TALISKER’S TRAVEL
ONE SCOTSMAN AND HIS DOG TAKE THE HIGH ROAD AROUND CHINA CHINA ODYSSEY KEEPS SCOTS TRADITION OF EXPLORATION ALIVE
locations by travelling on the country’s high-speed rail network.
After spending 20 years cooped-up in an office, it was only natural that data analyst Adam Hyslop yearned to set himself free from the corporate life and get out on the open road to adventure.
CANINE LUCKY CHARM
So, when the opportunity of a year’s sabbatical came along, he took the opportunity to make his dream of carefree exploration into the unknown become a reality. What was remarkable was how he did it. Taking his cue from the historic pioneering exploits of his Scottish forebears, Adam set out on a 1,200 kilometre cycle ride deep into the unspoiled rural hinterlands of China – with only his trusty Border Collie Talisker for company. The unlikely duo completed their trailblazing ride from Adam’s home in Shanghai, south-west through picturesque mountain regions to their destination of the famous Mount Wuyi, in a memorable six-week odyssey. Not bad for someone previously with limited experience of travels on a bicycle. And even more impressive for three years-old Talisker, who ran alongside Adam on downhill stretches, but was able to give his paws a break by resting in his trailer behind the bike on the uphill sections. Their journey was enlivened along the way by occasional visits from Adam’s wife Valeria, who met them in some
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Adam, who worked at one of the Big Four consultancy firms in applied big data analytics, has lived in Asia since 2005, the last nine years in China. When the chance of a sabbatical came up, he realised it was a chance both for much-needed adventure and to explore some of the massive rural interior of the fascinating country he lived in. Although Valeria had to stay in Shanghai for her job, there was no question about Talisker’s companionship on the trip. Named after the renowned single malt Scotch whisky distilled on the Isle of Skye, he was an apt good luck charm symbolising the legendary Scottish trait of intrepid exploration.
PANDEMIC CAUTION The COVID-19 pandemic was an unforeseen element when Adam began planning the trip, but when it came time to start in September 2020, restrictions had been in place and become a routine part of life.
THE RIGHT STUFF As with every journey into the unknown, preparation was vital. Adam carefully researched the right equipment required for the journey and eventually settled on an e-bike, to help take the strain of pulling Talisker’s trailer and to cope with the weight of himself and extra panniers on road climbs. A bike direction app was also essential for the remote mountainous terrain they’d be travelling through. His main objective was to go through as many mountain areas and UNESCO sites, as possible via Mount Huangshan, with the ultimate goal of reaching Mount Wuyi. So, he picked out locations based on a daily average of 50 kilometre rides, based on scenic qualities and recommendations from friends, and came up with a route that looked ambitious – but achievable. After a few test runs with the bike, equipment and Talisker around Shanghai, they were ready to rock.
ROADS LESS TRAVELLED
The restrictions caused some impact on his booking of accommodation, but thankfully no real effect on the overall experience and he was able to take a COVID-19 test before setting off.
This adventure of a lifetime made a profound impression on Adam: “We must adventure into the unknown from time to time to know we are alive! he says.”
Andi it was for reassuring for Adam to reflect on the fact that Scottish adventurers of centuries gone by had faced much worse risks of disease and illness on their travels.
“I wasn’t totally sure if Talisker would react well to the trailer and I’d only booked the first few nights’ accommodation because I was unsure of what lay ahead.
