Explore the Freedom of Europe
Being active in a European student network has taught me many things. Starting with a great respect for the new and unknown, traveling in Europe and participating in numerous events became my new comfort zone. I like to say that the GA room at Council Meetings feels like a living room at a family reunion. This networking and international familiarity is made possible by the EU as we have it today. Traveling a few kilometers in Europe often means entering a whole new cultural space and at the same time it is possible to cross ten countries without being stopped at a single border. This close but open connection is unique in the world. And you can only experience the full extent of this gift if you travel slowly. If you take the time to get to know the people and culture along the way. We live in a fast-moving age in which peace is turning into war and democracy into autocracy. We get information about what is happening online, but lose sight of our closest neighbors. This project aims to show that freedom still exists in Europe and is worth protecting. And protection here explicitly means opening up, because freedom to travel is worth little within our own borders.
Route
The trip will be devided into three routes: first Balkan and Italy, second Poland and Nordics, third South-West. Each round we are going to start and finish in Karlsruhe, Germany. Please note, that the route shown on the map is only a rough orientation and doesn't represent the actual route. The final decision will be made at short term and in coordination with all parties involved.
In February we are cycling through Austria and the whole Balkan region down to Greece. From there we're taking the ferry to Italy and attending the Council Meeting in Calabria in April. Then we're crossing Italy and the Alps before reaching Germany again by May.
Still in May we're starting the second tour, first to Poland and then through the Baltic States. We are going to take the ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki, cross Finland and explore the Arctic border region. Through Sweden and Norway we're heading back to Central Europe and visiting Netherlands and Belgium before going back to Germany.
From September to November, we will travel trough southern France and Spain to the Atlantic coast of Portugal. The return journey will take us along the opposite coastline in the north and through the inland of France.
This project stands for an open, democratic Europe without borders, without violence and without autocracy. It is a privilege to be able to cross 25 countries without a visa. Unfortunately, this Europe is not perfect and we will not be able to visit all the countries we want. We hope that all people in Europe will soon get the chance to build a stable and peaceful democracy and we invite all members of the affected Local Groups to join the tour through the rest of Europe. Also there are some regions which are too far away to be reachable by bike within one year. Fill out the Support Form, if you want us to visit your city, even if it's not on the route. In the end, the route will be determined based on the most interested people, so everything can still change.
Travel Speed
All in all we will travel around 20,000 km in 240 days. Excluding resting days, cultural visits and events we aim to reach an average travel distance of 100 km a day. For those who are not used to bike travels, this may sound intimidating. But if you follow the guidelines for preparation, it can be done by almost anyone. Also the travel speed depends on the region and the current group. So in flat regions with less cities we can go faster and compensate slower days. And last but not least, there will always be the option of taking the train to skip a few kilometers. We aren't hardliners and the goal of the project shouldn't be to exclude people because of physical limitations. So if you bring high motivation and a little flexibility, we will find a way for you to join us some days.
Accomodation
Not only to keep the costs low, but also for a better experience of nature, we will usually sleep outdoors. There are different laws for sleeping outdoors in Europe and we will always ask for permission in case of uncertainty. We have a 5 by 5 meter tarp that can accommodate up to 10 people. As it is open at the sides, a simple bivvy sack is needed to protect the sleeping bag from rain. Depending on whether it is legal to sleep outside, we will reserve the places in advance or choose them spontaneously. Another option is to be hosted by supporters. This allows the luxury of civilization for a short time and direct contact with locals. The last option is to sleep in a hostel. Reasons for sleeping in a hostel are no suitable place outside, disastrous weather or majority wish of the participants. Participants will be informed of the final accommodation plan shortly before the trip.
Finally, a word about how you should meet new people without knowing their attitude: If you have no other evidence, try to believe that all people are like you. That they think, feel, love and hope like you. And if you are dissatisfied with yourself, become the person you want all other people to be.
Contact: info💚europebybike25.org