"I just wanted to do something awesome" Tobias and Matthias want to cycle from Germany to Vietnam, following the historic Silk Road. Where did the idea come from?
"The journey begins!" - Manpower Express is rolling. When starting in Heiligenstadt on August 1st 2018, it's one of the hottest days of the year. 39°C (102°F) promise lots of fun.
"Do your butts hurt? and other urgent questions" - The first 1.000 km (600+ mi) are dead and done. In Hungary the boys look back and bid their farewell to Waldemar.
"The Reiseduschenouvertüre" - After Waldemar went back to Germany, Matthias and Tobias follow the Danube for a bit and then fight heat and a sandy road on the Puszta plains of southern Hungary.
"Der verrückte Maximilian: Zornstraße" (Crazy Max: Road of Anger) - While crossing Serbia, Tobias and Matthias reach the Iron Gates and meet an extraordinary cyclist on the way.
"The only way now is forward." - Bulgaria, Thrace, Istanbul - Europe lies behind the Manpower Express. After 3.000 km (1,800+ mi) they reached the western end of the Silk Road and a new chapter is about to begin.
"At the Safranbolu Barber" - Safranbolu was an important Silk Road hub with an amazing old town - and it presents the perfect opportunity to visit the local barber.
"From 0 to 2470 meters above sea level: The toughest stage yet" - Tobias and Matthias picked up their Iranian visa and now have to leave the coast and go into the mountains. The toughest day is right around the corner.
"Mutant dogs and flag problems: The last days in Turkey" - After 41 days, big bad dogs and being mistaken for terrorists, Matthias and Tobias leave Turkey and ride their bicycles to Iran.
"Bazaar, taarof and malt beer: First days in Iran" - Matthias and Tobias visit the famous bazaar of Tabriz and learn that the Iranians are seriously hospitable people.
"Tehran: city tour and propaganda" - In Tehran Tobias and Matthias apply for Chinese and Turkmen visa. Meanwhile they learn a bit about the city itself.
"Tobias' birthday. Motivation hits rock bottom." - It's Tobias' 30th birthday and Manpower Express has to leave the Iranian capital as they have 18 days to reach the border to Turkmenistan.
"213 km in one day: The way to first beer after 6 weeks" - It's the longest day for Tobias and Matthias as they go to the border town Sarakhs. Once in Turkmenistan they finally have a beer to celebrate Tobias' birthday.
"Dumpling Days in Uzbekistan" - Winter is coming and kebabs get replaced by dumplings as Matthias and Tobias arrive at the next Silk Road hub in Samarkand.
"Field Trip to the Holy Mountain: New Year's Eve in Kyrgyzstan" - Tobias and Matthias celebrate New Year's together with Waldemar and Luisa, visit the Kyrgyz holy mountain and finally get new tires for their bikes.
"Kyrgyzstan: Riding Bicycles at -10°C" - After their break in Osh, Tobias and Matthias head towards the Chinese border on the Pamir Highway at -10°C (14°F).
"Winter Blues in Kyrgyzstan: Taking a Taxi to China" - The guys have to reach China before January 19th. But Matthias' busted knee and the extreme conditions force them to take a taxi through the bizarre landscape.
"Away from Surveillance: Flight from Xinjiang to Xi'an" - When Matthias and Tobias get a taste of the Chinese authority in Xinjiang, they pull the ripcord and fly to Xi'an - the oldest of the Chinese imperial capitals, which also marks the Silk Road's eastern end.
"Xi'an: Terracotta Army and Keule's Panda-Punishing Plans" - While waiting in Xi'an for their bikes and equipment, the guys explore the ancient city and make emergency plans for when the pandas attack.
"Reset in China (First Try)" - Manpower Express is moving again. The boys head towards Sichuan - the promised land full of pandas and a warmer climate.
"Reset in China 2: Nasty Weather and Axle Fracture" - The police sent Tobias and Matthias back to Xi'an. On an alternative route they run into trouble of a different nature.
"New Companions. Cycling to the Three Gorges Dam in a Team of Five" - Manpower Express is joined by two Chinese cyclists and a friend from home. Together they visit the mighty Three Gorges Dam.
"The Changsha Schism - and Finally Surpassing 10,000 km!" - The clock is ticking. The boys separate from their Chinese friends. And they finally reach the 10,000 km mark (6,000+ miles).
"Lucky Charms, Selfies, and a Machete" - Cycling through southern China, the Manpower Express meets some fans, a dog and the destroyer of plants. Gifts from a local host and cyclist Ivan make sure the guys are well protected.
"Matthias Turns 30: The Closing of the China Chapter" - The last days in China are wet and dirty. Also Matthias is the last one to turn 30 on the road.
"The Foot of Contention: Recovery on the Beaches of Cat Ba" - Feces hit the fan when Tobias injures his foot on Cat Ba island. There are more weeks of waiting and another change of plans.
"So that's where they put the guy: Keule and Otti in Hanoi" - The boys explore the Vietnamese capital Hanoi and take a round trip to Bangkok to renew their visas.
"Why do you call yourself Manpower Express?: A Fresh-Footed Continuation" - It's the moment of truth. Will the foot hold up? Also the guys struggle to find something to complain about.
"Over the Ocean Cloud Pass: Only 1000 km to Go Until the Finish" - Manpower Express is riding along the South China Sea to Da Nang. The Ocean Cloud Pass marks the last barrier on the way to Saigon.
"Why Can't You Be More like Your Brother!: On the Road with Waldemar" - Waldemar joins in Da Nang for the last 1,000 km (600+ mi). His taste in bicycles used to be better and it's hot. Very hot.
"Finale in Saigon: How many countries were we in, again..?" - The journey ends. After exactly ten months and 13,007 km (8,000+ mi) Manpower Express reaches its destination - Saigon's Main Post Office.
"Epilogue: Do you still hang out together?" - Matthias and Tobias are back in Germany. How does it feel to come back after ten months on the bicycle? And why did they do the whole thing in the first place?
