Episode 91: Samer Abouhamad

A Bike Touring Adventure Across Four Continents

The world is vast, diverse, and filled with breathtaking landscapes, rich cultures, and incredible people. For those with a thirst for adventure, traversing it on two wheels offers a unique and rewarding perspective. One such adventurer is Samer Abouhamad, who has pedalled his way through 41 countries, covering over 48,000 kilometres. I sat down and interviewed Samer for episode 91 of Seek Travel Ride and had him share his experiences for the podcast.

Discovering a Passion for Bike Travel

Samer’s love affair with bike travel didn’t begin until 2020. During the pandemic, he moved back to his family home in Boston and embraced cycling as a way to stay active and explore his surroundings. His father, a seasoned cyclist, encouraged him to join, and soon Samer found himself captivated by the freedom and challenge that cycling offered.

His first significant journey was a week-long bike trip from Paris to Mont Ventoux in France. Renting a bike, buying a cheap tent, and setting out from Paris, Samer fell in love with the liberating feeling of self-propelled travel. This experience planted the seed for what would soon become a series of monumental undertakings.

Setting Off on an Unforgettable Journey

In 2022, Samer launched from his home in Boston on a journey to the southern tip of South America, Ushuaia. He cycled through the US, Mexico, and the length of the Andes, experiencing extreme terrains, weather, and cultural landscapes.

One of his first major challenges was in the Rockies, where he crossed Loveland Pass in April, pushing through several miles of snow before reaching the thrilling descent. Another memorable part was the Devil’s Spine in Mexico, a steep climb from Mazatlan to Durango, filled with foggy switchbacks revealing stunning valleys.

Yet, it wasn’t just about the physical trials; Samer faced emotional and logistical challenges too. He recounted a time in Ecuador when he lost his front left pannier bag filled with essential gear. After frantic searching, a man who had seen his lost bag on Facebook managed to return it to him, exemplifying the unexpected kindness and connectivity found on the road.

Bike Travel in a Time of Uncertainty

Samer’s adventures took him to Africa, where navigating political and social landscapes was as challenging as the physical terrains. He initiated his journey from Norway to South Africa and carefully managed the timing to avoid severe seasons. Upon hitting West Africa, he had to creatively negotiate visa hurdles, sometimes using unorthodox methods to secure passage.

The hospitality and kindness of strangers were frequent themes in his travels. Whether it was receiving water and food from truck drivers in the Sahara or being invited into homes for meals, Samer observed a universal truth: people are generally kind and willing to help.

The Beauty of Remote Travel

One of the most remarkable stretches of his journey was the Peru Divide. Samer recalled, “The Peru Divide is still like, in my dreams, the best place I’ve biked.” The remote, high-altitude climbs provided unparalleled vistas and moments of serene solitude. During a time of national protests, he and his friend were probably among the few to ride uninterrupted, enjoying empty roads that cars could not traverse.

Reflections on a Life of Travel

Samer’s numerous adventures have imparted significant wisdom. According to him, happiness boils down to fundamental needs: water, food, shelter, and family. His travels have brought him face-to-face with the simplicity of joy in various cultures, recognizing that contentment doesn’t come from material excess but rather from life’s basics and human connections.

Looking to the Future

Though Samer’s incredible trek from Boston to Ushuaia and his journey from Norway to South Africa mark substantial chapters in his cycling saga, he is not done yet. His next ambitious plan involves starting in Melbourne, Australia, and cycling up to Darwin, then making his way through Southeast Asia and Central Asia, finally aiming to end in Beirut, Lebanon.

This upcoming trip will complete his goal of cycling through all continents, except Antarctica. As he plans this new adventure, he reflects on the lessons learned from past journeys and how these experiences continually shape his approach to life and travel.

Final Thoughts

Samer’s experience highlights the profound impact of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and embracing the world with open arms and an open heart. For those on the fence about embarking on their own bike travel journey, Samer offers this advice: “The hardest part is just starting, and it will always figure itself out.”

Through every high peak and low valley, Samer Abouhamad has shown that with each pedal forward, not only do you advance miles on the map, but you also deepen your understanding of the world and yourself.

The Seek Travel Ride podcast