Episode 85: Rieke Schmees

Solo bikepacking 12,000km across Europe to Türkiye

In this episode I interview Rieke Schmees, who embarked on a solo bicycle trip in 2022, covering 12,000 kilometers through 16 countries from Germany to Morocco and Türkiye. This journey came about as a way for Rieke to test herself and learn new skills. Having finished her university studies in psychology, she felt she had everything needed to right a thesis paper, but wanted to challenge herself in a practical manner and learn more about the world at the same time.

She set about getting all the gear together that she would need for a solo bikepacking trip, making a point of buying good quality equipment as a way of making certain she would put thought into action and actually set off on this adventure. With the benefit of hindsight Rieke shares that her perspectives have changed so much in regard to the necessary equipment needed to go touring, but some of these lessons you can’t gain until you actually start out on your bike adventure.

Rieke also opened up about her initial fears of taking the journey. How she was made acutely aware of others’ perceptions, that she was doing something ‘dangerous’, to be travelling as a solo female. One way to combat this was that Rieke chose to stay with other bike travellers at the beginning of her trip. Warm showers hosts were invaluable in imparting stories garnered from those with real world experience, as opposed to listening to the fears of others.

This journey saw Rieke deal with challenging terrains as well as stark cultural differences, while also experiencing remarkable kindness and hospitality from strangers. She recounts the highlights of her journey include a memorable stay in Morocco where she was constantly shown kindness and hospitatlity by complete strangers.

Rieke’s recalls experiences which are filled with themes of curiosity, resilience, and humor, offerings valuable life lessons about self-awareness, overcoming fear, and the essence of gratitude. Her story stands as a powerful testament to personal growth through exploration and adventure.

The Seek Travel Ride podcast