Cycling the Americas…
… is an undertaking that many cyclists dream of. It’s a — very — long path that has been travelled many times before, either by motorcycle, by car or on foot. But this plan didn’t come out of nowhere: We were inspired by the likes of other travellers, such as Martijn Doolaard, Zoë and Olivier from We Leaf and Iohan Gueorguiev.
When the year of 2024 was coming to a close, we sold our belongings, put two bikes in boxes and flew to “The End of the World”…
Part 1: South America
Argentina · Chile · Bolivia · Peru · Ecuador · Colombia ·
Argentina · Chile · Bolivia · Peru · Ecuador · Colombia ·
Sticking to the Andes as flies on a honeypot, we endured many hard climbs and freezing cold nights. But looking back on our time in South America, it feels like a dream. The tiny villages in the mountains largely cut off from the world, herding llamas, cows or sheep. Jagged peaks and rocks glistening in the morning light, flat tires and learning new words in Spanish, Quechua and Aymara. Realising that drinking tap water is not a given and chicken and rice can be eaten for breakfast, lunch ánd dinner.
Part 2: Central America
Panama · Costa Rica· Nicaragua · Honduras · El Salvador · Guatemala ·
Panama · Costa Rica· Nicaragua · Honduras · El Salvador · Guatemala ·
Crossing Central America felt like following a cluster of smaller, busy-bee countries adorned with volcanos, lakes and beaches. Flags between countries looked quite similar, people were generally supportive and kind, and the sun was out every damn day. More social interactions, less wilderness. Traffic was a large factor in every day life, something we had heard of beforehand. Time off the bikes would often prove to be more fulfilling and peaceful, and so we carved out time and space for some interesting side quests.
Part 3: North America
In the making! 🚲
(P.S. For firsthand updates, we regularly post on our Patreon.)Gear.
What are we carrying on our trip across the Americas?
Too much, maybe.
Fact is that we are pretty heavily loaded. We are carrying a portable editing setup (aka tons of electronics and laptops), ride steel Surly bikes and are prepared for any kind of weather (+40°C to -20°C). Our tent is a Hyperlite Mountain Gear 4-person, because we find it better for our marriage to have some space at night. Oh, and did I mention we love collecting souvenirs? :)
So maybe we don’t boast the most lightweight setup. But after 1,5 years on the road, we can promise you it’s a pretty reliable and decent setup that allows us to take gravel backroads whenever we want to! So take a peek at what’s in our bags and on our bikes.
