Valtteri Heinilä and Alvari Poikola embarked on an epic journey that took them from the serene plains of Finland to the rugged mountains of the Balkans before venturing into the heart of Eastern Europe. Their preparation for the trip was surprisingly relaxed, setting off with a solid fitness base that they knew would only grow stronger as the weeks unfolded.
“I didn’t have much experience cycling, to be honest,” Heinilä chuckles. “Before the trip, Alvari asked me if I even liked cycling. I still don’t know if I like it, but I think it’s the best way to travel authentically.”
Their route spanned 21 countries across Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Asia. While the countries were decided beforehand, detailed plans were made on the fly.
In addition to cycling, the friends aimed to relax along the way.
“I bought a guitar in Istanbul, which unfortunately got stolen in Kathmandu,” Poikola recalls. “We also did a lot of reading,” he adds, with Heinilä chiming in, “And played a lot of Yahtzee. The loser did the dishes.”
On rest days, the cyclists indulged in mountain hikes, providing moments of tranquility amidst their adventurous journey.
Heinilä views the mishaps along the way not as problems but as integral parts of the journey. However, some incidents stand out, like Poikola contracting dengue fever in Vietnam.
“I remember falling ill in places where you wouldn’t want to be sick,” Poikola recalls. “After getting dengue, I was lucky to rest in bed for about a week, out of the game.”
Their resilience was tested further in Vietnam when heavy rains nearly soaked through their clothing. In Nepal, they found themselves in a jungle with an aggressive tiger population. While a local Jeep came to their aid, encounters with stray dogs in Eastern Europe required more assertive measures.
As the eight-month journey unfolded, Poikola and Heinilä learned a lot about themselves and their friendship, growing even closer through shared experiences.
“You think you know someone very well, but it’s only after eight months, 24/7 in a small tent that you truly get to know them,” Heinilä reflects. “Nothing brings people closer together than sharing profound experiences.”
Their 15,000-kilometer odyssey was an experience that couldn’t be fully understood through social media, as Heinilä emphasizes, “No one but Alvi understands what I’ve experienced in the last eight months. And no one but me understands what Alvi has been through.”
Their expedition spanned 15,400 kilometers over 245 days, leading them through diverse landscapes and cultures. Despite encountering setbacks, such as border disputes and equipment failures, Heinilä and Poikola persevered, relying on their resourcefulness and determination to overcome obstacles.
The simplicity of their lifestyle on the road reinforced the importance of minimalism and adaptability. Merino wool clothing played a crucial role in maintaining hygiene and comfort, allowing them to focus on the journey rather than logistical concerns.
Their journey was not without peril, from encounters with bears in Romania to battling headwinds in Turkey. Yet, amidst the challenges, they discovered the kindness and hospitality of strangers in every country they visited.
As they transition from adventurers to storytellers, Heinilä and Poikola aim to inspire others through their documentary project. With three and a half terabytes of footage captured, they hope to share their experiences with the world, showcasing the beauty and resilience of the human spirit.
Their journey exemplifies the transformative power of travel, reminding us that the greatest adventures often begin with a single pedal stroke.