Welcome to the
WOW (Women On Wheels) Wall
WOW (Women On Wheels) Wall
I am convinced despite having only met 3 so far that solo women travelling alone by bicycle are growing in numbers, after all some of the best bicycle touring books have been written by women on wheels, Dervla Murphy, Josie Dew and the late, great remarkable Anne Mustoe to name just a few. Therefore, I am putting a shout out to all the ladies who have ventured off alone by bicycle to connect and share your experiences for cycling solo as women is a unique celebration in it’s self. Have you cycled a day ride solo? Has your partner stayed home and you ventured off alone? Entered a cycling race perhaps? Or undertaken a bicycle tour near home or overseas? Please send photos, blogs, suggestions to skalatitude@gmail.com.
LATEST NEWS: ....from WOW (Women On Wheels)
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Grace and Lily, a mother and daughter duo have pedaled their tandem bicycle through Arizona, part of the Pacific Coast Highway and have plans to cycle in Africa in 2013. Lily will soon be 10 years old. Crazy Mom On A Bike
"Being a notoriously unlucky flyer - hijacked, volcanic ash victim, aborted landings, cancellations, not booked on flights, wheels falling off planes, struck by lightening - and also a non-driver I thought it would be a good idea to head off East on my bicycle." (Central Asia home to the UK) Jilly Sherlock
After living and working in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Abi Wingate decided to cycle home to Scotland. Abi raised nearly 14,000 pounds for The Scottish Association for Mental Health after she lost 3 close friends to suicide. Cycle Instead.org
Eleanor Moseman has already completed 10,000 miles through China (including Taiwan and Tibet), the majority solo. Eleanor's next adventure? A solo winter tour of the Stans. Catch her updates from central Asia at www.2Wheels4girls.com. Here's the article that appeared here when Eleanor was planning her winter bicycle tour.
Meet WOW wall member, Marija Kozin. Marija left her home in Slovenia and pedaled to Beijing, she then turned around and pedaled home. Friedel Grant from Travelling Two interviews Majira about her 30 month journey.
Click here to hear about Marija's journey
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Emily Jefferson arrived home on Oct 16th after pedaling from New Zealand to the UK. Emily reports that seeing England from the ferry brought tears to her eyes. Congrats to Emily for her amazing accomplishment. Bike NZ 2 UK
"As a
unicyclist for many years and someone who loves travelling, I thought
it was time to explore a bit of the world alone on my only wheel.
What better bait to initiate encounters with locals? Sure, it's slower
than a bicycle but I'm in no rush in order to better discover, learn
and think along my journey." I connected with Anne-Sophie Rodette via twitter from Patagonia where she has been tackling the infamous winds and hills on her way from Ushuaia to Santiago, Chile.
Juliana Buhring set speed records as she cycles
around the world in 152 days on a route that took her from Naples to
Naples, Italy.
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My pick for favorite WOW, cycling legend Louise Sutherland. Her around the word tour 1956-1962 was only the beginning of her travels by bike. Although she passed away, Cycling Legends, the book about her life is still available internationally. Enjoy this 1978 TV Interview with a legend. Everything Louise talks about is so dialed in to my reality, I cried, laughed and shouted "OMG, you got that right... so true...the world's still like that...y'ah me too" all the way through this 1978 TV interview.
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"I'm Daniela Bosch from Switzerland and
currently on the way home. From Bangkok (where I worked for 3 years)
by land to Switzerland. The first goal is to reach Beijing by bike,
then I will decide how to go on. Right now I'm cycling in Vietnam."
Snezana Radojicic, is going to be the first woman from Serbia to cycle around the world. She has been cycling for two years and presently she in Cambodia.
My pick for favorite WOW, cycling legend Louise Sutherland. Her around the word tour 1956-1962 was only the beginning of her travels by bike. Although she passed away, Cycling Legends, the book about her life is still available internationally. Enjoy this 1978 TV Interview with a legend. Everything Louise talks about is so dialed in to my reality, I cried, laughed and shouted "OMG, you got that right... so true...the world's still like that...y'ah me too" all the way through this 1978 TV interview.
Trisha Bessert cycling
the America's with her dog Ceiba.
