Cycling the Silk Road: An Inspiring Journey Shared by Mr Ascham

Yesterday, we had the privilege of hosting Mr Ascham, who shared his incredible story of cycling the Silk Road. His epic journey spanned 10,500 kilometres across seven countries, with an ascent of 80,000 meters - the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest nine times. Over the course of 145 days (4.5 months), Mr Ascham conquered challenges, reached heights like the Ak-Baital Pass at 4,655 meters, and set personal milestones, including his longest day of cycling at 173 kilometres.

Mr Ascham’s adventure was sparked by a simple but life-changing moment: his wife gifting him a book about adventure. One book led to another, and soon he found himself mapping out an extraordinary trek that would take him through some of the most remote and stunning landscapes on Earth.

Through vivid photos and captivating anecdotes, Mr Ascham transported us to the heart of his journey. He shared stories of the friendships he forged with people from all walks of life, including Hungarian travellers, a Buddhist monk, and German cyclists who had been on the road for 15 years. He remains in touch with many of these new friends to this day.

One quote Mr Ascham shared that resonated deeply was: "The kindness of strangers is the sweetest discovery of all." He recounted heartwarming tales of locals offering him shelter and food, showcasing the generosity and hospitality of people he met along the way.

Pupils were fascinated by the breathtaking photos of majestic mountain ranges, expansive deserts, and the diverse climates he encountered, from scorching 47°C heat in China to the chill of high-altitude passes. While much of his journey involved camping, Mr Ascham revealed an interesting twist: in China, where wild camping is prohibited, he often set up camp at service stations. On some nights, he would sleep alone, only to wake up surrounded by other travellers’ tents.

The pupils were so engaged that the Q&A session could have gone on for hours. Among the many thoughtful questions, they asked:

• "How did you wash your clothes?"
  Answer: "With a bowl of water and a bar of soap."
• "Did you fall off your bike?"
  Answer: "Just once! Luckily, it was on soft sand, so no injuries were sustained."
• "What was the scariest part of your trip?"
  Answer: "Navigating busy roads in China during high winds."
• "Which country was your favourite?"
  Answer: "Kyrgyzstan."
• "What was the best part of your journey?"
  Answer: "The people – their friendliness, generosity, and the lasting connections I made."

Thank you, Mr Ascham, for an unforgettable Talks@ session. Your journey not only inspired our pupils to dream big but also reminded us all of the incredible kindness and resilience that exist in the world.