Adam Platt-Hepworth
I discovered cycling travel and Asia in my early twenties. The moment when I realised that the two would combine perfectly, changed my life.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"We do bike trips and we do these in Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Sri Lanka. Actually there are some others, but this is where we offer our best experiences. We have trips to suit just about anyone. Families with young kids, those who like an adventure, but don't consider themselves cyclists, groups of friends, even solo travelers. We are not all about the bike. It's an important element, but it is really about using the bike to free yourself from the constraints of enclosed, motorised, controlled and limiting transport, based on highlight, or site based travel. The intrigue and satisfaction is in the journey itself.
At the same time, we are cyclists ourselves, so can put together amazing rides that will be some of the most satisfying cycling you will do, but will also introduce you to the hidden joys of Asia and the wonderful people who inhabit the towns and villages through which we ride. "
How did you get involved in travel?
"I grew up in rural Australia and had always ridden bikes as a kid. It wasn't until my early twenties that I tagged along with some friends on an OS trip that included Vietnam. I loved the place, but I hated the way we traveled. Too quickly, too superficially, just being fed through a tourist mill. I came home and committed to finding a better way to travel. In fact the answer was right under my nose. I'd just sold my car and was riding a bike to and from my bank job and it was turning into the best hour of each day.
I did my first overseas ride in Southern China in 2004 and then followed that with lots of riding through Southeast Asia in the following couple of years. Eventually I realised that the career path of banking was not for me and decided to make a living out of my passion.
Since that time, I have led many rides through a wide variety of destinations. I then built a business that employs an army of guides and support staff and so my energy these days is dedicated to training others and building their capacity to deliver crafted adventures, with genuine connections and with an almost obsessive attention to detail. We believe that a bike ride in Asia, done well, can be a transformational experience. "
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"In August 2007, I wanted to go for a ride in Myanmar. I put a post on a cycle touring forum to find a ride buddy and the one that I got was a great guy named Patrick from Montreal. He was about my age and my height and my cycling ability, so really a great match. We met in Bangkok, then flew into Yangon. We walked straight into the early stages of the Saffron Revolution and into the most intense, but intriguing travel experience either of us had ever had. We spent almost three weeks riding around the parts of the country that were accessible and discovered what a lovely bunch of people the Myanmar-ese (there is a reason not to call them Burmese) are. Amazing hospitality was forthcoming, despite the risks that people were taking in what was essentially a police state at the time.
Our most memorable exchange was a man who lived in a little stone house by a lake in the Shan Hills. He chased us down on his old rickety bike and insisted we come for tea at his house. A great meal and hours of conversation followed as our host extracted about three decades of information on the outside world from us (a task a couple of twenty somethings were possibly not well equipped for). We learned of the hardships our new friend had faced, including his imprisonment for his political resistance activities in the eighties, the loss of an eye during a subsequent arrest, the loss of his son to AIDS and the passing of his wife. A hard life to say the least. Late that evening, we snuck past the police station on our way back to the hotel.
As we were leaving town on our bikes the next morning, our friend came out with two, generous packed lunches. In 2014 I went back to visit our friend, but his house was being renovated by some younger people and they couldn't tell me anything about the previous owner or his whereabouts.
Myanmar these days is a free society and one that is changing at a rapid pace. The genuine nature of the people is still intact, but the overbearing police presence and the oppression that people like my one eyed friend had suffered is a memory that is quickly sliding away. "
Adam's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Perfect for active travelers and nature-lovers, this 10-day tour covers everything from sunny coastlines to national parks to tea plantations. Walk, swim, and drive your way...
From dreamy rice fields to sprawling tea plantations, rural villages to nature preserves teeming with wildlife, the range of Sri Lanka's geographical and cultural treasures is...
Sri Lanka is a compact country so domestic flights are limited. Newer highways are reducing travel times for those who take the bus. However, trains are the more comfortable way...
Recent trip reviews for Adam
Self guided cycle trip, not too arduous
Japan
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Apr 8 - Apr 15, 2019
Norman (local rep) and Takuro (bike support/baggage transfer) were both friendly and helpful. Tech guy tried to help with missing route, this didn't go so well. We liked all the accommodation arranged for us and Pedro, at the Ryoken in Yoshino was particularly helpful and informative. We were lucky to hit peak cherry blossom time also.
Cycling Tour of Sri Lanka - 13 Days
Sri Lanka
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Jan 30 - Feb 11, 2019
Thanks very much for the review Phoebe! The team really enjoyed hosting you and they will be greatly encouraged to read your review. We do hope to see you again sometime in the future!
Saigon to Angkor in 8 Days
Vietnam
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Nov 5 - Nov 11, 2018
The food on the trip was fantastic; the... Read more
Saigon to Angkor in 8 Days
Vietnam
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Nov 5 - Nov 11, 2018
It was simply amazing! From the early planning to the quick response to our pre visit questions, Adam and Ging we’re wonderful. We couldn’t have asked for more.
Both our Vietnam crew and Cambodian crew were fabulous. We fell in love with both countries because of them and had an truly authentic experience. I could write for hours about how great each guide, mechanic and driver were. They were kind, funny, unbelievably helpful and knowledgeable!
We can’t wait to recommend them to others!
Thank you so much to all of them!
Thanks for the review Val! Thanks for the kind words about the team. They all delight in hearing this sort of feedback. Indeed they are the heart and soul of our operation. Thanks for choosing to travel with us!
Hanoi
Vietnam
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Aug 26 - Aug 30, 2018
Tang & Driver Thang were fabulous. Their planning and execution was perfect. The route interesting with plenty of variation. The bikes perfect. The weather - we’ll sadly torrential rain and some flooding on 3 of the 5 days. But we still thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Thanks for a great cycling holiday.
Thanks for the great review Stewart! The guys really enjoyed hosting you. Too bad about the rain. Sometimes it just refuses to let up. Anyway, it sounds like you did still get to enjoy the Vietnam experience. Maybe you’ll have time to come back sometime!
Thailand & Cambodia
Cambodia
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Mar 27 - Mar 31, 2018
Claire,
We are all quite happy to read your review. Thanks for the kind words! I've had a chance to debrief with the guides and they very much enjoyed being with you on tour. There's lots to explore in Asia and we look forward to seeing you again in this part of the world.
Looking to do a VN cycling trip, probably about 2.5 weeks duration
Vietnam
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Mar 4 - Mar 24, 2018
We worked with Adam, then Ging from Garasshopper Adventures. Other than some issues with the weather, the entire trip was nearly flawless. Our guides were top notch. Knowledgeable, helpful and personable. We especially liked Thang and Nguyen. I would highly recommend Kimkim and Grasshopper.
Thanks for the review Ross! Great to hear you enjoyed your trip, especially the time with Thang and Nguyen! Thanks for choosing to travel with us!
vietnam biking
Vietnam
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Mar 4 - Mar 14, 2018
The hotels were outstanding. The guides did a good job in Hanoi and Saigon. They tried very hard to make us happy. The Cycle team was OUTSTANDING....the Bikes were new and the electric assist is a must! I would recommend this to anyone thinking of doing a Vietnam bike trip. Food selections gave us a real mix of Vietnam food, WE loved the trip!!!!!
Mark, thanks for the great review! The team really enjoyed hosting you and will be hugely encouraged to read that you had such a great time.
Trip to Laos
Laos
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Nov 4 - Nov 11, 2017
A belated thank you Roger for your review. Tui enjoyed your company too and has enjoyed reading this review. We are pleased that we could be of service on your trip to Laos and look forward to helping you plan some further travels in the future.