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"I am a woman of 55 and am cycling on my own around the Black Sea, (although for the last section my husband will join me.) In my blog I especially tell the stories of the people I meet, but also reflect on my own experiences and struggles." Gerdi Quist
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"I am a woman of 55 and am cycling on my own around the Black Sea, (although for the last section my husband will join me.) In my blog I especially tell the stories of the people I meet, but also reflect on my own experiences and struggles." Gerdi Quist
"Emily Chappell her story is one of those that convinced me to cycle through
Iran and Pakistan. So many people warn me, tell me how foolish and
naive my plans are, how irresponsible my whole travel is. Other
cyclists, especially women alone, inspire me and show me how possible
it is."
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“I haven't been nearly
as die-hard as you and many other women on the wall because I don't
bike every inch of every country. If I'm not having fun consistently, and don't feel I can tackle a hill on that bike, I take a bus or train between big cities...” Wylie Goodman AKA the Couch Surfing Cook.
Wylie and I started chatt'in via e-mail while Wylie was planning her first tour. I was incredibly happy for Wylie while she cycle toured on her (Volae Recumbent New Century recumbent) in Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia.
Wylie and I started chatt'in via e-mail while Wylie was planning her first tour. I was incredibly happy for Wylie while she cycle toured on her (Volae Recumbent New Century recumbent) in Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia.
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"I never really thought of
the fact that I am female to be of any significance when I decided I
wanted to go on a long distance tour, solo. Many people brought up
the fact but being 'fiercely independent', as I have recently been
described it all seemed rather normal!" Francesca Miller
Girl Cyclists” make
history...after WWII their 3 year journey a cross Australia began.
Read the fascinating story here
"I traveled
solo on my bike from Virginia to New Orleans summer of 1988. That
journey gave me the courage and experience I needed to plan a year in
India... I
know my summer alone on my bike is what set me up for all that was to
come." Nancy Sathre-Vogel
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These twin sisters are
credit card tourers. Lori and Nancy (from left to right) have pedaled
fast and light across Canada and have toured in Switzerland, Italy
and France. They sleep in hotels and humorously claim to be old and
lazy. They leave this April to pedal across the USA.
This trip is more about getting to know myself better, to become stronger in my mind..sort of like a life lesson. I like to suffer sometimes to be reminded to appreciate what I have. Emma Vanemo (blog link Swedish/English) is pedaling every single inch. Facebook fans can check out her page as Sweden Meets Africa On A Bike.
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"The stories on the wall
have brought tears to my eyes - so all those days when I was alone in
the saddle... it's so great to know that there are others out there
doing the same."
Jenn Harvey, world cyclist
Ineke Overbeek has spent her lifetime loving to cycle. From her home town in Holland to her adventures acrossed Europe from Holland to Austria, enjoying most the freedom of the bicycle. At 55 years old, there is no stopping this lifetime enthusiast. Next up for her is a tour through Italy.
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Snejezana Freketic. One
woman. One dog. Cycled together for 3 years in an adventure that took them through Europe, Asia, Central and South America
"I am Barbara from Germany
and just came back from a 7 month cycling tour alone from Ushuaia,
Argentina to Lima, Peru. In Bolivia I went trekking and
mountaineering for some weeks. After several trips in Europe this was
my first one in South America, and I got so excited that I was
definitely not my last! Thanks for your site, it's encouraging to see
so many women travelling alone!"
Laura Orton, Bicycle Touring in Washington, USA in 1982 (photo taken from a photo archive of the last 25 years of cycling)
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I
am building a surly long haul trucker and switching over components from a felt
racing bike I had. Its almost finished...just gotta press the headset and cable
it up…..Jordie Bosley is presently touring a crossed America, the bicycle she built is
doing well.
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I
am usually an indoors science-research-laboratory type person, but this is the
summer before I graduate and I wanted to do something different. I decided to
cycle along the existing Keystone 1 Pipeline, interviewing locals, experts and
officials along the way to understand and help the public understand-- through
Huffington the facts behind pipelines, oil sands and energy security debates
through a different lens while having an adventure. Carol Hsin
Grace and Lily, a mother and daughter duo have pedaled their tandem bicycle through Arizona, part of the Pacific Coast Highway and have plans to cycle in Africa in 2013. Lily will soon be 10 years old. Crazy Mom On A Bike
Emily Chapell left her job in London, England as a
cycle courier to cycle around the world.
