I had dreamt of this trip for many years. 2 years ago I was in psychward and had an idea for this trip. So happy i am now alive to do this. I think it fits me very well. The simplicity, the camping, the natural interactions with random people. Having a relatively easy goal for each day (Just cycle a bit!)
I did not plan much, I had thought about cycling to Greece as a first goal. Eventually I got there. Felt amazing.
I left my apartment and job, budget about 25€/day. Last month I think I spent around 500-550€.
I dont have a lot of stuff with me. 2 ortlieb bags (40l), camping equipment fits well. 1 pair of padded underwear and shorts. 3 t shirts. I started from Finland on the 6th of May. So it was very cold. I had good clothes but the camping was almost impossible in -2 degrees. It got better after 3 weeks. Met a guy from Hong Kong in estonia and cycled with him. It was nice to be with someone in the beginning bcs I was unsure of all the touring related stuff. I couldnt even pitch my tent before I left. I dont know about fixing the bike either 😀
I tried to follow eurovelos in the beginning but the baltics and poland didnt have almost any signs and theres hardly any cycling infrastructure so i gave up. Made my own routes. Usually on main or secondary roads. I dont mind the traffic.
I went to Czechia and started using Mapy. Works very well. Down to budapest and then to sarajevo, mostar. Did the ciro trail, gravel part wasnt very nice 😀
Down to greece on the coast and ferry to italy. From Bari up to Slovenia, lake bohinj and then through Austria (Trofaiach to visit a friend). Through Prague and now in Germany.
It has been better than I ever imagined. I am much more present. Content with my imperfection and full of love towards life. Never happier. I miss listening to music properly (didnt have headphones until now).
I appreciate the kindness and hospitality strangers have shown me. Ive been gifted a tube repair kit, some clothes, a lot of food. Warmshowers has been great from Italy upwards. Not used in balkans.
If you have any questions or concerns about going on your first trip, maybe i can help you! Let's keep traveling freely.
by Antique_Stress_6508
3 Comments
Nice one, great story, pleased for you! Where is that valley? Wow.
Very nice tour and I am happy for you that you enjoy it so much! I am right now at the last leg of my tour from Kiel to Oslo and know what you are talking about.
Regarding listening to music. I mean it’s not a secret but try these little boomboxes. I fixed on to my bag as you can see in the attached picture. Super chilling listening to music and a bit more save than having ear plugs.
https://preview.redd.it/sjys7y9xqlhf1.jpeg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9969f024457908f374acff2ca0fec2a3b5a95b5d
So happy that it made you happy! Similar experience for me. The ciro trail was one of my favourite bits, I remember the spot from your first pic well!