Episode 98: Marielle Jauring

2.5 Times Around the World. Insights From a Long-term Bike Adventurer

Guest Marielle Jauring finds her freedom navigating vast landscapes on the saddle of her bicycle. In this episode I learn all about Marielle’s adventurous spirit as she journeys from country to country, totalling over 90,000 kilometres and counting. Marielle shares her experiences, insights, and the myriad of unexpected tales from her biking adventures around the globe.

Discovering a Love for Biking

Marielle’s journey began with an unexpected inspiration. Gazing at a newspaper article highlighting a woman who cycled from Europe to China, a 13yr old Marielle and her friend dreamed about undertaking a similar adventure one day. Years later, that dream materialised in the form of a bike tour across the U.S.A. Despite numerous initial blunders, Marielle’s first biking tour was a revelation. The encounter with different cultures, the friendliness of strangers, and the allure of the American landscape solidified her passion for cycling.

Touring with Family and Friends

Marielle’s biking journey isn’t a solo affair. She’s toured America with her childhood friend Frida and even embarked on a mother-daughter bike tour along the West Coast. Her narrative is peppered with heartwarming stories of companionship, like her ‘Twinsta Tour ‘ where she was joined by her twin sister for a tour across Europe.

A Unique Philosophy on Planning and Spontaneity

Marielle’s travels highlight an intriguing philosophy: minimal planning leads to maximal adventure. Her method involves choosing a destination, grasping the requisite distance and visa requirements, and allowing the road to reveal its secrets as she pedals. This approach has led Marielle to unexpected discoveries such as camping beside vibrant stripes of colour in the rural mountainsides in Turkey.

A testament to her flexibility, Marielle’s anecdotes range from amusing to awe-inspiring. Imagine patting what she thought was a dead bear in Canada, only to later realise it was a slumbering, intoxicated bear—a tale she can recall with disbelief and laughter. Marielle has had the fortune—or misfortune—of enduring fiery ant invasions and catastrophic tent failures in the Australian Outback, only to adapt and overcome each hurdle her journey presents.

Challenges and Resilience on the Road

Even a seasoned traveler like Marielle isn’t immune to hardship. She recounts the nerve-racking experience of nearly being trapped in Russia due to visa complexities. Marielle’s story of resourcefulness exemplifies her resilience as she relied on the kindness of strangers and the fortuitous nature of the road to overcome adversity and continue her journey.

Cycle Touring as Meditation

Beyond seeing new landscapes and cultures, Marielle finds solace in the time biking grants to self-reflect and meditate. Her travels serve as a conduit for processing emotions, working through grief, and appreciating what life has to offer—often realising profound lessons amidst the solitude.

Follow Marielle’s Future Adventures

You can keep up with Marielle’s future cycle touring adventures via her instagram account – @_the_Biking_Viking_

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