My Cycling Expedition

About My Journey

Flights have by far been the biggest contributor to my carbon footprint. As someone who loves travelling and wants to see all corners of the world, it has proven to be a difficult challenge to reduce the amount flights I take. However, I found an exciting alternative, that will set me on a life-changing journey. In July 2024, I will start my solo expedition from the Netherlands to Georgia. I expect to arrive in the beginning of November.

My Preparation

The idea of cycling every day seems simple, but the logistics of it required quite some planning. Before I left for my semester abroad in Vietnam, I had 2 months to make sure I had everything prepared.

Gear and equipment

What took by far the longest, was researching and buying the equipment for the trip. First, I bought an over 20-year old touring bike off of Marktplaats. Then, I researched all the individual parts to take with me. The most important ones are:

• A proper tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag, as most nights I will be wild camping.

• Sturdy and waterproof bicycle bags to acommodate my equipment

• Tools to repair any damages to the bicycle.

The Route

The route from the Netherlands to Georgia will be around 6.000 km in length, and will likely take me around 3 months to complete. In general, the route will take me through:

• Germany by following the Rhine river

• The Alps along the Via Claudia Augusta route.

• The Balkan. Countries I will ride through include: Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece.

• Turkey along the Black Sea.

Why This Suits Me

Cycling for months is definitely not everyone's cup of tea. However, for me personally I think it's the best solution for both reducing my carbon footprint and going on new travel adventures.

Looking at my carbon footprint, I knew that flights were by far the biggest contributor to my carbon footprint. When looking at alternatives, cycling is one of the greenest ways of travelling, as it creates no carbon emissions. Travelling by car or train are the more obvious alternatives to flying, but if I am going to spend a lot of time reaching the end destination (as apposed to simply flying), the feeling of adventure that cycling brings appealed more to me. With cycling it is much less about the final destination, instead all about the journey.

Unlike the relative isolation of other transportation methods, a bicycle invites constant interaction with the environment and its people. As a cyclist, you travel at a pace that allows for spontaneous encounters and meaningful conversations with locals, providing a deeper understanding of the region's traditions and way of life. The physical effort and slower pace create a greater appreciation for the journey, making unforgettable memories and connections that are often missed when traveling by car/bus/train. This method of travel not only enhances cultural exchange but also provides a sense of adventure and personal fulfillment.

What an epic adventure! I'm curious to hear about all the experiences you'll have along the way and all the people you'll meet. Wish I had the courage to do something like this. Have fun and come back home safely!

Barbara B.

★★★★★