It is a very happy Outen-shaped pedalling and paddling grinning machine writing to let you know that at 1230pm local time today, November 14th, Hercules and I arrived in glorious sunshine at the British Embassy in Tokyo. 7.5 months and 18700km of pedalling and paddling since Tower Bridge, this first leg is now complete. (NB: Nelson, my kayak, had arrived a few weeks ago so I was able to get a ‘Me and my boys’ shot too. Yesterday I cycled to Choshi Marina on the East coast to dip my toes in the Pacific and officially close the leg – I start out from here next spring with Gulliver, bound for the other side)
Just in from London....
My two faithful steeds from London to Tokyo - Hercules the bike and Nelson the kayak.
Ready for the Pacific next year. Choshi Marina - departing spring 2012
'Hello London, this is Tokyo calling. I arrived safely this afternoon and, after a short rest, I shall be heading home again. Don't wait up for me, though; I'll be a while. ETA 2013.'
If you have enjoyed reading my blogs thus far I would love it if you could spare whatever change, shrapnel or notes you can to my supported charities: Coppafeel!, WaterAid, Jubilee Sailing Trust and the MND Association. TO DONATE CLICK HERE
Warm, warm thank yous to everyone who has helped me on my way – from my sponsors and supporters, to strangers on the road and followers of this blog, my team and my family – I am grateful. Here’s to the next chapter…
Meanwhile, I am due a sleep and a G&T. More stories from in a wee while.
All best from me, Herc, Nelson and Tokyo x
PS Another very happy thank you to the British Embassy here in Tokyo for their support and especially Mike Sims-Williams for escorting me into Town today and accompanying me the last couple of days.
wow, i am glad you made it to japan and love your pic’s of local people.
What lovely carm sea’s are there.Do make the most of your rest time.
G&T yep good start.:)
Whoop whoop whoop!!!!!!! I am so pleased for you. Daddy would be so proud too…..and Taid and Broni would just be so relieved that you are safe!!!….as was Joyce this morning when I phoned her to tell her.
The dogs send you a lick and a woof!!!!
BIG HUGS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Well done Sarah
Well done Sarah on completing this first part of your wonderful trip. We shall look forward to the next part in due course but do enjoy your time to rest and recuperate etc.
We are all so proud of you having achieved so much in such a short time.
All good wishes
C & K
Amazing adventure. Loved tracking with you. Inspiring!
Wow, well done!
Congrats on an amazing journey…I hereby appoint you an honorary Aussie (better start with beer instead of G n T!)
Looking forward to the second half.
Well done you!! What a star!! I should make that a pint of G and T – you deserve it.
Frankie and Nick
Two G&Ts sent me rather starry eyed and very happy indeed yesterday. Some more training needed I think!
Congratulations Sarah for accomplishing the first leg of your ambitious journey! Enjoyed tracking your progress and looking forward to next year.
Great accomplishments are achived by great efforts by committed minds. Not knowing what tomorrow brings is what drives the soul to continue onward.
FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS!
Award yourself some time off and SEVERAL G&Ts – you have earned both!!!
Belinda x
we have just spent a very happy hour (happy time indeed!!) reading and catching up with all your news …. we’ve had two sightings of Scooter this week, one on TV with the bear and the other on the school assembly skype. you’re soooo brave Sarah!!! we love the film clips and your comments – keep smiling 🙂
Hi Sarah,
Congratulations on your fantastic achievment of reaching Tokyo.
It’s been brilliant following your adventures over the last 7.5 months and 18,700km of cycling.
Enjoy your rest time. Looking forward to following you on the next leg of your journey.
Chris M
Adventure Network
I only came across the fabulous ‘Outs’ by chance. I was looking to buy a touring bike and via Thorn, Koga, Woodrup and finally Santos I came across Sarah’s trip. Initially I was just impressed by the bike and how well it was holding up to the trials and tribulations of Sarah’s ride. Now its the progress of Sarah on her mammoth trip that is the most interesting. Well done girl!
Congrats! You’ve accomplished something very few people will ever do in their lives – be proud already! What do you have planned for the winter?
Hi Lovely Looney, I just found your site and think you and your trip are fabulous! Good luck and remember a G&T is always better with a quarter lime rather than a flacid slice of lemon!
Sarah,
An amazing journey that the students in my school, Yokohama International School would love to hear about first hand. When you arrive back in Japan in the Spring 2012 would it be possible to schedule a visit to our school to inspire our students?
Sincerely,
Dale Howe
History
An amazing journey that the students at Yokohama International School in Japan would love to hear about first hand when you arrive back in the Spring of 2012.
Hi Dale, That sounds great – please email hello@sarahouten.com and we can fix up a date or likely date. I am in Japan until I leave in the spring so there should be plenty of time.
All best,
Sarah
Just had a moment to have a look at your website and see that you have successfully completed the first leg. Congratulations!
I too have reached my 2011 aim, in my case the Ukraine-Hungary border, but unfortunately am still stuck here between countries after 3 weeks in a freezing lorry. The horses cannot enter Hungary due to EU restrictions on horses originating from Kazakhstan, and the Ukrainians will not let me go back – don’t even start to ask why! Still struggling to sort it out, and hope I will not be eating bread and cheese here on Christmas day.
Hello Megan! What a frustrating situation. Sending you lots of good vibes from the East and wishing you and the horses well for whatever happens next. WIll drop you an email separately. S x
Dear Sarah, What a wonderful achievement – I have nothing but admiration for you. You are an inspiration. May you have a blessed Christmas and the most wonderful New Year, as you travel homewards.
Sincere good wishes,
June
Hi Sarah
Fantastic is what you are!
Enjoy some time to sight see – slow time….
Well done! another tick in the box.
Love from us all
Heather
i saw it in my school coool