Meeting with World Cyclist Robert Halkett

Barry and Margaret Williamson

January 2009

The following images were captured as Robert left Camping Finikes, here in Finikounda at the southern end of the Greek Peloponnese. Robert spent three nights at the campsite: being ahead of schedule, he was in no hurry to travel further north and east until the weather improved. Even Greece was experiencing snow fall in Athens and the north!

Robert had left London at the beginning of October 2008 and cycled to Greece via France, Italy and the Brindisi-Patras ferry. His onward route will take him across Turkey, perhaps a side trip to Syria, then through Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Tibet, China, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore … He is clear that this is the intention, though he is also very flexible and is prepared to spend up to 3 years on the road.

We ate together each evening and talked at length about travel, cycling, bicycles, Greece, routes, maps, prevailing winds, books and websites - a full agenda! After waving him on his way towards Koroni, Kalamata and the challenges and joys of the Mani Peninsula, we look forward to following him on his website: http://robsbikeride.wordpress.com/

To see a slide show, click: Robert Halkett leaves Finikes.

Robert's custom-built Dutch bicycle, with German- made waterproof Ortlieb bags and puncture-proof Schwalbe tyres.
Detail of Robert's bicycle: 14 Rohloff gears in the hub, chain tensioner, hydraulic disc brake and Ortlieb pannier bag.
Robert explains a point to an attentive Rod and Margaret.
Barry and Rod outweighed by Robert!
Robert ready for the road. He prefers to carry his personal kit in a rucksack rather than in a handlebar bag.
Ready to ride. Note the two props, front and rear, for the well-loaded bike.
About to take off, the bicycle looks neat and well-balanced. Robert prefers pedals without clips and straight handlebars (the latter inevitable with Rohloff gears).
Margaret looks wistfully after Robert as he hits the road. We certainly felt an urge to follow.
This image summarises Robert's cheerful and confident manner: a man willing and ready to learn as his journey progresses.
The last look!