Sharing is caring

Most around-the-world cyclists seem to travel alone. “Just start and you’ll meet people on the way”, is a common advice you find on cycling touring forums. I am sure this is true. Still, I have looked for a cycling buddy for years to join me on this adventure because I think sharing awesome experiences with others rather than having them on your own actually amplifies their awesomeness.

Of course you can cycle through the most beautiful country-sides, have the most enriching encounters and go through literally breathtaking challenges, all by yourself. I tried and it rarely worked for me. I started taking lots of photographs in the hope that friends at home would understand what it was like. And while they (hopefully) enjoyed my stories, only a travel mate can truly feel what you feel — because s/he was there with you.

This spring, I was lucky to meet Jona with whom I am going to go through this adventure (I promise this is the only picture I was able to take of him so far). We kind of met over the internet and found to have the same travel plans. In May, we met in Dunkirk to cycle a few days through France and Belgium together and check out if we were a good match as a team. We were.

In any event, I’m pretty sure we’ll have a great time together despite the smaller and bigger disagreements that are inevitably going to pop up in the coming months. Except of course if Jona loses me on the way — he’s a much stronger cyclist than me. 🚴💨