'We're just an ordinary father and son that went out on quite a long bike ride' – duo break three world records with around-the-world cycle

George and Josh Kohler, a father and son from Norfolk, have completed an extraordinary cycling journey around the world, breaking three world records in the process. Over 400 days, they covered 30,000 kilometres across 30 countries, setting records for the fastest father and son to circumnavigate the globe by bicycle, the longest bicycle journey by a father and son, and the most countries cycled through by a father and son. Their adventure concluded with a heart-warming homecoming in the village of Halvergate, where dozens of cyclists and local supporters joined them for the final stretch. The trip was inspired by Josh’s passion for adventure and storytelling, sparked by a school talk from explorer Leon McCarron. After a successful transcontinental ride across the United States, the pair planned their global expedition over the course of a year. Their motivations were threefold: to challenge themselves physically and mentally, to raise funds for UNICEF and a local cycling charity, and to inspire others to pursue their own adventures, no matter how ordinary they might feel. Throughout the journey, the Kohlers faced numerous challenges, from harsh weather conditions in Australia’s outback with temperatures soaring to 46°C and relentless headwinds, to difficult mountain passes in Kyrgyzstan where Josh was even stung by bees. Their diet was equally adventurous, including local delicacies such as pig brain in China and frog porridge in Malaysia, which they consumed to meet the high caloric demands of their daily rides, often exceeding 200 kilometres. Despite occasional setbacks, including encounters with police on the Tibetan Plateau and near-misses with water hazards, the pair were buoyed by the kindness of strangers, such as a mosque caretaker in Kazakhstan who offered them shelter. George reflected on the experience as a remarkable achievement that still feels surreal, while Josh emphasised their ordinariness, hoping their story encourages others to embark on their own journeys, regardless of scale or ambition. The world records, they say, were unexpected bonuses rather than the main aim of their epic ride.