Steppe by Steppe, Side by Side

On the 4th of May, 2009, Roger and Megan set off from Astana, Kazakhstan, into the Eurasian steppe on their four-wheeled Quike -traversing the steppes at the heart of the Asian continent whilst facing a continual battle with both the physical elements and their psychological forces within.

They ventured throughout Central Asia and Western China, away from cities and roads, living with local families in order to experience the unique cultures and lifestyles of the region - documenting their lifestyles and traditions before their stories are lost forever.

Their 12-month journey took them through all kinds of terrain and conditions - from the vast and endless Kazakh steppe, to the relentless heat of the Uzbek summer, to the high altitude mountain passes of Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, and to the frozen wastelands of the Taklamakan desert in winter. Their mode of transportation being a pedal-powered, tandem, sociable recumbent quadracycle named Quikey - allowing them to venture into areas otherwise inaccessible by car, motor bike, or plane.

More than just a travelogue or adventure story, this book has many insights into the people they meet on their journey as well as insights into their culture, way of life, history and religion, coupled with reflections on and comparisons with our society. It also tells a compelling story of the relationship between the two main characters.

Every Journey begins with the first steppe...