While Switzerland is known as a fantastic place for a cycle ride, most families and groups of friends usually venture just 40, 50 or - on a long day - 70 kilometres before they call it a day. For one couple from Canton Bern, however, a quick trip to the lake is not on the cards, with the pair planning to cycle 23.000 kilometres from their home to New Zealand.
Couple to cycle from Switzerland to New Zealand
At 6pm on June 17, Nicolas Jud and Smilla Anouk embarked on a 23.000-kilometre cycle journey from Switzerland across Europe and Asia to New Zealand. The couple estimates that the trip will take them about a year and a half to complete using just pedal power - and several ferries, of course - to get them from the alpine nation to the edge of the map.
"We both wanted to break out of everyday life," Jud told 20 Minuten. When asked why New Zealand was the final destination, he explained that his “brother lives in New Zealand, and over a beer after work, we joked that I would come to visit him on my bike… the idea just stuck in my head."
Cycle tourers going to live out of a tent
With a budget of 40 Swiss francs a day and clothes, a tent, camping equipment and other essentials strapped to their bikes, Jud hinted that this trip would be more rugged outdoors than luxury holiday. "We want to stay as free as possible, so we camp where we can… We'll also stay in a hostel, just to have a bed again and do laundry," he added.
Of course, travelling from Switzerland through Europe, the Middle East, and central and southeast Asia - also including a quick hop across the Swiss Alps and the Himalayas, and a jaunt through the rainforests of Myanmar, Thailand and more - does have its risks. When asked whether they were worried, Jud said that they "have respect for the new… There will definitely be problems or situations that are not so safe, but we take it day by day."
Swiss cyclists to take a year and a half to reach New Zealand
The trip won’t just consist of two young people on a very challenging gap year, though; throughout the trip, the couple plan to volunteer and support people and animals they find on the road via a crowdfunding effort. "We want to be able to help local people when they need it, and in doing so also give something back to those we meet on the trip," Jud concluded.
Those interested in tracking their progress can be kept updated via their social media channels. At the time of writing, the pair find themselves in Italy on day nine of what is set to be a whirlwind adventure.