In Part 2 of my conversation with Irish cyclist Tomas Mac An T-Saoir, we continue his nine-year journey around the world by bicycle. We begin in Syria and Afghanistan, where Tomas shares what it was like to travel through regions affected by conflict and have frank, human conversations with the people who live there. One powerful story includes an Afghan woman who was permitted by local authorities to guide him through her city, offering him a rare window into daily life under restrictive laws.

From the Middle East, our conversation shifts right back to New Zealand, where this chapter of Tomas’s journey actually began, and where Covid lockdowns meant he ended up staying far longer than he ever expected. His time in New Zealand eventually led to Australia, and onward to Timor Leste and Indonesia, where he dealt with blistering heat, remote roads and even a major earthquake on the Indonesian side of Timor.

We also explore something many long-term travellers quietly struggle with: finishing. After nine years of life on the road, how do you return home? What happens to your identity when the bike stops moving? And how do you make sense of everything you have seen and experienced along the way?

If you are interested in bikepacking, long-term travel, culture, human stories and round-the-world cycling, this episode offers an honest look at both the extraordinary and the everyday parts of life on the road.

Follow Tomas on Instagram - @anbotharfada

📍 Listen to Part 1:
Meet the Irishman who Cycled Around the World — Tomas Mac An T-Saoir (Part 1)
Episodes mentioned during this conversation:

Peter Gostelow - Part 1 and Part 2

Heinz Stucke - Part 1 and Part 2

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This week I'm sharing a recap from our recent live shows which were held in Melbourne with guests Emily Hulbert, Fergal Guihen, and David McCourt. We discuss tips on facing fears head on, wild camping, and the importance of leaning into adventure during these long kind of travel journeys. The kindness of strangers shines throughout our panelists stories and Em Hulbert also shares her perspective of travel as a solo female.

Want to hear my full length episodes with these guests? check them out below:

Emily Hulbert

Fergal Guihen - Part 1 and Part 2

David McCourt - Part 1 and Part 2

You can also follow them on their social media channels below

Emily Hulbert -@emhulbert

Fergal Guihen - @Rossie_to_Aussie

David McCourt - @longwayhome__2022

Check out Old Man Mountain for the perfect way to carry gear on your bike.

Support the show

Buy me a coffee!

I’m an affiliate for a few brands I genuinely use and recommend including:

👉 Zorali

👉 Helinox

👉 Ombraz

👉 CycPlus– ePumps (enter code STR for 5% off!)

Follow us on Social Media!

• Instagram - @SeekTravelRide
• Facebook - Seek Travel Ride
• YouTube - @SeekTravelRide

Seek Travel Ride Newsletter

Leave me a voicemail message

Seek Travel Ride Music Playlist available now on both Spotify or Apple Music

Ever wanted to go on a bike adventure that takes you from one side of the world to the other? Which countries would you choose to travel to? How do you decide where to go? Well this week I speak with Irish adventurer Tomas Mac An T-Saoir to hear all about his incredible travels across the last decade.

Follow Tomas on instagram to see where his future adventures take him: @anbotharfada

Other guests mentioned in this episode: Rebecca Lowe

Check out Old Man Mountain for the perfect way to carry gear on your bike.

Support the show

Buy me a coffee!

I’m an affiliate for a few brands I genuinely use and recommend including:

👉 Zorali

👉 Helinox

👉 Ombraz

👉 CycPlus– ePumps (enter code STR for 5% off!)

Follow us on Social Media!

• Instagram - @SeekTravelRide
• Facebook - Seek Travel Ride
• YouTube - @SeekTravelRide

Seek Travel Ride Newsletter

Leave me a voicemail message

Seek Travel Ride Music Playlist available now on both Spotify or Apple Music