So there IS a general rule that all cyclists are friends, no matter what. If you have been following this blog, sometimes I don’t necessarily jive with them. Every now and again you find people that you get along really well with, even if bicycles weren’t your current mode of transport.
About a month ago, upon my first arrival, two kiwi bros arrived here. A little chatting and they left for a short adventure around here, as I went to Aksu.
I got to know Sam and Dan better during the second arrival back here and we actually really got to know each other during the third.
For the past 4 days we have been debating on when to leave, eating Uyghur ice cream, them listening to how every time I eat the ice cream I want to go to the toilet. Actually, there may be something else wrong, because I just ate noodles and I have…to run…to the toilet…NOW…be right back……
Ok…so yeah. It was great getting to know these great guys. Unfortunately they don’t have a blog so you’ll know nothing about them. Although, they are both riding cheap mountain bikes from Beijing and we’ve come up with a plan for them to hand them off at the end of the tour. THERE IS A CONDITION. The person who takes the bike must keep it maintained and pass it off to other cyclists at their final destination. Anyone headed to Pakistan or Iran in the next few months?
Some of YOU know I’ve recently come to a silence, a calm, and satisfaction of being alone. It’s great.
Some of YOU know I really battle with the idea of traveling with another.
Sometimes it’s uncanny how things work out. As I sit here in Kashgar, discussing with 2 different people online about future endeavors…offline I’m reminded how great it is to really care about other people. I’m not sure if everything that is going on in my life right now would of fit any better into place as it does.
There have been times, too often, I feel connections with other travelers and then a little bummed when we part ways. But with good guys like Sam and Dan…I feel really great now although I’ll no longer have their company, jokes, and adorable kiwi accent (which is right above a Southern accent – kiwi is my fave).
We were all on the same level…even when deciding on dinner, none of us cared – lets just get down to business and eat. It was fun and easy and it reminded me how easy touring COULD be with other people. I’m not sure I have laughed as much as I have over the past few days with them
Today, after finding a ball here, we spent hours in a triangle kicking it around and not really saying much to one another…just being pals. They actually debated on staying another day just so we could kick a ball around.
It’s strange how things go in cycles. It’s also great how I have learned, and appreciated, all facets of travel and touring. Yeah, there are a lot of folks out there but very few that you really you could just jump on your bike with.
Do I want a partner RIGHT NOW. Naw, not really. It’s the end for this tour. Do I want one for the future…well ladies and gents…watch this space because there are a couple of plans that involve me as a co-pilot.
It’s good to have more than my shadow and imaginary friends. But again, I’m not the easiest person to get along with and when I find folks I can talk for hours with…well, it’s kinda awesome.
“Catch you later bros!”
Kiwis are my favorite!
Kiwis are my favorite!