Cyclists embarking on a 111-day journey from Munich to Beijing face a challenging beginning
Two young men from Germany, Tommaso Weller and Jakob Wall, have successfully completed an extraordinary 111-day cycling journey from Munich to Beijing. The duo, who embarked on their adventure on May 1st at Odeonsplatz, covered more than 12,000 kilometers on a self-built tall bike (Hochrad), with Weller riding a high-wheeler and Wall a mountain bike.
Their journey took them through twelve countries, including Kazakhstan, where the vast steppes presented a mental challenge due to the monotonous landscape and a heatwave with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees. Despite the challenges, the duo persevered and completed their journey at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing.
The duo's adventure was not just a physical challenge, but also a test of their resourcefulness. They had to make difficult decisions between food and accommodation for several days, and encountered problems such as a flat tire just 20 kilometers into their ride and issues with accessing money in Russia, where credit cards did not work and withdrawing was impossible.
Despite the hardships, the duo managed to raise over 15,000 euros for the German Cancer Aid (Deutsche Krebshilfe) during their journey. They spent a night behind a gas station and another night in a mosque, but they also had memorable experiences such as the delicious food they encountered in China.
Tommaso Weller described the three and a half month adventure as "the biggest project of our lives." Weller is a business administration student, while Wall is a flight attendant. The duo have numerous memories to cherish from their journey and are grateful for the support they received along the way.
Their journey is a testament to the power of determination and the human spirit, and they will no doubt have many stories to tell for years to come.
