Cycling UK to S. Korea with hammock

The subject line tells most of the story!

Here's a link to the blog: http://ijustfeltlikecycling.blogspot.co.uk/

I'm setting off on Monday 2nd July and you're welcome to follow the trip (and MORE than welcome to give hammock-specific advice) in this thread.

I can answer all your questions about cycle touring, or so I'd like to think, but hammock-wise I'm a confirmed noob.

Thanks again to the hammock forummers who've made preparation for this trip all the easier. For example, here's a thread on my amateurish attempt to make a TQ: link

Another edit: I should probably tell you what I'm using:

Hammock: WBBB 1.1 dbl - added karabiners to standard straps as the soft shackles I got from Mat, whilst strong, looked like they'd fray.
Tarp: Zpacks 11x8 cuben - I like.
UQ: Snugpak - May need extra filling in cold winter but I love it. Less than $100 USD and I can almost make a peapod out of it.
TQ: DIY based on UKHammocks/others
Dreamhammock wintersock - used it a couple of nights in the frosty UK spring and it grabbed a lot of condensation but it will stave off death in winter.
Thermarest for ground sleeping/extra insulation
Zpacks cuben groundsheet for going to ground

Other kit (bike, clothes etc.), feel free to ask about in here if you're interested. I'm fairly happy with my kit list but it's an each-to-his-own situation.

Sounds like an adventure of a lifetime. Best wishes.

WOW! What a great idea.

I was wondering what else is on your bucket list?

How long is this going to take you?

Good luck and have fun.

Cheers, chaps :)

I'm hoping to make it to Seoul by the spring, where luckily a private academy I used to work for has offered me more work teaching English. From that point onwards, the cycling will stop and the getting fat on outstanding Korean food wil commence.

The first few days I'm well looked after in the UK, so I won't be camping. Once I get into France, I'll be trying to arrange accommodation on Couchsurfing or Warmshowers (like CS but for cyclists), but the likelihood is I'll be camping. As soon as possible, I'll try to post things on the blog that will be of interest to hammockers.

If you follow the link to the blog and have patience enough to read, you'll see I often suffered the day after a bad night's sleep in the tent. That, plus my general laziness and opportunism, contributed to a lot of cheating on buses. I hope to avoid that this time.

A word on the S. America blog: there is the occasional dig at Americans on there, as there probably will be on the new blog. This is largely an 'in-joke' between me and some American cousins and friends, so you majority Yanks on here are encouraged not to take offence!

Edit: I should have posted this link in the OP but I've also been making a DIY TQ to battle the Asian winter. Link here. It's still not finished!

Good luck and I wish I could do that. One of these days I will go back to Europe and hike and bike till my hearts content. :) and hammock of course....

Thanks, Baja.

OP updated with a kit list.

OY...I looked at the proposed route and the first thing I thought was, go north around Afghanistan! Then I started to read...
Say, have you read The Horse That Leaps Through The Clouds? It may interest you.

Yep, I split the planning into either north of the Himalayas or south. South is politically risky and would eventually put me up against the brick wall of Burma, so no choice really.

I'd love to be able to waltz into Russia and cycle right across it, but visas there are harder to come by for UK citizens than for any others because of recent political bickering.

Tell me more about the reading you recommended. Link? In return, have a link to the website of a guy I know who cycled the world over four years: worldwidebikeride.com

I'll be following his route from Istanbul onwards, more or less.

I should also say that, although I'm not doing my ride for charity, anyone enjoying my blog is encouraged to put a couple of dollars towards that guy's cause. He's only (maths...) about $1500USD from his target.

Good luck mate! Will be following you.

Grtz Johan

Sounds like a great trip. Good luck!

What an adventure!! Safe trip to ya.

Looks like it's going to be an heck of a time! Good luck to ya!

Thanks, well-wishers!

Today is quilting day. Two days later I'm away. Not without the quilt though, so it will take as long as it has to. Link to that thread in the OP. Updates hopefully tonight or tomorrow.

Great route mate :) have a safe trip

Cheers, Esku.

DIY TQ (of sorts) now finished. See the OP. I'm a warm camper.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gobsh

Yep, I split the planning into either north of the Himalayas or south. South is politically risky and would eventually put me up against the brick wall of Burma, so no choice really.

I'd love to be able to waltz into Russia and cycle right across it, but visas there are harder to come by for UK citizens than for any others because of recent political bickering.

Tell me more about the reading you recommended. Link? In return, have a link to the website of a guy I know who cycled the world over four years: worldwidebikeride.com

I'll be following his route from Istanbul onwards, more or less.

I should also say that, although I'm not doing my ride for charity, anyone enjoying my blog is encouraged to put a couple of dollars towards that guy's cause. He's only (maths...) about $1500USD from his target.

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I just sort of stumbled into it at my library one day when I was browsing. As for a link--Here you go...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bly7B63u4U

Blog = Bookmarked!

