I cycled 1300km on my own with no experience when I was 18, this is what I learned
I was a socially anxious 18 year old and a borderline alcoholic during my first year of university. I'd give up most forms of exercise and spent 6 nights a week partying. Overweight and feeling lost in life, I decided to make a radical shift.
I had to get out of my usual environment and lean into the uncomfortable. I had a field trip at the start of the next semester, so I set myself the goal to get there without using a plane and using my own steam.
I made a post on Facebook proclaiming to the world that I would be cycling to Italy during the summer. Promptly followed by, "Does anyone have I bike I can borrow?"
Sure enough a friend came through and gave me his bike for the summer. The cycle was on!
I had never done anything like this before. My bike was overloaded, I had no training and I planned my route the night before leaving. Those first 40km out of Paris almost killed me. So did the next. But slowly I peddled my way South.
After 1 month I made it to my destination in Italy. This was life changing. Here are my top 5 lessons:
If you want to change your life, do something crazy on your own for a month. Powerful reflection and transformation comes with the discomfort.
You don't need much to get started on an adventure. I had a tent, sleeping bag and cooking gear, I borrowed my bike and spent very little money. It's not as inaccessible as you may think.
Social accountability can be a good tool for getting something done. No one expected me to reach my destination, so I was determined to prove them wrong.
Delayed gratification is the best! The journey was hard, I cried, I almost gave up many times. When I made it to my destination, I knew I had never felt happier. I look on that trip as one of my favourite life moments, despite the hard times.
When you live with less, it's much easier to recognise the abundance all around you.
What else would you like to know about my big cycle trip?