Welcome, adventurers and dreamers! Today, we’re diving into the thrilling journey of two intrepid souls who embarked on an extraordinary expedition – a long distance cycling odyssey spanning from Italy all the way to Singapore.
Meet Stefano and Alessia, a dynamic duo fueled by wanderlust and a thirst for adventure.
In this interview, they share their inspiring story, detailing the motivations behind their epic voyage, the challenges they’ve faced on the road, and the transformative experiences that have reshaped their perspectives on travel and life itself.
So buckle up and get ready for a journey of a lifetime as we delve into the awe-inspiring tale of Stefano and Alessia’s epic cycling expedition across continents.
The Inspiration Behind the Journey: From Italy to Singapore by Bicycle
It all started back in 2021, when we were on a two-week trip in Georgia. We were driving around the country in our car, and it dawned on us that we were spending more money on fuel and car expenses than on the actual travel itself because Georgia was super budget-friendly. So, half-jokingly, we tossed around the idea of finding a cheaper way to travel, and someone suggested biking.
When we got back home, we went for it and purchased a “bibici,” a small tandem bike, for 180 euros. We also rigged up Alessia’s dog cargo for the bike, customizing it for our needs. With our makeshift setup, we headed to Corse and circumnavigated the entire island in just two weeks.
It was insane because neither of us had ever done anything like it, and we weren’t exactly in peak physical condition, nor did we have the ideal bicycle for the job. But despite the challenges, we fell in love with the experience and decided to dream even bigger.
Before we became a couple, Alessia used to live on her sailing boat. But when we moved into Stefano’s flat together, we decided to part ways with the boat and use the funds to invest in two new bicycles and all the necessary gear for a long-distance adventure. With the bikes sorted, the next question was where to go. After scanning the map, we realized that the furthest reachable destination from home by land was Singapore. So, that’s how we settled on it.
Preparing for the Challenge: Physical and Mental Preparation for Long Distance Cycling
Once we quit our jobs, we started gearing up for a year abroad, and let me tell you, it’s no small feat. You’ve got to figure out where to stash all your everyday stuff and make sure you’ve got everything you’ll need for the journey ahead. Truth is, we didn’t have much time to prep physically and mentally for this trip.
We’ve got differing views on this. Stefano reckons a couple of weeks of training before hitting the road would help ease the initial leg pain, but Alessia thinks you can’t really train for this kind of thing. You get fit as you go, tackling each day’s challenges head-on. Plus, you can’t replicate the conditions of traveling with heavy bags and camping out every night. But hey, different strokes for different folks, right?
Anyway, come November, about three months before we set off, we decided to put ourselves, our bikes, and all our new gear to the test. We rode from Bozen to Copenhagen, covering 1300 km (800 miles) in a month. We even faced temperatures as low as -9 degrees Celsius, which was a good reality check for understanding our cold weather limits. It was also a real test for us as a couple because tough situations can easily lead to friction. We had to learn each other’s limits and respect them to keep things smooth.
Memorable Moments: Experiences and Encounters Along the Journey
We have just started our travels but we have already encountered several interesting and kind individuals. Some have been incredibly generous, buying us a cake or giving us money for coffee, and even inviting us for a home-cooked lunch. However, the most memorable encounter occurred during our second day in Albania.
We found ourselves in a remote area, hungry and buying food at a small market. As we were eating a cheese toast, a man overheard us speaking Italian. He kindly invited us to his home for food and lodging, despite knowing nothing about us. The man’s house was five kilometers away, and we decided to accept his invitation.
Upon arrival, we met Marco and his wife Pashka, who treated us like their own children. They proudly showed us their home and introduced us to their animals, including newborns, and even demonstrated how they milked the cows. Pashka prepared a lavish dinner with homemade products, and we spent the day exchanging stories. It was truly inspiring to witness such spontaneous generosity from people who knew nothing about us. This encounter reminded us of the beauty of the world, often overlooked in our daily lives.
Facing the Unknown: The Biggest Hurdles on the Way
During a long-distance cycling trip, there will be many unexpected problems that may arise. One important strategy is to focus on the present rather than worry excessively about the future.
As holders of an Italian passport, we have observed that we don’t need visas for most of the countries along our route. However, we must adhere to the 30-day visa validity terms. While there are countries we wish to visit where land borders are currently closed, we monitor daily news updates to assess whether entry is possible. This issue, though, is not an immediate concern and can be addressed later.
Our most significant challenge lies in reaching Pakistan before winter sets in. Our plan involves traveling to Tajikistan or Kyrgyzstan, crossing a pass over four thousand meters high, entering China, and eventually connecting to the Karakoram Highway leading to the Khunjerab Pass into Pakistan.
The key is to cross the final pass by the end of October, before temperatures drop and the pass closes. If it becomes apparent that timing may be an issue, we are prepared to adjust our route accordingly.
Mapping the Journey: Navigating Routes Across Diverse Countries and Terrains
We’ve got a rough outline of our route divided into four main stages. First up is Istanbul, then it’s on to Aktau in Kazakhstan, followed by reaching Pakistan, and finally deciding our route through India to Southeast Asia.
