Chris Taylor Age: 21 Home town: Malmsbury (North Wilts.) I’m a recent Economics graduate from St John’s College, Cambridge who couldn’t quite face the thought of beginning law school right away. This trip seemed like a far more original way to spend a year out compared to lying on a beach in Thailand, especially as I am already a keen cyclist. Like Dave and George, I have taken part in a couple of previous cycling expeditions – one travelling across Europe from Cheltenham to Romania, aiming to raise money for Romanian Orphanages, and one travelling down France with a friend. In terms of preparation for this journey, my daily routine now incorporates the cycling the 28 mile round trip cycle to Swindon, where I am working to be able to afford 7 months on the road. I am most looking forward to travelling the Silk Road – we see and hear so little about the countries along its route that the trip will be a fantastic eye opener. Although I have visited China briefly before, touring will actually provide the chance to meet many more people and absorb the landscape. One of my most valued possessions on the trip will be a camera, as I’ve always enjoyed trying to photograph the places I visit. While we are funding the trip ourselves, it also provides a great opportunity to raise money and awareness of some very worthy charities, so please help support them!

George Wallis Age: 24 Home town: Maidenhead (Berkshire) I've been studying at St John's College in Cambridge for the last five years, reading engineering for the first four years and management studies for the past year. This trip seemed like an ideal way to put off getting a job for yet another year, whilst having a lot of fun along the way and an opportunity to raise some money for charity. I'm a keen cyclist and cycled the route of the Tour de France in summer 2003 with my brother, although we weren't camping so didn't need to take as much luggage as we'll need this time. Whilst at Cambridge I also rowed quite a bit, both for my college boat club and in the university lightweight crew for our annual race against Oxford. I spent a short time in Hong Kong and China several years ago on a family holiday which whetted my appetite; I'm very keen to spend more time there, particularly in more remote areas. Cycle touring really appeals to me as it's slow enough to be able to take in the sights as you go along, and you get to see the full spectrum of countryside rather than just hopping from city to city. I'm most looking forwards to the Middle East and Central Asia leg of the trip, particularly through Iran and the 'stans which I have never had the opportunity to visit. I'm probably least looking forwards to having to check the bottom of my sleeping bag for spiders or scorpions before bed time!

Dave Wilson Age: 22 Home town: Wantage (South Oxfordshire) Like Chris and George I have just finished at Cambridge and seeing as I don't have an idea what I want to do with my life I thought that I'd better use this opportunity to see the world. In 2001 I cycled from Oxford to the Mediterranean and in 2003 I went from Lands End to John O'Groats (ie the length of the UK). This taught me that the best way to see country is by pedal power; it is slow enough to be able to see everything but fast enough to actually make some progress! I have had my heart set on cycling to Beijing for the last year. The route is great because it passes through a range of landscapes and cultures plus I like the idea of setting off from home. The charitable aspect of the trip is also really important; having had a pretty privileged upbringing I feel like it is about time to give something back. Médecins Sans Frontières and the Oxford Children's Hospital Campaign are both great causes so please give generously!