Episode 97: Giacomo Turco

Solo Bikepacking Adventures Through Remote Landscapes

Exploring Adventures Beyond Limits

In this episode we go headlong into the world of extreme bikepacking with the passionate adventurer, Giacomo Turco. Giacomo shares his experiences and insights gathered on his current journey which he started in January 2024, from Patagonia with a destination of Alaska. As an avid adventurer, Giacomo has pushed boundaries and explored some of the most rugged terrains across South America and beyond.

Discovering Bikepacking: The Inception of an Adventure

For Giacomo, the allure of bikepacking started during his academic journey in Japan, where a casual conversation sparked his interest. Originally a space engineer from Italy, Giacomo decided to disrupt his career to embark on this life-changing expedition. What began in Iceland with little experience evolved into passionate exploration through Mongolia, South America, and eventually plans to traverse Africa.

Embracing the Challenge: Mental and Physical Journeys

Giacomo’s journey from Ushuaia to Alaska has been anything but straightforward. From battling the unforgiving winds of Patagonia to facing high altitudes and inclement weather in the Andes, these challenges have tested his resolve. Yet, Giacomo’s philosophy of tackling difficulties head-on with adaptability and a willingness to embrace uncertainty has guided him through these intense experiences.

He describes bikepacking as a method to strip life down to its essentials—food, water, shelter—and learn to appreciate the simple pleasures that most take for granted. The moments of solitude on these trails offer Giacomo a deeper understanding of himself and teach him crucial life lessons about resilience and self-discovery.

Community and Connection: The Importance of Relationships on the Road

While Giacomo embarks on these solo journeys for personal growth, he also acknowledges the significance of community. His ability to connect with locals and fellow travelers enriches his travels and provides moments of warmth amid the physical challenges. Through shared meals, cultural exchanges, and the simple act of joining a family celebration, Giacomo finds humanity’s universal drive to connect and support one another.

Future Pathways: An Adventurer’s Next Moves

In a fascinating twist to his planned route, Giacomo reveals his intention to cycle through Africa—from Cape Town back to Italy. This decision reflects his dynamic approach to travel, driven not by a rigid itinerary but by the evolving excitement of exploration that keeps the spirit of adventure alive.

Lessons Learned: The True Meaning of Adventure

Adventure, as Giacomo defines it, is a journey into the unknown—a return to the child-like curiosity where the world is an open map to be explored. By choosing unconventional paths and immersing himself in unpredictable circumstances, Giacomo invites us all to evaluate what adventure could mean in our own lives. It’s a call to action to embrace uncertainty and find joy in overcoming the obstacles that might stand in our way.

Giacomo Turco’s story is a testament to the power of pushing beyond our comfort zones. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or someone with just a spark of curiosity, his journey encourages us to find our own adventures, however small they might be. Rediscover the simplicity of life, the thrill of overcoming the unknown, and the joy of connecting with others along the way.

Stay tuned for more updates on Giacomo Turco’s incredible journey, via his instagram or YouTube.

The Seek Travel Ride podcast