About Bike Asia
Bike Asia was founded in 2003 in Yangshuo, Southern China by three nomadic Australians. With years of travel industry experience under their belts, they hatched a plan to start a cycling tour company that would operate tours that they would love to do themselves. A real passion for Asia, for authentic travel experiences, exciting cycling (of course!) and a spirit of adventure are the main ideas behind the company. Starting with a tour in Guangxi Province, China, the company has expanded its operations to encompass a large portion of Asia. Our regions of operation concentrate on China, Mongolia, Tibet, Nepal, Japan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, though we branch out into other parts of Asia too – all fantastic cycling regions with a depth of culture that are an endless source of fascination.
Based in Asia from the outset, we have developed extensive relationships with our local friends and partners who have become a huge part of making our tours the amazing adventures they are. Our local teams provide insight into their respective cultures and peoples, and with our experience in understanding the needs of our clients we believe we offer truly unique and rewarding cycling experiences. We are actively involved in helping grow awareness and participation in cycle tourism, cycling as leisure and as a sport by offering equitable opportunities for locals to work in the industry and by supporting local businesses, cycling organisations and events.
There are many reasons why we love to travel by bike and these form the background philosophy behind our tours. The physicality of propelling oneself, of being in the open air, in intimate contact with, and often challenged by, the landscape brings a great feeling of achievement. Interacting spontaneously with your surroundings as you move at your own pace, stopping whenever the moment takes you, creates a genuine sense of personal journey. Best of all, being on a bike makes you more approachable to local people – they may think you’re odd at times but respect for effort seems to be a universal human characteristic – allowing you to connect meaningfully across cultural barriers, moments that are remembered long after the journey ends. It might be a hackneyed cliche to say that the journey is not about the destination but we think it holds true.
