Take a virtual cycling tour with Alida whose journey is a personal fundraiser for CARE Australia and the Climate Council. Eight countries cycled, one more to go! After Montenegro, Bosnia Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and France, her entire trip from the Balkans to Britain will have covered 3600km.
Two wheels and a seat were one of the best ways to feel the progression of landscape, architecture, people and culture. Only a few weeks ago I was in Bosnia, and it's fascinating to witness how cultural and political borders are so interlinked with the landscape and people. I was a little worried about crossing the Hungarian and then Austrian border, in light of the Syria crisis, but was surprised to find that these crossings were quick and easy or, in the case of crossing into Austria, non-existent, with just a commemoration to the Iron Curtain at the border. Reflecting on the massive humanitarian needs that surround me makes me count myself lucky to have the freedoms I do.
The terrain has been very mixed so far. Coming out of Montenegro there was a lot of hill climbing - up to 1000m on the first day – and then it became very flat after leaving Doboj in Bosnia, heading into Croatia and then Hungary, and then mountains again since Austria. This has been such a different trip to the cross-Australia trip I did last year. For the most part Australia is flat. It was easy to do 150-180km in a day with no navigation needed - just one road to cycle along, heading west. Europe is more of a challenge to navigate - I don't know how anyone did it before smart phones! And the other big difference is that there are so many more people, towns, roads and possibilities. In Australia, carrying water was a real consideration but here I can just refill my bottles pretty much anywhere. Necessities such as water and food are easy to come by here and you are always relatively near to communities or towns.
Since reaching Austria and Germany I've been staying a lot with “Warm Showers” hosts as I wouldn't be able to afford accommodation for the whole trip. What a great way it has been to meet local people and get inside scoop and advice about all things local. All five hosts so far have been welcoming and kind, and knowledgeable about environmental issues.
In Gmunden (on Traunsee) in Austria I stopped at a fruit and vegetable stall where the girl there gave me lots of stuff for free. A gentleman there was also very helpful when I asked for directions. In Bad Tölz, a few days ago a lovely elderly gentleman who was cycling to meet a friend asked if I needed help. He gave me directions but then also rode with me to the centre of town to make sure I didn't get lost.
Coming in from all kinds of weather one cannot control, and after such long days, makes me appreciate the simple things of life: a hot meal, a warm shower, a comfortable bed and human interaction. A few days of cycling in the rain and headwind reminded me of how powerful weather can be, and how we have absolutely no control over it. It is also a reminder that severe weather can only become more pronounced and more frequent as the climate continues to change.
Read more: