He has a mission: less pollution and noise, more fresh and clean air in the cities of the world. People should walk, take the bus or train and of course cycle instead of polluting the atmosphere with their cars. This is what Omar Ruiz-Diaz has made his mission. The 45-year-old South American-born Canadian has been cycling around the world for 17 years. Last week he stopped off in Luxembourg, came to our newspaper’s reception and introduced himself and his project.
He himself worked as a journalist for a long time, says the Canadian, who was born in Paraguay and moved to Canada years ago for love. He seems restless, racing back and forth on the road for the photo. His solid bike pulls two trailers with yellow tarpaulins behind it. Inside are clothes, food and blank books, as well as a laptop and camera, of course.
Ruiz-Diaz writes everything down, takes photos, and posts his experiences online. “Life is like riding a bike. To stay balanced, you have to move.” This quote by Albert Einstein is emblazoned on the website and has become his motto in life. On his homepage: countless articles about Omar Ruiz-Diaz from newspapers around the world. Again and again, the beaming and contented smile of this man who says of himself that he no longer owns anything except what he has on his bike. The bike is a means of transport for him, but also a support. “I don’t always cycle, I also walk a lot and push the bike,” he explains.
“To stay balanced, you have to move”
How does he keep himself afloat? He has sponsors, but these are mainly for the environmental projects he supports. And himself? Food, drink, sleep? “The people are usually very nice,” Ruiz-Diaz assures. A bed to sleep in, food, help with bicycle repairs – he almost always gets these things. He has had “98 percent very good experiences” on his numerous trips. He opens another small book almost tenderly. In it, people have immortalized themselves, wishing him luck, with sayings almost like in a poetry album. Numerous stamps, for example from embassies and companies, are emblazoned in it, as well as photo clippings and postcards.
Conversely, those he meets receive a small flyer with his concerns. In his encounters with other people on his stations, he often notices that many actually have the need to break out of the daily grind and set off on their own. “Everyone carries the adventure within them,” Omar has observed. And many people have said to him: “I can’t just drive myself. But take my adventure with you on your journey.