Norfolk sweep George Kohler has returned home to a hero’s welcome after an extraordinary 30,000km, 14 month global bike ride.
After nearly 400 days on the road, George, 57 and his son Josh Kohler, 23, passed through an avenue of rods and brushes raised high as they crossed the finish line to a guard of honour from sweeps from across the country.
Hundreds of people lined the streets to cheer them home as they completed their ‘Pedal the Planet’ expedition, which has seen them cycle through more than 30 countries across Europe, Asia, Oceania and South America, climbing a total of 180,000 metres in the process – the equivalent of 20 Mount Everests. Alongside the physical feat, the duo have raised more than £40,000 for UNICEF UK to support vulnerable children worldwide.
Guinness World Records adjudicator Joanne Brent presented George and Josh with the Guinness World Records™ titles for longest bicycle journey by a father and son, and most countries visited in a continuous bicycle journey by a father and son. They have also achieved the fastest bicycle circumnavigation by a father and son.
George, a former British Army serviceman of 27 years, said: “Cycling back into Norfolk and seeing hundreds of people lining the streets for us was something I don’t think either of us will ever forget. After 400 days on the road, to finish like that was incredibly emotional.
“Over the year, there were days where it was just about putting one pedal stroke after another, getting through the heat, the climbs or the relentless headwinds.
“But then there were 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.
“To have shared all of that with Josh, and to now come home having completed it together, makes me immensely proud.”
Josh added: “What has really stayed with me is the kindness of strangers. People we had never met before invited us into their homes, helped us fix our bikes, cooked us meals or simply stood at the side of the road to cheer us on. That generosity has been one of the most powerful parts of the entire journey.”
Lawson Wight, chair of the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps, was one of the many sweeps who took part in the homecoming celebration. On behalf of the Guild, he presented each of them with a unique engraved tankard.
He said: “We wanted to do something special to welcome them back, it’s such a great achievement. It was really quite an emotional afternoon for everybody. Around 300 friends, family and many complete strangers cheered them over the line.“
You can also find this article in issue 20 of Fireplace Specialist Magazine: https://fireplacespecialistmagazine.co.uk/3dissue/fireplace-issue-20/