Episode 83: Laura Willerton

A Bicycle Tour of Discovery – From Athens to Asia

Imagine setting off for a bicycle tour from Europe, destination the other side of the world. Well in this episode I speak with guest Laura Willerton who has done exactly that.  Her journey started as a team of two,  with her then boyfriend Bruno.  They parted company part way through the trip, but Laura has chosen to continue on this journey solo.

This bicycle tour started in Athens, originally destined for Alaska. Before setting off on this journey, Laura had no prior experience of cycle touring, just a yearning to travel and learn more about the world. The journey so far has taken her across Turkey and Georgia, along the old Silk Road, and onwards through Asia.

Laura shares her experiences of cycling through various countries, the challenges she faced, and the incredible hospitality she encountered along the way. From the initial anxiety of tackling Central Asia’s daunting terrains to the heartwarming kindness of strangers offering melons, meals and a place to stay for the night. This hospitality has been a constant on this tour.

Laura’s journey also highlights the importance of mental strength in cycling. She discusses how she has learned to find peace with her own thoughts during long, solitary rides and how these moments have helped her grow as an individual. Her story is a great reminder that many times the journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about the physical act of cycling.

You can follow Laura on her instagram account – @OnOurBicycles and check out the informative website: https://onourbicycles.com/