Josh Reid’s Epic Cycling Journey from Shanghai to England

Josh Reid has always loved cycling, spending as much time as possible traveling on two wheels from a very early age. Last year, in need of a new bike, he ordered one from a factory in China and decided to travel there himself to pick it up. What followed was an epic four-month journey back to England, where he cycled through city and countryside, taking in the sights and sounds of unique nations along the way.

The Journey Begins in Shanghai

Josh’s journey started in Shanghai. After successfully picking up his new custom bike, he embarked on a 9,300-mile journey through 15 countries. He traveled light. His bike was a Giant Revolt, featuring a robust carbon frame and tubeless tires to prevent punctures during his trip. To ensure comfort while resting, he carried a blow-up sleeping mat, as well as pannier bags for his clothing and equipment. Battling a blazing heatwave, he cycled across the vast expanse of China, often resting on the roadside in a sleeping bag without a tent. Curious locals welcomed him into their homes for meals while truck drivers and fellow cyclists stopped to engage in conversation along the way.

Inspired by Family Heritage

Josh was inspired by a trip his father, journalist Carlton Reid, undertook in his youth during the 1980s when he cycled from Israel and spent a year touring the deserts of the Middle East on a mountain bike. Josh reflected, “With a bike-mad dad, I basically grew up on one. My first proper bicycle tour on my own bike was a trip to Luxembourg with my dad when I was seven. On my journey home from Shanghai, I retraced some of the roads I cycled on 14 years earlier. I have a photo of me taken in the same spot after all that time.”

Overcoming Challenges Along the Route

In addition to navigating the route, Josh had to pay close attention to visa requirements. He utilized a satnav to map his course and employed phone maps to stay on track. He cycled through Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, riding for 250 miles along the border with Afghanistan, and from there into Europe, where the paths opened up with more options.

Lessons Learned from the Journey

“The biggest lesson I learned along the way was to trust strangers and accept their kindness. People are much friendlier than you ever imagine, even when there are language barriers. I was helped by so many kind people throughout my journey, offering me food and shelter. I stayed in several mosques and many homes. Every time you press on the pedals, you’re closer to your destination than you were before,” Josh shared.