Looks like one hell of a trip you have to look forward to! :)
Hope everything works well, though it probably wont? ^^

Best Regards

Hank

There's always something that breaks on the bike and it looks that way with the hammock. I've got dyneema on a dutch fly for one end of the tarp (Evenk knot the other end), and the fly looks like it will fray the cord. Any advice out there?

Otherwise, I've been sleeping like a baby. 10 hours last night - makes the next day so much more enjoyable!

I slept in a tree in Greece last night.

http://i.imgur.com/4N0zIl.jpg

Looks like a great place to hang! Good luck with your adventure.

This stuff makes me want to quit work and grab my hammock and go explore for a while. :thumbup: :)

I hope everything goes well!

My friend, you are, without a doubt awesome. Many years ago when the world was young and I was thin, I dreamed of having similar adventures. Now you are allowing me to live vicariously through your agony and unrelenting humor. I see no reason why you could not, at a later date work this into a book. I would willingly pay $25 for a hardback. Perhaps even a movie. Good luck and God bless, you just picked up a 400 lb. passenger.

Nice hang in Greece mate, keep on the save path

Awfully pretty photo, there. I hope your trip is going well, and I look forward to updates as you go along!

I wish I had the time and cash to do something like this, but I suppose if I work at it...

Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for the support, chaps. I doubt there will be a book this time (been done many times before and for worthy causes too) but there's a chance I'll be writing one with a friend in the next few years, before we're too old and before someone else does the 'challenge' we'd be doing. A world record attempt of sorts, in aid of various charities.

I mention that also because we'd be looking for sponsorship. VERY hypothetically, what do you all think of our chances of getting some free hammocking / general camping gear in return for effusive thanks, fair reviews, some more PC writing than the current blog AND a chance to well and truly break into the cycle touring market?:D

Hey buddy,

I've just finnished readin your blog so far. It had me laughing out loud in parts and I really cool journey. I did a month around France a few years ago so that part really go me going. I remember cycling to the worlds biggest supermarket there on one sunday dreaming of fresh food only for the whole place including 24hr Maccy Ds closed up. Then had to do laps of the town to find the one open bakery before they closed up at midday.

Anyway my question is, how do you get on with the warbonnet and the snugpak under quilt? I just got a warbonnet from Matt and have the underblanket from previous hammocks but loads of people say it doesnt work? I've not had time to test it yet but I guess by now you must be the expert on it.

Many thanks,

I'll keep reading your blog!

Alex

Alex, so you know exactly what the French are like.

As for the WBBB + Snugpak I haven't tried another UB but I think the two are perfectly matched. In winter (or early spring in the UK) with the mozzie net folded away, the Snugpak is wide enough to come all the way around the hammock like a peapod, and has little hoops that I've fitted mini carabiners and elastic to to keep it shut around me. Only below zero have I needed a top quilt as well!

Send me a PM and give me a little while since I'm on the road, and I'll show you a couple of images of how I set them up together.

If you haven't bought the Snugpak yet, shop around. There's one site that sells it ten quid cheaper than the other(s).

Hey really enjoying your blog! Looking forward to central Asia...

Cheers. I'm not sure I am with the visa stuff and the 'no trees for thousands of miles' but that will at least fuel a readable rant or two on the blog!

Readable rants. That's why I tune in!

A couple of photos showing how I hang the Snugpak UQ on the WBBB. Request more photos if this is confusing!

Hoops tied in outer shock cord (A); also visible is a carabiner (1st photo) that hooks onto the elastic hoop of shock cord (2nd photo). There are four or five of these along the length of the UQ that, when closed, create a cocoon around the hammock. They can be closed either over or under the ridgeline.
http://i.imgur.com/K3HuZ.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/kQVJq.jpg
Shock cord hoops tied to inner loops of UQ (B).
http://i.imgur.com/zm2zT.jpg
L-R: Coat hanger carabiner; (B) carabiner; (A) carabiner.
http://i.imgur.com/BAZD4.jpg
Showing (A) and (B) attached with me pressing down on the UQ. Prussik knot on hammock strap can be moved to adjust (A) tension and height. (B) is not adjustable so it takes a bit of playing to get the right length of shock cord, after which it can be left dialled in.
http://i.imgur.com/yg4rv.jpg

Forgot to say I've just been told I'm waiting around in Turkey for up to a month while my Iranian visa is processed.

It's only 6 days' riding from where I am to where I pick the visa up. So if anybody wants any more of these, I've got a lot of time.

Aaah.
I've been checking the blog and wondered what had happened.
Was getting a little concerned as to why you were delayed.
Best of luck with it.
I also read your S. American trip blog - very entertaining and eye opening. I hadn't realised it was that bare in that part of the world.

John

I probably make S.America seem worse than it is because I complain a lot. Tierra del Fuego is definitely a no man's land, though. No trees anyway.

Must be beautiful riding in the opposite direction to mine with that wind behind you. Most people have the sense to do it that way!

Guys I'm stuck in Turkey and it's looking unlikely I'll get into Iran. I'm considering a drastic detour: Fly to NY, cycle to LA then fly to final destination.

If I wanted to use/abuse that opportunity to beg fellow hammockers for free hanging space across the US, in which section of the forum would you suggest I start the begging thread?

