Hey Ian, sorry to have missed your arrival, but not big on drinking beer and I probably would have bummed a cigarette which is a big ol’ no-no. Was away with family, incidentally doing recon for you on the two big climbs out of Suanbo. There’s snow on the bike lane to the right of the road, but that should be mostly clear after Thursday, although there will be pockets of it left in the shade. Hang tough on Friday-Sunday. The wind will be a strong tailwind, but it’s coming straight outta Compton (or Siberia, Mongolia & China) and it’s gonna be cold AF for three days. Monday will be warm(ish) again, but look, consider getting a disposable PM2.5 valved sports mask from a Pharmacy for Thursday 5th. That milkyness on the hills? Fine dust, man, pollution, it’s not mist. Friday-Sunday will be real cold, but with fresh air. Monday of next week will see a return of bad air, as the wind slackens off. Remember you can join Korea Cycling Community on Facebook if you want to grab a beer in Busan before the Ferry. Godspeed man, ride strong.
You think Korea is orderly? Just wait until you get to Japan, I remember my first trip to Korea from Japan and I thought Korea was very chaotic, loud, and people were so rude. Lol. Good thing you went west to east for the chaos to order.
I need that referral for the sperm facial. I heard that’s what Kim kardashian does.
Come to Iwakuni on your way to Hiroshima! I’ll cook you a good old American meal and you can regale my teens with your biking stories! Safe travels across the frozen Korean landscape.
“I like putting myself in situations where I’m not totally sure how things will go. Stirring the pot.”
This got me. I have known some intensely beautiful, felonious, pained men that carry this weight. If you’re lucky and have this urge you do things like ride your bike across the world or tag some graffiti on a bando, if your brain is real unlucky you cheat on a good spouse and throw away your life or become a derelict addict. Or much worse. Thanks for reminding me of those lovely pained souls and practicing your oppositional defiance in somewhat constructive fun way. Because it can be very fun with some ethics and restraint.
Been following you since Iran! Have enjoyed every post on Instagram.....especially Mongolia. Would love to buy you a beer and a burger at Surly Brewing when your back in Minneapolis. @surlybeerhall @jmrmu91
Save travels through Japan into Tokyo and on your flight back to the states.
After reading all the comments you have gotten, I find there's little left to say Except -- Can't wait to see your new radiant face -- see you soon, Ian.
I honestly just found your substack, but this is awesome. I strive to be this adventurous in my life, and you give me courage to do more. I'm unaware, have you backpacked through the Americas yet? I'm pretty sure you'd love it!
We’re delighted to hear how exciting and positive the final part has been, proving once again that our world is full of nice surprises. And you are showing that we only need to go find our own surprises, and in-person if possible! If not, hang tight & read about it. It’s really fantastic that you have dates & cities planned here! I know this has meant the achievement of a huge dream. I am overjoyed for you, your readers, and the friends you have gathered. I marvel at how this must have changed you to be more fully human, more confident in your ability to dust those damn fears, than anyone could have imagined.
The salmon treatment. lol! Love this for you. Keep it glowy Ian!
Hey Ian, sorry to have missed your arrival, but not big on drinking beer and I probably would have bummed a cigarette which is a big ol’ no-no. Was away with family, incidentally doing recon for you on the two big climbs out of Suanbo. There’s snow on the bike lane to the right of the road, but that should be mostly clear after Thursday, although there will be pockets of it left in the shade. Hang tough on Friday-Sunday. The wind will be a strong tailwind, but it’s coming straight outta Compton (or Siberia, Mongolia & China) and it’s gonna be cold AF for three days. Monday will be warm(ish) again, but look, consider getting a disposable PM2.5 valved sports mask from a Pharmacy for Thursday 5th. That milkyness on the hills? Fine dust, man, pollution, it’s not mist. Friday-Sunday will be real cold, but with fresh air. Monday of next week will see a return of bad air, as the wind slackens off. Remember you can join Korea Cycling Community on Facebook if you want to grab a beer in Busan before the Ferry. Godspeed man, ride strong.
PS. Please post here a bunch bc IG is a trash pit now and I still want to see what you’re up to without logging onto that realm of hell.
"Not FDA approved, I'm in." hahahahaha. it looked painful but i am ready for the glow up.
You think Korea is orderly? Just wait until you get to Japan, I remember my first trip to Korea from Japan and I thought Korea was very chaotic, loud, and people were so rude. Lol. Good thing you went west to east for the chaos to order.
I need that referral for the sperm facial. I heard that’s what Kim kardashian does.
Come to Iwakuni on your way to Hiroshima! I’ll cook you a good old American meal and you can regale my teens with your biking stories! Safe travels across the frozen Korean landscape.
“I like putting myself in situations where I’m not totally sure how things will go. Stirring the pot.”
This got me. I have known some intensely beautiful, felonious, pained men that carry this weight. If you’re lucky and have this urge you do things like ride your bike across the world or tag some graffiti on a bando, if your brain is real unlucky you cheat on a good spouse and throw away your life or become a derelict addict. Or much worse. Thanks for reminding me of those lovely pained souls and practicing your oppositional defiance in somewhat constructive fun way. Because it can be very fun with some ethics and restraint.
Been following you since Iran! Have enjoyed every post on Instagram.....especially Mongolia. Would love to buy you a beer and a burger at Surly Brewing when your back in Minneapolis. @surlybeerhall @jmrmu91
Save travels through Japan into Tokyo and on your flight back to the states.
After reading all the comments you have gotten, I find there's little left to say Except -- Can't wait to see your new radiant face -- see you soon, Ian.
I honestly just found your substack, but this is awesome. I strive to be this adventurous in my life, and you give me courage to do more. I'm unaware, have you backpacked through the Americas yet? I'm pretty sure you'd love it!
Would have loved to join Korea or Japan. Unfortunately stuck in Indonesia. Can’t go out without getting into Visa troubles. Best of luck!
Let’s keep going Ian man
Way to go Ian! Can’t even fathom how you’re feeling right now. Best of luck to you in these final weeks
Would love to join a meetup/ grab a beer if you’re in Tokyo Feb 17-8— Shibuya??
It almost feels like an entirely new blog now that you’re in the east. Congrats and have fun!
Amazing journey! I'm sure you will come up with another one.
We’re delighted to hear how exciting and positive the final part has been, proving once again that our world is full of nice surprises. And you are showing that we only need to go find our own surprises, and in-person if possible! If not, hang tight & read about it. It’s really fantastic that you have dates & cities planned here! I know this has meant the achievement of a huge dream. I am overjoyed for you, your readers, and the friends you have gathered. I marvel at how this must have changed you to be more fully human, more confident in your ability to dust those damn fears, than anyone could have imagined.