Cycling: Big desert adventure for Kiwi bikers

New Zealander Nic Riosa knows timing is critical on this journey and expects border controls to test him on what is expected to be a 117-day trip. Photo / Supplied

Q&A with Nic Riosa and Andrew Newick

They say time heals all wounds. Nic Riosa and Andrew Newick, two Kiwis who paddled the Danube River last year (2800km in 31 days) have forgotten those gruelling times in the kayak and are five weeks away from another painstaking mission.

On May 28 they will begin a bike ride from Bucharest to Beijing riding 10,500km in 117 days - an average of 90km a day for over three months - finishing in China on September 20.

Riosa (based in the Czech Republic) and Newick (in New Zealand) are worlds apart, physically and in personality. We spoke to them about their relentless journey that will cross three deserts.

You completed the Danube River mission, do you think that you forget how painful that was - paddling alone (Nic) and with dysentery (Andrew)?

NR: Paddling alone for me meant I pushed myself harder. However, this also increased my stress levels which affected not only me but all the crew. I liked the challenge of the Danube, I learned a lot about myself in many areas, like how I communicate with people when I am stressed. My reaction was to withdraw into myself. Most of the time, the efforts of the day were just that, a day in my office. I also realised I am a motivated person and will drive myself to reach a goal. In the Danube I made a decision to keep to the schedule as that was easier for me. Maybe a little bit more physically tiring but in the end Andrew and I finished what we set out to do.

AN: We live in a fantastic society in New Zealand with great advantages over many parts of the world. But sometimes in life you have to step outside of your comfort zone and push the envelope a bit - this is what Danube to Beijing does for me.

What was the hardest part of the Danube River mission and what do you expect will be hard about the Cycle to Beijing?

NR: For me the hardest part was planning and testing. This is one of my skills and Andrew knows it so he leaves me to do what I do best. The planning for Bucharest to Beijing has been hard - however, it's part of the attraction. Of course the actual biking will be hard - the distances themselves are not, but the fact we have to do the distances day after day. It will take a toll but I have planned the initial weeks to be easier. I expect border controls will test me. I have travelled a lot and know if a border guard wants to be difficult they will. It might even cost us some dollars, which we will have to pay so we can continue. What else can we do?

AN: The hardest part for me was being a peacemaker between a very emotionally charged Nic and a very hurt support crew reeling from his meltdown in Serbia while recovering from dysentery. I think illness and injury are my greatest worries followed by crime and corruption for the upcoming adventure.

How will the kayaking experience help this time?

NR: Both Andrew and I have a huge database of life experience, both different, so the complete pool will help us cope with most things. The Danube River showed this and again it will help us. The one thing which did not affect us on the Danube is the schedule. This time, the schedule is very important. We must ensure we are on time at the Russian and Kazakhstan borders, not a day early or late otherwise there can be problems. There is room for us to move but we have set a timetable and it's important to keep to it.

AN: I think Nic has learned to tone down his behaviour more and I have learned to take antibiotics as soon as my stomach makes loud grumbling noises, which seems to be the sign of a stomach upset for me.

How is the challenge different with the cycle to Beijing?

NR: The cycling is not the challenge. The challenge is communicating with people. Both Andrew and I only speak English so going through Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Russia, Kazakhstan and China will be interesting. I understand other languages to a degree but not enough to freely communicate.

AN: We are self-supporting this time and will have to rely more on each other to get through difficult times.

What are you looking forward to most?

NR: We are lending our support to Unicef NZ so if our goal to raise $10,000 is achieved then I would be happy. We will also visit a Unicef project in Kazakhstan so I think that will be a highlight. I am looking forward to May 28 when the planning stops and the adventure starts.

AN: The magic for me is the amazing personalities and friendships you make while having fun.

For the layman athlete doing one of these missions seems like a lifetime achievement - why do you take on these challenges?

NR: I usually say, "Andrew asked me" which is true. However, we all need to challenge ourselves. It seems like physical adventure drives me. I suppose I could be working but kayaking down the Danube River and then biking from Bucharest to Beijing just sounds better. What a story I can tell my kids one day.

AN: If you listen to my niece it's because I am stark raving mad but I prefer to think of it as a spiritual, emotional and physical challenge.

What advice would you offer to people who are trying to overcome challenges in their own lives?

NR: My advice would be to put the challenges into perspective and don't let it take over your life in a negative way. With the right planning the challenge will be overcome. We can all finish an Ironman triathlon, the only challenge is the time we take.

AN: Never be afraid to take on something large in your life. I for one would rather fail at something large in life rather than living a life of unfulfilled dreams.

* You can support Nic and Andrew and follow their progress at danubetobeijing.com