FAQs

Why is the website called the Postman?

In Australia the real postman uses the same bike – a ’postie bike’ to deliver the mail.

So why a Postie Bike?

Mainly because I couldn’t afford anything better, but also a ‘postie bike’, in being tough and sturdy and age-old Honda technology, is probably a better bike for most of the countries I’m going through than a big one. At least that’s what I’ve told myself. It was a bit slow crossing Oz at 65km/h but through Indo that was plenty fast enough.

Why do I have such a big nose?

It’s always been big, then someone at school elbowed during a football match and it’s been like this ever since.

Why do I have such big teeth?

It runs in the family, but you should have seen them before the dentist filed them down. My friends say that one day I’ll be hunted for my ivory.

How long do most people plan for such a trip?

A year. I shortened that slightly, to two days.

Why?

Because immigration in Australia suddenly announced I only had 16 days to leave the country. I figured I’d need 14 of those to ride from Sydney to Darwin. That left me just two to prepare for it. In my haste I forgot to bring any maps or travel guides

How long do I think it’ll take?

Five months, maybe six but not more than seven because the bank manager will want my blood by then.

Do I know how to fix the bike?

No, but I’m sure someone along the way will.

What gave me the idea to do the trip?

A culmination of many things – see ‘the story’ – but in the end it came down to it being a challenge presented to me that I just had to accept. I don’t know why, I’m not sure of the reason, but my mind just wouldn’t let it go so in the end I just had to give it a go.

How many pairs of pants did I bring?

Seven

Out of the five pairs of socks I set off with, how many remain?

Two

What have I lost so far?

A hat, a glove, a scarf, a pair of shoes, a waterproof sack, a pair of sunglasses and the socks I mentioned earlier. Oh, and my tripod.

Why aren’t I riding through Burma?

Because you can’t, and the only way around is China, which is shockingly expensive to ride through on a motorbike. You have to pay US$50 a day for an official guide. I couldn’t afford that so I’m flying from Bangkok to Kathmandu with the bike.

Am I an adventurer?

No, I’m not even well travelled, which means this will be my first foray into Asia. I’m nervous about that and a little jumpy about crossing Pakistan and Iran, but from what I’ve heard both are great countries. I’ll let you know.

Should you sponsor me?

You don’t have to but it’d be nice. Last time I looked we were only up to 25 quid so it’d be great if we at least topped fifty.

I can’t think of any more so just email me if you want to ask anything; nathanmillward121@hotmail.com