We were both saddened to discover that two cyclists riding across Canada to raise money for diabetes were killed this past weekend. What a tragedy and one that hits especially close to home for us since we are planning on covering the same ground next summer. Please take a moment to read the blog written by Daniel, his friend from B.C. and two children. You can also watch their video about the trip. We’ve posted it below. If you’re touched as we are that these men died trying to do something good for others, then please consider making a donation to their cause, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. And please, whether you’re riding the roads on a bicycle or in a car, be careful out there.

They tell us Samarqand is a beautiful city but it’s pouring rain outside and how can you see all the ancient buildings when the heavens are open and water is falling from the skies with full force? There was nothing for it but to do a bit of spring cleaning instead and for us this meant digging out all those things we’ve wanted to share with you but haven’t. Why haven’t we? Well, you know, it’s complicated. So much to do on a world bicycle tour, so little time! Anyway, finally we found the time and here you are, a spring present from us.

First there’s an interview with six German fellows (correction: five Germans and one Lebanese, listen to the show and you may understand) who we met carrying guitars at the Iranian-Turkmenistan border. They’re hitching to Mongolia and singing along the way and they were kind enough to sing a song for us.

Then you’ll find a second mini-show where we introduce you to Carl, a French Canadian who we met way back when we were just green cycling tourists, hardly through our first month on the road. This interview has really been hanging around a long time and it’s high time we shared it with you so put on your headphones, sit back and enjoy.

As a third bonus, take a look at the site of Michel, a French guy who’s staying in our hotel in Samarqand. He’s going around the world on a recumbent tricycle and his motto is one we can really identify with: don’t dream about your life, live your dream.

 

 Show 15: German singers: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Show 16: Meet Carl: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Two very loveable, funny cats we met at Geoff and Cat`s house in Montreal (check out Geoff`s page here and Cat`s blog here — we were treated to one of her performance pieces and it really got us thinking). We enjoyed having pets again, even if only for a couple days! In case you were wondering what `Mu` means… according to the all-knowing Google, it`s a Japanese word alleged to mean “Your question cannot be answered because it depends on incorrect assumptions”. Chai, of course, is a very tasty cup of tea

We`ve now left Sackville and have arrived in Montreal, after an all-night train journey up the coast of New Brunswick and through Quebec, passing many of the spots we cycled through just a few weeks back. Our bikes were stowed without any hassle by VIA Rail at the Gare Centrale, amazingly for free for the first day and then just $3 per item for each day afterwards. A bargain! Our second bargain of the day came when we were told public transport is free in the city today. We spent our unexpected riches on a coffee, which we`re now enjoying while watching British football as we wait to meet up with a couple friends. We`ll spend the weekend with them before flying back to London with BA on Monday night.

Congratulations to our good friends, Jayme & Donald. They had a beautiful wedding this weekend in the Miramichi and everything worked out perfectly — beautiful weather, a beautiful wedding and a beautiful couple. We took a lot of pictures and are putting them all up in an album on the site for family and friends. Please feel free to take any photos you like for your albums. If you want to get them printed, you`ll see an option when you click on a photo to view it in full size. Any questions, just ask us. Congrats again, Jayme & Don.