Pakistan and Afghanistan will not be run. Route change required.
Hi all. Friday 31st Jan I am taking a rest/logistics day.
The big news from the run is that due to the ongoing deterioration of the security situation in both Pakistan and Afghanistan is that after long consultations and serious pressure from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs I have much to my regret decided on not running in these two countries. I have very fond memories of the wonderful people I met on my visit there on my world bicycle trip many years ago, So it is with deep regret and after “countless pillow hours” spent reflecting.
I have to take this break in the route. I thought I had found a safe area in the north east towards Uzbekistan but have recently been informed that this area is now a ‘ no go zone ‘Police escorts are common in this part of the world but not allowed here. A German cyclist told me he had to take a bus.
After finishing running India in March I expect to continue the run from Iran. I am working on my preparation for the Iranian visa today. The ‘ unwanted help’ all this means is that my required distance will be significantly reduced to the order of a little over 1,000km per month.This will help my recoveries and enable me to enjoy the last 9 months more as I will be looking at finishing each day at the next location after say 30km have been run – instead of passing by towns and villages with decent places to sleep in my bid to keep the distance up.
To date 39,932km have been run in 930 road days.
I will update soon.
Thanking you all,
January 31st, 2014 at 12:49 pm
So sorry to read that your run will be disrupted Tony, but it is the right decision. Just last week some policemen were killed in Pakistan while escorting a European cyclist. As wonderful as your run is, it’s not worth endangering the lives of anyone.
Good luck with the rest of your journey!
January 31st, 2014 at 5:07 pm
tony, it sounds like the most sensible thing to do in this case. no doubt the rest of the trip will be just as entertaining as you get closer to home. well done, kevin.
January 31st, 2014 at 6:34 pm
Good Man Tony, I can only echo what Thomas has said. Yes, it is the right decision. Knowing your form, there isn’t much that intimidates you but this decision is the correct one. We all want you to complete the most daring expedition of the millennium intact. Looking forward to the 40,000kms on the clock soon. Well done !!
February 3rd, 2014 at 5:45 pm
Definitely agree with the lads, it’s better to adjust and finish than risk ending it all by taking a chance at this stage in the run. Good luck with visa for Iran. Take care
February 7th, 2014 at 11:54 pm
Hey Tony–well, we thought this might happen–but as everyone says, it is really the best decision—-Heck, it will give you another goal once you finish in Oct. that being one of coming back when things have cooled down so to speak, and running the Pak. Afgh. part—-which won’t be much of a run considering all that you have done!!!—-Hey, I might even do it with you—yea, right—-
OK man–good running–Greg