Nathan Hurley, a 35-year-old cyclist from Blackwood in Caerphilly County, has recently completed a remarkable undertaking: a long-distance bike journey that spanned across the globe. His journey, which commenced from Cardiff, Wales, on March 1, 2024, coinciding with St. David’s Day, has been both a personal challenge and an effort to raise awareness and funds for the Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) Trust. Over the course of more than 14 months, Hurley traversed through 26 countries, covering a whopping 16,250 miles (approximately 26,000 kilometers) before finally arriving in Sydney, Australia.
The adventure, which Nathan describes as a “dream come true,” has not only achieved an impressive mileage but also generated £4,000 for the MSA Trust, showcasing his commitment not only to his physical challenge but also to a noble cause. As he reflected on the journey at its conclusion in Sydney, he expressed a mix of relief and triumph, stating the trip was “exhausting” yet fulfilling.
The road to Sydney was not without its challenges. Nathan admits that embarking on such a journey with minimal experience as a cyclist was daunting. His early struggles were evident; he nearly fell off his bike just 50 meters into the journey, a moment that certainly raised concerns among his parents. The physical demands of riding for up to ten hours a day, covering between 60 to 80 miles, proved taxing both mentally and physically. Yet, despite being an “urban dweller” and not one for adventures, he persevered through the demanding conditions of camping and cooking while on the road.
Throughout his excursion, Hurley encountered varied landscapes—from the stunning vistas of the Alps to the rugged terrains of the Silk Road. His route took him from France to Turkey and then into Central Asia, where he faced unique diplomatic challenges, such as navigating visa rules that prompted him to fly from Armenia directly to Kazakhstan. Once in Central Asia, he ascended the daunting Pamir mountain ranges and ventured through the Taklamakan and Gobi deserts, where he faced altitude sickness while simultaneously being shadowed by local police who kept a close watch on him.
This unorthodox travel through bustling markets and remote villages allowed Hurley to engage with locals, share meals, and even attend weddings, all while grappling with the language barrier through translation apps. He described this social aspect as rewarding yet taxing, noting the surprisingly broad recognition of Welsh football star Gareth Bale in places less touched by media.
Despite the exhausting conditions, Hurley’s journey only whetted his appetite for travel. Originally planning to conclude his expedition upon reaching Sydney, he expressed that he has caught the “bug” for exploration. Following his time in Australia, he plans to continue cycling through New Zealand, then fly to Alaska, and further continue his adventure in Africa, with aspirations to return home to Cardiff by Christmas.
In closing, Nathan Hurley serves as a testament to resilience and adventure, encouraging others to explore the joys and benefits of cycle touring as a sustainable form of travel. He passionately stated, “I’ve learnt to love it… there’s no point in cycling halfway around the world, is there?” Hurley’s narrative is not simply about the miles traveled but about embracing the journey, the people met, and the experiences learned along the way.