From New Zealand to Ballyferriter: Meet the Kerryman on a global cycling trek

Tomás Mac an t-Saoir has previously undertaken cycles cross the US and Africa

Having cycled 4,000km across New Zealand, Tomás Mac an t-Saoir began the leg of his journey from Australia in October, which will bring him through Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Photo via @tomasworldcycle

A Kerryman has just cycled 1,300km across Afghanistan, following in the footsteps of his idol Dervla Murphy.

Tomás Mac an t-Saoir from Ballyferriter is now undertaking a cycle across Iran on the latest leg of his mission to cycle from New Zealand to his home village in the West Kerry Gaeltacht.

He has previously undertaken cycles cross the US and Africa, and started his latest trek from New Zealand in January 2020, but was hit by lockdowns imposed as a result of the covid pandemic.

Having cycled 4,000km across New Zealand, he began the leg of his journey from Australia in October, which will bring him through Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

Detailing his journey on social media, the Kerryman wrote after completing his trip across Afghanistan: “Not one to boast, but seems I'm the second Irish person to cycle Afghanistan (I could be corrected!) Behind the late, great Dervla Murphy from Lismore, Waterford, whom cycled here back in the 1960s. Incredible to follow in her legendary footsteps. Laoch!” 

Ms Murphy died in 2022 at the age of 90, having undertaken many adventures across the globe, often by cycling.

He added: “Highly recommend her book,- 'Full Tilt, from Ireland to India with a bicycle'. She rode this route in the 60s, & carried a gun for safety! An incredible journey to take in such times when travelling by bicycle around the world really wasn't a thing. A regret I never met her.”

His journey has led him to sleeping in the homes of local people who have welcomed him into their family for the night. Photo via @tomasworldcycle

Of the people he met along the way, he wrote: “They don't speak English, so we're using Google translate to converse, and calculator to show our ages. One of them asked "do you mind us talking to you?" Such sweet people. Sad that it's my last full day here. Already looking forward to visiting again!” 

On January 12, his post highlighted some of the difficulties encountered along the journey: “Whatever guardian angels I have looking over me took great care of me again today! After I stopped after 18k to eat, the wind changed from a crosswind to a raging tailwind. Even with little effort I was able to tip along at 25 KPH. 

"Taliban have been following all day and I'm guessing it'll be like this most of the way to Herat. Lots of emptiness here, & many KM's before you reach the next village. Went 60k without seeing anything today. 324k to Herat, let's go!” 

Tomás Mac an t-Saoir has now crossed into Iran, bound for Dubai. Photo via @tomasworldcycle

He also noted the curiosity of locals in areas of the expansive country: “No matter where I stop. It's like being back in parts of rural Africa, where the whole village would come to see the foreigner on the bicycle.” 

His journey has led him to sleeping in the homes of local people who have welcomed him into their family for the night.

The Kerry adventurer has now crossed into Iran, bound for Dubai. He marked the beginning of the new year in Afghanistan, while he celebrated Christmas in Pakistan.

His travels can be followed at Tomás Mac an t-Saoir (@tomasworldcycle) on X, and at Tomas Mac An T-Saoir (@anbotharfada) on Instagram.