Emily's route has brought her from the UK to China, presently Emily is cycling in
Japan.
The Couch Surfing Cook has been traveling, sharing
recipes and hosting people in her Brooklyn apartment since 2010. Presently she
is traveling by bicycle in Japan on a route that will take her through SE Asia
to Malaysia.
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Thank you so much for this great site. As I ride and enjoy some of the
finest moments in my life I often wonder how to inspire and empower more women
to get out into the world on their own! This is a great start... I
started my trip in Helsinki in May and have been wiggling my way down through
Europe, spent a month relaxing in Croatia and now I am doing a loop in the
Alps. I have no planned end to my journey.
Sage Asher-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After her partner injured his knee, Erzsébet Prokopp went solo through the Austrian mountains. I met Erzsébet touring the Indian Himalaya.
"Finding Sachi is an adventure bike tour, that started on March 10, 2011 to experience the wonderful food eaten in Japan. Join me, your tour guide Sachi, as I cycle from Okinawa to Hokkaido (south to north) to find delicious food and beautiful scenery throughout Japan".Finding Sachi
"Being a notoriously unlucky flyer - hijacked, volcanic ash victim, aborted landings, cancellations, not booked on flights, wheels falling off planes, struck by lightening - and also a non-driver I thought it would be a good idea to head off East on my bicycle." (Central Asia home to the UK) Jilly Sherlock
Melanie Mezanec pedaled the Pacific Coast Highway, USA, Spain, Netherlands mostly with her trumpet . Up next? Melanie will be spending the summer pedaling across the USA and raising money for Cancer in memory of her cousin who reminded everyone to get busy living.
"My partner was still in school, and I love the freedom and adventure of travelling alone, so I went on a tour from the Oregon coast to the Florida coast of America, pedalling over 5,000 miles in 3 and half months... and falling in love with it." -Olivia Round
Human power from London to London via the world. Sarah Outen is making a complete loop of our planet using only a rowing boat, a bike and a kayak.
Jenn Tough near her home in the Rocky Mountains, Alberta while touring solo in Northern Canada, 2010. I met Jenn with her new riding partner Jeff in Cyprus recently, and together they are taking a spin around the world.
The Universe With Me Hyojin Jong
Wow (woman on wheels) participant Susan Minnich retuned from her second bicycle tour in France recently. Here is what Susan had to say about cycling in France.
Click here to hear about Marija's journey
"...spent the last 3 years teaching English in Thailand and decided the best way to leave was on my bike. I set off six months ago and have past through Laos, China, Mongolia (cycled with Emily jefferson some there) Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark. Germany Holand, Belguim and France remain before finishing in London. Its been nothing short of amazing but a bit sad that I only have one month remaining..." Jenna Thompson
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Emily Jefferson arrived home on Oct 16th after pedaling from New Zealand to the UK. Emily reports that seeing England from the ferry brought tears to her eyes. Congrats to Emily for her amazing accomplishment. Bike NZ 2 UK
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Emily Jefferson as she arrives home
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Jenny Towill pedaling solo in Laos
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The other day, I met a woman travelling solo by bicycle. Jenny Towill on holiday from Wales left the rock climbing region of Wales and her supportive mountain guide boyfriend temporarily behind to holiday solo by bicycle in Wales. Rory Shaw of www.snowdoniamountaineering.com lent Jenny his panniers so she could venture solo for 3 weeks through Laos.
Dervla Murphy
In 1968 Dervla Murphy left Ireland in the winter and pedaled to India. Over 40 years later, Dervla is still travelling by mules, bicycles or boats and writing super funny books about her adventures.
