Father and son cyclists ride into record books

A father and son have ridden into the record books after completing a cycle adventure covering more than 16,000 miles (25,750km) in 30 different countries over 400 days.

George Kohler and his son, Josh, left their home near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, in March last year, aiming to break three Guinness World Records.

They returned home on Saturday as record breakers and spoke of the "immense generosity" of people as they cycled around the globe.

"I can't even put it into words, I am feeling so many different emotions and it has been such an incredible time over the last year and a bit," Josh told the BBC.

In total the duo travelled 16,478 miles (26,519km) and were welcomed home by family and friends.

The all-conquering pair were also presented with their world record certificates for the fastest bicycle circumnavigation of the world by father and son; longest bicycle journey by a father and son and the most countries visited in a continuous bicycle journey by father and son.

George and Josh started cycling together in 2021, raising money for charity.

Later that year they cycled from Land's End, Cornwall, to John O' Groats in Scotland.

In 2022 they cycled 3,728 miles [6,000km] across the USA in just three months.

On their latest adventure, the pair spent 400 days away from home, travelling around the world, including across Europe and Asia.

Josh, a content creator and filmmaker, said it would be "quite the shock" to go back to everyday life, adding: "It feels surreal.

"It's hard to put into words right now [the] full spectrum of emotions happening.

"Our bodies have adapted to cycling every day — I feel as fit as ever."

Josh said they had been "welcomed with open arms" in every country, adding the strengthened relationship with his father was the biggest highlight.

"There's been tough times and we have both been on our knees at times for a variety of different reasons.

"Obviously dad and I have had a few arguments, but it has been an amazing time and we've learnt so much about each other and have built this incredibly strong relationship that I could not be more grateful for.

"I am so, so grateful for dad to be able to take the time off work to be able to do this with me."

They raised more than £51,000 for UNICEF and received a message of support from Norfolk-born actress Olivia Colman on the last leg of their journey.

Colman, who is the UK President for the charity, said: "I couldn't be more impressed by your incredible cycle challenge across the world... you have been simply incredible, and now as you are entering your last leg I want to say all the very best and a huge thank you.

"You've taken on this enormous challenge to raise vital funds for UNICEF UK... we are so grateful for your amazing support. Good luck — you are amazing."

George, who served in the military for 27 years before setting up a chimney-sweeping business, said he was filled with a "huge sense of pride" for his son as well as their accomplishment.

"The relationship we've had has strengthened beyond imagination and I've seen what he's capable of in the most incredibly challenging situations physically, mentally and emotionally.

"To come through that to be what he's like, is heart-warming."

Alongside this, he said the "unconditional" hospitality, generosity and friendship the pair witnessed across the globe had restored his faith in humanity.

"It's the toughest thing I've ever done and it's the most rewarding thing I've ever done, " he added.

With a roast dinner and cold beer on the table for the pair upon their return, they are already setting their sights on the next adventure.

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