Each day, we plan a short route using Komoot, which is like Google Maps but geared towards hiking and cycling, leading us to secondary roads. We create a GPX file and send it to our Garmin 820, then do our best to stick to the route.
We prefer paved roads since our bikes are pretty hefty (about 40 kg each) and it’s more comfortable, but sometimes we end up on gravel roads. For now, crossing borders in Europe is a breeze – no passport needed. We’ll see how it goes in other countries down the line.
Shifting Perspectives: Reflections on Travel, Adventure, and Life
We’ve always been keen travelers, even before embarking on this new adventure. So, we were already accustomed to making spur-of-the-moment decisions and adapting to new environments. The main difference between this type of journey and a typical holiday is how we perceive travel itself.
When you’re on the road for longer than a couple of weeks or a month, it’s not just a vacation – it becomes a lifestyle. You develop new routines and priorities: eating, cycling, sleeping. It’s not always smooth sailing like a meticulously planned two-week getaway. There are moments that can be dull and stressful, but there are also incredibly beautiful moments that become cherished memories you couldn’t even dream of experiencing from the pages of a book.
One peculiar aspect of this type of travel is that you’re always outdoors, something we’re not accustomed to. Normally, we spend most of our time indoors – in houses, schools, offices. So, initially, it can be exhausting for the body to acclimate to constantly being outside. But over time, you adapt, and it’s truly wonderful to live under the open sky, feeling the environment on your skin.
Another eye-opener is realizing how little we actually need. Society often pushes us towards consumerism, but through this journey, we’ve come to understand that less is indeed more. For example, we only have three pots, two of which double as our dishes. Our clothing is minimal, only the essentials. Our home is a tent.
And you know what? It’s more than enough.
Insights for Aspiring Adventurers: Advice for Long Distance Cycling Expeditions
First and foremost, don’t wait for the perfect moment to leave. The right time is now – as you’re reading this. So, kickstart your new adventure!
If you’re keen on this kind of travel, start saving money. You don’t need to dine out every week, buy new clothes regularly, or hit up happy hour every Friday. There are plenty of ways to cut back and save. The more you save, the longer you can stay on your journey. It’s simple: most people who travel like this have saved up and live on a tight budget. Sure, there are a few who have nomadic jobs, but they’re the exception. There’s a wealth of information online from people who’ve done it, so do your research.
Bicycles and gear can be pricey, so again, start putting money aside. But remember, you don’t need top-of-the-line gear to have an amazing adventure. Even with a modest budget, you can have a fantastic experience. And always keep in mind that the excuses you make to yourself are just in your head. For every problem, there’s a solution, and every challenge you face only helps you grow as a person. Stepping out of your comfort zone might be tough, but once you embrace it, it’s truly exhilarating.
Balancing Logistics: Managing Food, Accommodation, and Safety During Extended Travel
FOOD: When you’re going on a long distance cycling trip, every ounce counts, so carrying a week’s worth of food isn’t feasible. We aim to have enough food for a full day – breakfast, lunch, and dinner – with some extras in case of unexpected delays. Thankfully, markets are plentiful along our route, so we don’t need to haul around a lot of provisions unless we’re in a remote area.
We use an alcohol/gas stove, which allows us to cook whenever, wherever, and whatever we want. Maintaining a balanced diet is key because cycling lets you feel what your body needs. Sometimes we’ll say to each other, “I really need some vegetables today,” because we can feel the need for fiber. But above all, staying hydrated is crucial. That’s why we invested in a Cranktank, an Australian-made tank that holds four liters of water. We also have a water filter system for emergencies, although it’s rarely needed here in Europe.
SLEEPING: As for accommodation, we pitch our tent wherever we can find a spot. Camping is typically prohibited in Europe, but we use our best judgment. During the low season, we haven’t encountered many issues, even in touristy areas. However, in the summer, we either head to campgrounds or discreetly set up camp at sunset and pack up at sunrise.
We’re also part of various communities like “Warm Showers“, “Couchsurfing“, “Trust Roots“, and “Be Welcome“, where we can host or be hosted for free. It’s a fantastic way to connect with locals and like-minded travelers. If we need a shower or can’t camp due to weather, we opt for the cheapest accommodation available.
SAFETY: To ensure our safety, we’ve invested in travel insurance that covers us for a year, with the option to extend. While the world may seem daunting, it’s mostly safe. People everywhere are living their lives just like we are, so it’s best not to judge before experiencing it firsthand.
So, go outside and embrace the world around you!
Forward Looking: Hopes and Aspirations for the Journey Ahead
Our main hope is to explore numerous new places and create lasting memories along the way. We also aspire to fully immerse ourselves in the life of the countries we visit – indulging in new cuisines, learning local recipes, and uncovering all the wonders the world has to offer.
However, we try not to dwell too much on the future because we thrive on embracing the spontaneity and excitement of new experiences.
A Message from the Road: Sharing Insights with Followers of the Adventure
Life is fleeting, and it’s easy to get caught up in worrying about what may or may not happen in the future.
We often forget to fully embrace the present moment. So, if you have a dream or something you’ve been wanting to do, don’t hesitate – just go for it. Take it one step at a time, and you’ll find your path becoming clearer.
And if things don’t go exactly as planned, at least you can say you gave it your all. Don’t be afraid to embrace new challenges along the way!
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