Bhutan has long captured the imagination of visitors, known for its pristine environment, carbon-negative status, and the philosophy of Gross National Happiness. The country offers a rare escape into nature and simplicity. This week, a group of 19 international cyclists is exploring Bhutan the way they know best, on wheels.
A doctor by profession, Ken Looi set a world record for the farthest distance travelled on a unicycle in 24 hours. He covered more than 455 kilometres in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. The feat broke a record that had stood since 2007.
And today, he is riding from Paro to Bumthang, a journey of more than 300 kilometres across high mountain passes, steep climbs and winding roads.
For Ken, the journey is the fulfilment of a long-held wish inspired by stories from fellow riders who visited Bhutan years ago.
“I’ve always wanted to come to Bhutan. A couple of my friends came here about 20 years ago on unicycles, and I thought it was a pretty amazing place to visit. Not many people I know have been here, let alone on a unicycle.”
Bhutan’s mountain roads are considered challenging even for experienced cyclists. Riding them on one wheel makes the journey even more demanding.
The ride is part of an international cycling tour bringing together riders from six different countries. While they follow the same route, Ken’s journey is very different, slower, more deliberate and closely connected to every part of the road.
But beyond the challenge, Ken says the ride is about enjoying Bhutan, its people and its landscape.
“I just have fun. I’m here to enjoy the culture, the scenery, and the riding.”
Sixty-year-old Bruce Dawson from Canada is also part of the group. A retired software developer from Google, he began unicycling at the age of 18. In 2008, he took part in an 800-kilometre unicycle convention in Canada over five days.
“I do not fall very often, but I came off once today and once yesterday, while most bicyclists do not come off at all. Another big challenge is going downhill. People on bicycles can stop pedalling and coast easily, but I have to keep pedalling and balancing the whole way down. Sometimes, downhills are even harder than uphills.”
Bruce says he joined the tour after Ken brought together a group of unicyclists from different countries.’
“I have never done a bike tour before. Bhutan seemed like a wonderful place to do it for the first time. It is an exotic country that I have never been to, and I am very happy with the choice.”
They are not the only ones trying something new.
“We three guides are learning to ride a unicycle. We had only seen it on television before and never thought we would get the chance to ride one ourselves. Now, we are learning how to ride it,” said Ugyen Tshering, Tour Guide.
The group will reach Bumthang on Monday, where more scenic landscapes and new experiences await them.
Karma Samten Wangda & Karma Wangdi
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
