Julien Poivet bicycle journey from Japan to France, Digi Mart USA News: Réunionese cyclist Julien Poivet has completed a 14,300-kilometer journey over seven months, crossing 19 countries and spending about 120 days on his bicycle, according to a report published by Linfo.re.
Upon reaching the end of his challenge, Poivet said the achievement meant far more than joy. “It’s a great satisfaction, I had dreamed of it for a long time.
You are never sure you will succeed because there are many possible setbacks. It’s an achievement and a certain pride, but also a great deal of gratitude and fantastic encounters with people.”
Poivet said he was welcomed by different communities in each country he passed through. “Everywhere people were hospitable and generous.
It brings back joy and hope.” Some days, he rode as far as 250 kilometers, which he described as a physical challenge.
He said he was proud to have seen many different cultures and to have watched the world change along the way. He started in Japan and gradually moved closer to what he knows as he approached France.
He also pointed to environmental concerns, saying he observed the effects of climate change, including areas where snow no longer falls as expected.
To others considering a similar challenge, Poivet advised simply starting. “The most important thing is to just get started and listen to yourself.
I didn’t dare to begin, but once you are sure of yourself, ready to make the necessary effort and determined, it becomes an exceptional adventure. The world is beautiful, and there are incredible people to discover.”
He said careful preparation was essential to avoid difficulties on the road. “You have to adapt quite a lot.”
Two countries particularly stood out to him. He spent seven weeks in China, visiting major tourist sites such as the Great Wall, and also traveled to the Tibetan Plateau at altitudes above 4,000 meters.
“It’s a very modern big city, and I also went to the Tibetan Plateau at an altitude of over 4,000 meters. The culture is interesting and the people are generous.” He also spent one month in Turkey, where he said people were generous, often welcoming him even when he did not know where he would sleep that night.
After months of travel and pedaling, Poivet is now resting before returning for a time to his island home, Réunion.
