Hello fellow adventurers! My name is Roman, a Frenchman who’s found a true love for cycling across borders, landscapes, and cultures. My journeys have taken me across the rugged outback of Australia, the breathtaking wilds of New Zealand, the desolate beauty of Central Asia, and the historic routes of Europe. Here’s a peek into my journeys on two wheels, each a chapter of freedom, endurance, and unforgettable encounters.
1. Australia: From Perth to the Gold Coast (2010)
My first long-haul ride began with an ambitious 7,500 km journey across Australia, from Perth to the iconic Gold Coast. I hit the road with a loaded bike, a tent, and a portable stove, ready for anything the road threw my way. It was challenging at first, especially adjusting to the vast, isolated stretches of the Australian outback. The daily grind was relentless, but each day brought a sense of accomplishment. As I rode, I set up camp under starlit skies, cooked simple meals on my little stove, and experienced a kind of freedom I’d never known before.
About 3,500 km in, I hit a snag: I’d run out of money. But rather than calling it quits, I took an unexpected detour—working on a tuna boat in Port Dickson. Three months of grueling labor later, I was back on the bike, pedal by pedal inching toward my goal. In the end, I rolled into the Gold Coast with sore muscles but a fuller heart, having completed my first epic journey on two wheels.
2. New Zealand: The Dual-Island Adventure (2012)
By 2012, I was ready for another adventure, and New Zealand’s promise of stunning landscapes was calling. Covering over 4,400 km across both islands, I encountered landscapes that were even more astonishing than I’d imagined—towering mountains, verdant valleys, and deep fjords. Every mile felt like a postcard moment, and the diversity of the terrain kept me going even when the rides got tough.
But as magical as New Zealand was, it had its own unique challenges. I quickly learned to be on the lookout for magpies, which dive-bomb cyclists without mercy! And then there were the infamous sandflies, tiny creatures with a nasty bite, especially around the South Island. Yet every day was worth it, and every moment on the road was pure magic.
3. Central Asia: Across the Gobi Desert and Beyond (2015)
In 2015, I embarked on my most challenging journey yet—5,500 km from Mongolia through the harsh, sprawling Gobi Desert, then onward across China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and finally, the towering peaks of Tajikistan. The highlight of this trip was scaling the Ak Baital Pass at a staggering 4,655 meters, where the thin air and relentless wind made every pedal stroke a triumph.
Cycling through these remote regions, I encountered landscapes and cultures vastly different from anything I’d known. The stark beauty of the Gobi Desert, the rich culture of the Silk Road cities, and the towering mountains of the Pamirs pushed my limits but also filled me with a sense of awe. It was as much a journey of the spirit as it was a physical challenge.
4. Europe: From France to Turkey (2019)
In 2019, I set out on a 3,600 km journey from my home country of France, crossing into Monaco, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, and finally, Turkey. Each border brought a new language, culture, and history to experience. The rolling vineyards of Italy, the dramatic coastline of Croatia, and the rugged beauty of Bosnia all held their own charm.
Due to time constraints, I took a quick bus ride from Albania to Greece, but I was back on my bike for the final leg from Thessaloniki to Istanbul. As I entered Turkey, I reflected on the incredible diversity I’d encountered in just a few thousand kilometers. The journey to Istanbul was a vibrant reminder of Europe’s rich tapestry, each country a new chapter in my cycling story.
5. Next Up: Scandinavia and Beyond (2025)
Looking ahead to 2025, I’m gearing up for a brand new adventure from Helsinki to Amsterdam, weaving through Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. The plan is to pedal through some of Europe’s most scenic and bike-friendly regions, taking in the fjords, forests, and historic cities along the way. This time, the adventure has a special twist—I’ll be cycling to support children with critical illnesses through the ‘Make a Wish’ foundation, adding an extra layer of meaning to every kilometer I cover.
Each trip has taught me something new—about the world, about resilience, and about the limitless spirit of adventure. From the blazing Australian sun to the icy heights of the Ak Baital Pass, every journey has been a wild ride that’s left me with memories (and stories!) for a lifetime.
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