From London to Sydney on Bamboo: How One Odyssey Shaped a Unique Approach to Bike Education
Some journeys teach you more than just how to get from A to B. The Bamboo Odyssey—what became a 24,000 km ride from London to Sydney—wasn’t just about miles, bamboo, or a stubborn streak (although, there was plenty of that too). It was about peeling back layers of fear, building resilience, and learning that the bike can be so much more than a mode of transport. It can be a tool for connection, for change, for slowing down enough to really see the world—and, frankly, yourself.
So why am I talking about this on Pedal Set Go’s blog? Because every one of those lessons is woven into what we do here. From riding on wild, empty roads to cycling into hectic unknown cities, these experiences have become the building blocks of how we teach. If you want a deeper connection with riding—whether that means cycle touring, riding in city traffic, or just learning to trust yourself on a bike—this is where it all comes together.
Interested in reading more? Check out the full Bamboo Odyssey adventure by Li and Jules here.
Why Bamboo? The Bike as More Than a Machine
Choosing a bamboo bike isn’t the most obvious choice. But we didn’t need an expensive machine; We needed something that made sense, something sustainable, something we could build ourselves, perfectly attuned to our own bodies for comfortable days in the saddle. Bamboo is strong, flexible, and just a little unpredictable—perfect for a journey like this one. It reminded me to trust the bike and my instincts. Oh …..and Jules is a cabinetmaker, and with bamboo somewhat attuned to timber, something we knew we could repair ourselves, if the need arose.
At Pedal Set Go, we don’t push shiny gear or high-tech solutions. Instead, we focus on helping you connect with what really matters: confidence, skill, and the freedom that comes when you know you can handle yourself out there. Sustainability is at the heart of that, whether you’re choosing bamboo or just learning to ride in a way that respects both the bike and the world around you.
Real-World Skills You Won’t Find in a Handbook
People love to ask, “What did you learn on the road?” The truth is, there’s no tidy list. It was a series of sometimes messy, sometimes beautiful lessons in patience, adaptability, and getting on with it even when things didn’t go to plan. From dodging traffic in unpredictable cities to surviving months of downpours, ice and snow and the occasional broken spoke in the middle of nowhere, it was one long test of how much we could roll with (and over) whatever came our way.
And that’s exactly what we bring into every course at Pedal Set Go. We don’t just teach you to ride; we prepare you to face the real world on two wheels. For beginners, it starts with the basics—balance, control, braking without toppling over. For those interested in expedition cycling and cycle touring, we go deeper, drawing on those life-sized lessons from the road. We give you the tools to stay safe, calm, and confident, wherever your journey takes you.
Cycle Touring and Expedition Riding – The Art of Taking It One Pedal at a Time
Dreaming of the open road? Or just a long ride out of the city? We’re here for that, too. During the Bamboo Odyssey, we learned fast that long-distance riding isn’t about being hardcore. It’s about grit, planning (but not too much planning), and learning to laugh when the universe hands you another hill. Touring isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it’s also not about perfection—it’s about adapting, often on the fly.
That’s why, at Pedal Set Go, we don’t just teach bike skills; we teach resilience. If you want to dip your toes into cycle touring or get the skills for a big adventure, we’ve got the know-how and the experience to help you start. You’ll learn everything from route planning to gear handling, so when the road gets rough, you’ll be ready.
Why Bamboo Bikes? Nature’s Secret Weapon on Wheels
Bamboo bikes are having a moment, and for good reason. They’re light, tough, and naturally springy, which smooths out bumps and keeps you connected to the ride. But you don’t need to go all-in on bamboo to benefit from what we’ve learned—the skills we teach at Pedal Set Go work whether you’re on steel, carbon, or good old aluminium.
If you’re curious about bamboo bikes or looking for sustainable ways to ride, let’s talk. We’re passionate about sustainable choices, but we’re even more passionate about helping you find your best ride, whatever that looks like.
Pedal Set Go: Where the Real Ride Begins
What we do at Pedal Set Go goes beyond just biking. It’s about giving you the tools to take on your own adventures, big or small. The Bamboo Odyssey may have been Our journey, but the lessons learned along the way are to share. If you’re ready to step out, build confidence, or just ride with a bit more ease and intention, Pedal Set Go is passionate about Your journey.
Whether you’re new to riding or an old hand, we’re excited to bring our real-world experience to every lesson and every ride. Because at the end of the day, cycling isn’t about the bike—it’s about what it brings out in us and the places it takes us.
