Episode 100: Madeline Hoffmann

Cycling Across the World: An Epic Cycle Tour from Germany to Australia

In celebration of the 100th episode of Seek Travel Ride, I reconnected with Madeline Hoffmann – the guest for the very first episode of the podcast. I picked up where we left off, to discover more about Madeline’s inspiring journey cycling from Germany to Australia. What began as a way to connect with her father in Tükiye, transformed into a 23-country odyssey that pushed the boundaries of her physical and emotional endurance.

Finding Strength Amidst Setbacks

The journey wasn’t without its hurdles. Reflecting on her experiences, Madeline shares the mindset shifts that carried her through a myriad of obstacles. From a motorbike accident and contracting chikungunya to dealing with PTSD after a traumatic event in Tel Aviv, each challenge taught her the power of perspective and resilience. She candidly recounts how a sleepless night in Bangkok led to a pivotal realisation: she held the pen to her own narrative and could rewrite the story’s ending whenever it felt unsatisfactory.

Cycling Through Connection

Madeline’s adventure was as much about the people as it was about the places. Her stories overflow with tales of unexpected generosity and connections with fellow travellers and locals alike. From the warmth of Saudis stopping to share water and dates to the compassion of a complete stranger booking her a flight, Madeline experienced the extraordinary kindness of humanity on every continent. Her experiences highlight the profound impact of meeting diverse people across the globe and the universal goodness that transcends cultural barriers.

Overcoming Geographical and Psychological Mountains

The journey’s physical demands were relentless. To survive the oppressive heat in Saudi Arabia, Madeline would set off to cycle under the stars at 3:45am. It was while taking on the high-altitude passes of the Himalayas that she felt her weakest as the mosquito borne virus Chikungunya plagued her body with reactive arthritis. Despite being plagued by thisillness, Madeline’s determination never wavered. Every ascent and descent was a testament to her determination to reaching Australia on her own terms. Madeline’s narrative brings to life the dichotomy of cycling as both a liberating and gruelling endeavour.

Community and Reflection

Returning to Sydney marked not just the end of a journey but also a profound transformation. Madeline’s reconnection with family in Germany, including meeting her brothers, added emotional depth to her travels. Now, she channels her experiences into teaching bike maintenance and supporting the cycling community in Sydney, ensuring others can also discover the freedom of the open road.

The Journey Continues

Madeline’s experience is a compelling reminder of what’s possible when grit meets grace. Her reflections offer invaluable insights for anyone considering a bike adventure or any path less traveled.

For updates on Madeline’s forthcoming book and her continuing adventures, follow her via her instagram account – @iammadelinehoffmann. If you’re new to Seek Travel Ride, check out Episode 1 and start the journey from the beginning.

Thank you to Madeline for sharing her extraordinary journey, and to all the listeners and supporters who make this storytelling possible. Here’s to 100 more episodes of adventure and inspiration!

The Seek Travel Ride podcast