Bangkok next, then it’s Malaysia

Two intrepid cyclists from Canterbury are now more than 4,000 miles into their epic challenge to cycle around the world on a tandem.

John Whybrow and George Agate left the city in early June on their 18,000-mile journey and arrived in Mumbai this week after crossing Europe, Turkey and Georgia.

Along the way, they have been chased by packs of dogs in Romania and witnessed a stabbing in Bulgaria – but largely experienced huge hospitality from other cycling enthusiasts and strangers.

George, 23, is a UKC physics graduate who managed the Ballroom bar in the city, while John, 24, graduated in politics and was a manager at the Cafe Des Amis restaurant.

The pair, known as The Tandem Men, are attempting to set a Guinness World Record for circumnavigating the world on a tandem and hoping to raise £100,000 for charity.

Although still on target, their planned route has recently been disrupted which resulted in them flying from Tbilisi to Mumbai, instead of cycling to Tehran as originally intended.

George said: “Despite 18 months of meticulous plan- ning, there are many variables in which we have no control, mother nature being one.

“We could have faced cycling in near 24-hour rain and flooding in an attempt to stay on target and ensure we reach Australia before November. The other option was wait and rest and recoup, until monsoon season subsides then set off again, but potentially making our Nullarbor crossing a lot tougher in Australia.”

The pair decided to take the flights instead, which still keeps them onside in their Guinness world record attempt.

John said: “So far the journey has been an incredible experience and we have ridden through some extraordinarily beautiful places and been met with amazing kindness and offers of meals and a bed for the night.

“We often camp overnight but have also enjoyed some hospitality in Europe and Turkey, mainly using the cycle touring platform warmshowers.org, where other cyclists opened their doors to us.

“We encountered the toughest climbing along the Black Sea coast, some days more than 8,000ft across a hilly and craggy cliff top, from seaside town to seaside town.

“Mumbai has been an assault on our senses and like nothing we have experienced before.

“We are extremely excited about our next leg, which will take us to Bangkok and then down through Thailand and Malaysia to Singapore.

“But first we are following the coast in India down to the southern tip and back up to Chennai the other side. Our morale is still very good. There have been ups and downs but we remain positive and grateful for the messages of support from back home.”

The pair are also raising money for Porchlight, Great Ormond Street Hospital and Water Aid.

To follow their progress visit www.thetandemmen.com and to support their fundraising visit www.virginmoneygiving. com/thetandemmen

George and John navigate their way through the crowded streets of Mumbai. Right, they started their adventure at the Cathedral’s Christ Church Gate in early June