As I'm uncertain if you're asking seriously or with that dry British wit, I'll give give you a straight answer. I'd say the Hangouts, Campouts, And Trip Planning forums would be the best fit. Just remember that State lands generally frown upon stealth camping where as National forests are typically, though not always, more first come sort.

Loving the blog BTW. :cool:

Cheers for the info. I'm actually being serious. I'll put a new thread up if I buy the plane ticket. The blog will carry on as normal whatever happens. Same site, same bad attitude.

Anyone reading this and based anywhere between NY and LA, please pipe up. Even if you can't spare any space on the lawn, info about local roads and places to sleep would be much appreciated.

Very rough route plan below. Image turned out weird, sorry:
http://i.imgur.com/9g8WLl.jpg
Plan would be to avoid mountains until Alabama, where I'd turn right to Arizona and try to be there with cousins at Chrıstmas. Then on to LA after a few free meals and drinks.

I love your approach to planning (great map!).
Most of us think things through to the point of convincing ourselves that the task is impossible. You however, see it as "I want to get there from here - done!" I can learn a lot from you!

If you're passing through the Athens, Ga area let us know. There's a free meal and cold beer in it for you if you're staying over.;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gobsh

Cheers for the info. I'm actually being serious. I'll put a new thread up if I buy the plane ticket. The blog will carry on as normal whatever happens. Same site, same bad attitude.

Anyone reading this and based anywhere between NY and LA, please pipe up. Even if you can't spare any space on the lawn, info about local roads and places to sleep would be much appreciated.

Very rough route plan below. Image turned out weird, sorry:
http://i.imgur.com/9g8WLl.jpg
Plan would be to avoid mountains until Alabama, where I'd turn right to Arizona and try to be there with cousins at Chrıstmas. Then on to LA after a few free meals and drinks.

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From what your map is showing, you will be in the mountains in NC, SC, GA. However In SC there should be a few good places to hang.

Great adventure!

I use hte same set-up with hammock and uq. Your way of attaching it looks good, and will be tried!

You're coming pretty close to West Virginia, where you'd be welcome, but we are mostly mountains. I've enjoyed your blog so far. Can't wait to hear what you have to say about us. :lol:

Guys, thanks for the positive response. I'll try to reply one by one:

MAD777, cheers! I'll have GPS maps once I get a new laptop in NY and manage to get them onto the GPS unit, so I'm a little more organised than I appear!

2ply, what a gent. Extremely possible I'll be passing through. A British friend works for Cirque du Soleil. Apparently his show is in Atlanta in December. Will try to be around there then.

Firemedic, the map above is not clear but the rough idea is to avoid 'the bumpy bit on Google terrain maps'. Is that the Appalachian range?

K0m4, my setup works for me more or less but never tried it way below freezing. Any and all feedback appreciated. Bear in mind I'm only 5ft6 so if you're much bigger you may experience it differently.

WV, in theory I'm not going through your state but things can change. As for reviews of my American brethren, I'll be fair :D. I'm certainly not planning a Louis Theroux-style tour of the small but vocal nutjob element you have (we have them too).

Finally, a noıte on the plans. Looks like I'm buying a flight for tomorrow morning if I can get a box to pack the bike for the plane. Nothing arranged in NY. Warmshowers hosts not responsive. Probably sleep on a park bench until the 5-0 busts a cap in my ***. Oh yes I speak Yank.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gobsh

K0m4, my setup works for me more or less but never tried it way below freezing. Any and all feedback appreciated. Bear in mind I'm only 5ft6 so if you're much bigger you may experience it differently.

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Yeah, I never tried it below freezing either, the quilt looks on the thin side for that.. about 5C has been my experience so far, and it worked like a charm though. I'm 186 cm, whatever that translates to, but it's a fair bit more than 5'6" I believe! Still covers me fine. The suspension is what I'm struggling with at the moment, your ideas look nice!

I think I went down to about -2C or -3C (sorry can't remember fahrenheit) with the Snugpak and an old sleeping bag on top. I took the hammock sock off because at that temperature it was too warm. I've been carrying a Thermarest on this trip as well for extra back insulation. Only ever used it as a stool when there were no rocks or logs to sit on in the woods. Haven't unrolled it once.

The worst I expected to face on this trip was -30C, probably during a treeless stretch in W.China, but I don't think I'll be able to experiment now. How cold does it get in the Rockies in December?!

Flight about to be booked. I'll do a new thread and link to it in here eventually.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gobsh

Firemedic, the map above is not clear but the rough idea is to avoid 'the bumpy bit on Google terrain maps'. Is that the Appalachian range?

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Yes, yes it is. I hope that your trip to the US winds up being as smooth and easy as possible. I'd offer you a place to stay, but I'm a little out of your intended route; you'd wind up having to go an extra ~400 miles or so out of your way.

Hehe cheers FLRider.

Guys, new thread here:

I suppose that's the end of this one but I'll keep an eye on it if anyone wants to ask anything or comment.

Thanks for reading.