Stephen-Fabes-guide-and-ambassador

Stephen Fabes

Stephen is a guide and ambassador for our Marco Polo tour. His travel blog – https://cyclingthe6.com/ – served as inspiration and a guidebook for the concept behind the tour. We first met Stephen in 2013 Sydney when he was on the Australian leg of his Epic 6 continents ride – 75 countries & 86,209km (53,568 miles) – and were delighted to help him with some mechanical issues he was having. During our conversations the idea of a Marco Polo tour from Venice to Beijing came to the fore as he had first hand experience of riding much of the proposed route. Now Stephen is back to his day job as an ER doctor in London and working on his book it was the perfect time to reconnect.

About

First cycling memory

Being pushed down a grassy slope by my Dad, wailing, without stabilisers. About as formative was cycling the length of Chile, aged 19, with my younger brother, from Patagonia to The Atacama Desert.

Favourite bike

I pedalled a Santos Travelmaster around the world for six years. It was the only bike I needed.

Top climb

Climbing to the Andean passes between Chile and Argentina was tough, but the views were outstanding. Paso Sico and Paso Pircas Negras stand out.

One thing on your bucket list

The Great Divide

A special skill you bring on tour

Sadly I'm a terrible mechanic and a worse chef. But, if it's a skill, I do like to explore small trails, back-country and places people warn me not to go

Favourite Ride & Seek tour gastronomic experience

Anything on the tours that run through Italy!

Languages

English, worse than ropey Spanish and a smattering of Russian

Ride & Seek tours you lead REMOVE??

Marco Polo