[top photo: Mr Nakanishi cycling through Toa Payoh. He spent three days in Singapore on his global trek before moving on to Indonesia]
ONE man, one bicycle, 124 countries and 78 tyre changes.
After 11 years of pedalling, Mr Daisuke Nakanishi has travelled 144,000km across the globe on the same trusty bicycle with which he started his journey.
The 39-year-old cyclist from Osaka, Japan, decided to embark on his global expedition when he was just 20 years old as he had a great desire to explore the world and meet new people.
Initially, he planned for the journey to last 31/2 years.
However, changes were made to the route as his adventure continued.
The economics graduate worked for six years in a construction firm after graduating and saved up about S$75,000 before starting his world tour.
On his journey, he came face to face with hyenas in South Africa, suffered a bout of malaria in Kenya and met with a biking accident in India.
However, for the now very-tanned bachelor, South America is his top pick so far.
'The people there are very friendly and open. During my time in Chile, a family even put me up at their place,' he said.
While cycling there he picked up Spanish and even had the privilege of being made an honorary citizen of cities in Bolivia, Venezuela and Peru.
He also met famous figures, like soccer star Pele, former US president Jimmy Carter and Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav, who was elected last year.
Mr Nakanishi prefers to travel alone as it gives him more freedom and control over his journey.
'I only felt lonely once on the road. It's hard to be lonely though people are curious when they see me and they approach me.'
Technology keeps him close to his family. He keeps in touch with his parents and older brother via e-mail when he makes stops.
Mr Nakanishi, who spent three days in Singapore, has decided to return to Japan later this year.
He said, 'Before I left, my father made me promise I would return home eventually. I have to fulfil that promise.'
Mr Nakanishi left Singapore on Tuesday afternoon for Indonesia.
Anyone wanting to find out more about Mr Nakanishi's travel experiences can visit his website at www.daisukebike.be
This article was first published in The Straits Times.
