Man rides bicycle 6,500 miles from Argentina to World Cup in Qatar
Making long trips on my bicycle began for me in 2014. I crossed the Argentine border for the first time in my life. Nervousness consumed me. I felt anxious to see what destiny had in store.
- 2 years ago
September 21, 2022
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina ꟷ A group of friends and I started bicycling from Argentina to Qatar, South Africa to attend the World Cup. Each day we travel 50 to 60 miles (80 to 100 kilometers), stopping to rest at people’s homes, at hostels, or to camp. We have a goal to arrive in Qatar by November 15, 2022. We will have traveled over 6,500 miles (10,500 kilometers).
Read more of the hidden stories behind the 2022 World Cup in Qatar from Orato World Media.
Cyclists enjoy the people, sites, and wildlife in Namibia
After a long journey through the semi-desert of Namibia, at the time of this writing, we arrived at the capital city of Windhoek where we booked a hotel for three days. Our ride through Namibia proved challenging. The arid environment and direct sunlight left our bodies hot and sweaty. Regardless of the time of day, the high heat made us feel heavy and tired.
Staying hydrated and focused, we made it to the capitol city, despite the heat. We arrived exhausted, but in good condition – empowered by our success.
While we enjoyed South Africa, it seemed difficult to connect deeply with the people. We aren’t sure why, but a spark was missing. Namibia is different.
The people quickly received us with warmth and kindness. We could feel their embrace as they helped us. They offered small things like water and food, while others made us feel at home, even though we were thousands of miles away from our own.
We saw many wild animals and interacted with some of them. One day, a rodent approached us. It looked like a rat, but friendly. It appeared to be in search of food. We tried chasing her away, and she returned, trusting and unafraid.
Cyclists discovers his passion, dream to travel the world
Making long trips on my bicycle began for me in 2014. I crossed the Argentine border for the first time in my life. Nervousness consumed me. I felt anxious to see what destiny had in store. The experience proved incredible. It motivated me to plan more trips
Up until then, I only traveled through Córdoba, my home province. I believe I inherited my love of cycling from my father. He enjoyed it and riding united us. I take that bond with me everywhere I ride.
When I planned my first trip abroad to Peru, I planned to go by foot, but I changed my mind. The group did not want to go by bicycle and the trip fell through. I saw the date of the World Cup in Brazil and it gave me a reason to plan another trip – this time from Córdoba to our neighboring country.
That first trip kicked off my dream to travel the world by bicycle, to enjoy thousands of experiences, and to learn along the way. For me, traveling by bicycle became my way of connecting with the world. The wheels take me on the road. I can feel the bumps and changes in terrain. It opens my mind to new possibilities. I gain a feeling of freedom and happiness.
Making sacrifices to fulfill a dream
When I make trips, I consider destinations where I can enjoy events like the World Cup or Olympics. I once rode my bicycle from Córdoba to Mexico, took a plane to Spain, then cycled to Moscow for the World Cup in Russia. To date, I have cycled in a total of 21 countries.
I rely on my enthusiasm and when I set a goal, I fulfill it first in my mind. Inside, I feel an irresistible force pushing me forward. After completing the trip to Russia, I determined I would go to Qatar whether anyone came with me or not. Eventually, the boys joined in, and we planned the trip.
Traveling with a group has benefits and disadvantages. You must manage your money well. It can be difficult. I am a physical education teacher. When I take a trip, I go on unpaid leave. In 2019, I traveled with a man named Eduardo who had interviewed me for a television station in the province. We went to Salvador de Bahía for the Olympics. Eduardo introduced me to the group I am traveling with now.
Leandro, 31, works as a writer. He creates travel chronicles and publishes books. Sebastian, 42, works as a freelancer audiovisual creator and Silvio, 32, has a degree in tourism. He left an agency in Barcelona to join the us.
Group bonds as the trip goes on
We managed to obtain sponsors through the networks and as we travel, we record everything through photos and videos. This, along with support through our followers, helps us fund this amazing adventure.
Our day begins as soon as we wake up. We enjoy breakfast while listening to music, then we organize everything and resume. We discuss the route and any possible modifications, then leave as early as possible.
Each day on our bicycles, we grow as a group, organizing ourselves better and spending only what is fair and necessary. We appreciate the support of our families and our followers, day after day.
