaelleong, Pyeongchang-gun, Jinbu, Taebaek, Imgye, Donghae, Gangneung return (Start Hwy 35...Hwy 456 from Gangneung-downtown..Hwy 35 to Taebaek, West to Donghae*) (distance 257km, time 2-3 days, Diff: High)
10. Seongnam/Bundang/Seoul river trails to metro Seoul (South of the Han River)
11. + others (send updates: tesol2000@gmail.com if you can help list)

[ Notes: *** best route for cycling, camping, sight-seeing, adventure cycling. I personally like all routes (: ]

       

Inspirational Music: Jack Johnson. Cycling.