A British father and son who set out to cycle around the world are now entering the final weeks of their extraordinary journey, after nearly 400 days pedalling around the planet.
George and Josh Kohler, from Norfolk, are currently riding through Brazil, near the spectacular Iguazu Falls, as they close in on the final stretch of their adventure before returning home on 2 May.
The pair set off from Norfolk at the end of March last year on their mission to ‘Pedal the Planet’, a father-and-son expedition that has taken them across continents, deserts, jungles and mountain ranges while raising money for UNICEF UK.
Since leaving home, they have cycled through more than 25 countries, including Turkey, China, Vietnam, Australia and Argentina, tackling some of the toughest terrain on Earth along the way.
Highlights have included crossing the remote Nullarbor Plain in Australia, waking up in Cappadocia in Turkey surrounded by hot air balloons, seeing the Hani rice terraces in China and experiencing cultures and communities across Asia, Oceania and South America.
By the time they roll back into Norfolk this spring, the pair expect to have cycled 30,000 kilometres and ascended 180,000 metres, the equivalent of 20 Mount Everests, as they have circumnavigated the globe.
Along the way, they have endured blistering desert heat, steep mountain passes, relentless headwinds and remote roads, but say the journey has also been defined by the generosity and kindness of people they have met around the world.
George served in the British military for 27 years until 2014, and then went on to set up his own chimney-sweeping business.
Reflecting on the journey with his 23-year-old son, he said: “Cycling across continents really strips life back to the basics. Some days it’s just about putting one pedal stroke after another and getting through the heat, the climbs or the wind.
“But then there are moments where you look around and realise you’re somewhere extraordinary, riding through the Australian outback, climbing high into the Andes, or arriving in a village where people welcome you like old friends.”
George and Josh are also pursuing three Guinness World Records™ titles: ‘Fastest father and son to circumnavigate the world on bicycles’, ‘Furthest distance cycled by a father and son’, and ‘Most countries cycled through by a father and son’.
The challenge has also been raising money for UNICEF UK, with the pair now approaching £30,000 in donations to support the charity’s work helping vulnerable children around the world.
“The thought that we’re now in the final weeks is quite surreal. When we left Norfolk a year ago, the finish line felt impossibly far away. Now we’re talking about riding back into our home county after 400 days on the road.
“It’s been an incredible adventure to share with Josh and something we’ll remember for the rest of our lives,” added George.
Filmmaker Josh said: “The last year has been a huge physical, mental and emotional rollercoaster. There have been days when everything hurts, when the weather is against you, and you wonder why you’re doing it. But then you remember the purpose behind it and the people who are supporting you.
“What has really stayed with us is the kindness of strangers. People we had never met before have invited us into their homes, helped us fix bikes, cooked us meals or simply wished us luck as we rode through their towns. That generosity has been one of the most powerful parts of the journey.”
Philip Goodwin, UNICEF UK CEO, said: “As George and Josh reach the end of their incredible journey, their dedication and determination to raise vital funds for UNICEF has been truly inspiring. Children are born ready to learn, play and grow, yet every day their childhoods are threatened by crises such as conflict, climate disasters and disease.
“By taking on this challenge, George and Josh are helping UNICEF support children in over 190 countries with essentials like healthcare, clean water, nutrition and safe places to learn and play. Their commitment helps UNICEF work with communities and partners to protect children and make childhood unstoppable. We’re so grateful for their support.”
The final stages of the adventure will see George and Josh continue east across South America, heading to Rio, where they will fly on to Lisbon. From here, they will cycle through Portugal, Spain, France and back to the UK to complete their record-breaking challenge.
Supporters can follow their journey on social media @joshpkohler and @georgemkohler where Josh’s videography skills have led to millions of views with their daily vlogs.
You can donate via JustGiving: justgiving.com/page/georgeandjoshpedaltheplanet