
Founder’s Stories – Tim Obendorf of Mountain Biking Asia
The philosophy of our tours has always been one of wanting to learn from the Chinese and other Asian cultures, providing an opportunity to appreciate their culture, history, and lifestyles.
What’s your company name?
Mountain Biking Asia
In what year did you run your first tour?
1984
1/2 in Hong Kong or China and half in Oregon, USA
How long have you lived there?
The Tibetan areas of Sichuan Province – High Mountains and Grasslands!
In your opinion, what’s the best local food in China?
What’s your favourite piece of little-known trivia about China?
What keeps you going back to China?
What did you do before starting Mountain Biking Asia?
Community College and a stint in Newspaper Photography.
Why did you start Mountain Biking Asia?
The experiences we shared on that initial trip were “once in a lifetime.” The simple kindness of the Chinese villagers, the beautiful countryside, and the fun of riding side by side with the Chinese, were only the beginning. Amazingly, in spite of the rapid changes in China and Asia over the last three decades, we still enjoy these experiences on our tours today.
What makes your trips unique?
The philosophy of our fully supported bike tours has always been one of wanting to learn from the Chinese and other Asian cultures, providing an opportunity to appreciate their culture, history, and lifestyles. Our hope is that you will enjoy a fun-filled, rewarding experience, gaining new insight into the Asian peoples and the great nations they represent.
Can you tell us about a time one of your trips changed a guest’s life?
Well, we have had guests who met on one of our cycling trips from different parts of the world and later married!
What’s one thing you recommend a traveller bring with them on one of your tours?
Coffee and an espresso pot.
What’s one thing you recommend a traveller NOT bring with them on one of your tours?
Tea!
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Norway, Costa Rica and Chile
What’s the best piece of travel advice you’ve ever received?
It’s not necessarily wrong, it’s just different.