North From Marrakech
At age 42, Rachel Hugens spend a year on the road enjoying New Zealand and Australia while pedaling. Rachel met her husband and together they pedaled from Capetown, Africa to Holland, South America and Indonesia, South East Asia and from the Arctic Circle to Idaho, USA. Check out Rachel's photos
Kate Crinion is a new born Irish cyclist. She started cycling in Tibet and has pedaled in Nepal, India, Thailand, Burma, Laos and Vietnam. Presently she is pedaling in Central America. Here's more about Kate's Cycling Curiosity
In 2009, after receiving Anne Mustoes book called “A Bike Ride” Ann Wilson retired early at age 58, training on route, Ann began “an open ended world tour in an easterly direction”. After more than 16720 km (10,389miles) and covering 24 countries, Anne completed the world tour in Sept 2010. Ann’s recent bicycle tours include 3 months of pedaling in Spain, France and Morocco. Thanks Ann for encouraging us all to pedal out the door. Read about Ann’s adventures here!
Through Europe And Beyond North From Marrakech
Ann Wilson, world cyclist
Silke Mokel on the road solo since 2010. Silke started pedaling in Western Europe then set her sights on Canada to the tip of South America. Presently Silke is in Ecuador heading south for Peru. Silke is taking the road less cycled and is staying off the well cycled Trans-American route and sticking to the smaller roads. Follow Silke on her German website or on FB in English and Spanish.
Elizabeth Walsh pedaling in the Peruvian Andes
"I have cycled alone in Canada, the United States, England, and most recently, a one week trip in the Peruvian Andes. I was suffering from pre-departure nerves and the discouragement of friends and family before setting off to Peru. I got a lot of courage from the WOW website; it was inspiring to discover so many other lady cyclists." Elizabeth Walsh
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| Jasmin Meier pedaling solo in SE Asia, follow Jasmin's adventure on wheels  
Hanna Jackobson
"A couple of years ago I replaced my usual backpack with bicycle panniers as I decided to cycle home from Paris. As I eventually hit the brakes in the Swedish city of Gothenburg a new bicycle plan had emerged, trans-american journey. As a journalist some of theses journeys have been published as articles regarding the situation of Beijing, radio reports from the townships in South Africa and photographs from the top of Kilimanjaro." Hanna Jackobson
"A nut without a shell, really. Or maybe a nut looking to break out of her shell. A mediocre athlete turned adventure luster on a budget" Meet Katie Tibbets English teacher and solo bicycle tourist around South Korea breakawaykatie.com
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Ceri Smith, tours in her home country of Scotland
Kate Leeming in her book GRACE The Great Australian Cycling Expedition chronicles the story of her 25,000km cycling expedition of Australia.
Overland from the UK To Thailand, one small pedal for one big reason,
talk HIV and Aids
Emily Jefferson
Emily Jefferson arrived home Oct. 16th after pedaling from New Zealand to the UK. Emily reports that seeing England from the ferry brought tears to her eyes. Congrats to Emily for her amazing accomplishments.Bike NZ To UK
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"I have been cycling for 35 years. During holidays of course. In 2001 I made a trip for 10 months, SE Asia and China. In 2007 another big one for 2 years in Asia again. I like traveling slow and I like Asia. Just came back from 4,5 months cycling in Nepal, Bangladesh and NE India, amazing again. I write cycling guidebooks in Dutch the first one about Laos and the 2nd about Cambodia. Working on a 3rd one... I only travel solo, best way to travel, freedom y'know..."
Bernadette
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Escape Travels
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Bernadette
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| Bernadette Speet, guide book author (Cambodia and Laos) and world cyclist |
"Thanks for setting up the WOW page! I came across it yesterday after I spoke to my dad on the phone and he told me how worried he is about me cycling all alone in a country that is so far from home (Switzerland is my home) and without even having an itinerary... Confused I was googling something like "women cycling alone" and I found you crazy people and didn't feel THAT crazy anymore. Because of the links on this page I had the chance to read some inspiring blogs. So thank you for that!" Jasmin Meier
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In 1895, the first woman cycled around the world. She was a suffragist and mother of 3, her name was Annie Londonderry. The Annie Londonderry website is full of fun info. Around The World On Two Wheels is the book about of her extraordinary journey written by her great grand nephew and author Peter Zeutlin. A Flash From The Way Past is the story that appeared here when Peter contacted me to let me know that Annie would be proud of us women on wheels.
Jill Lundberg, a 72 year old New Zealander has cycled solo through Vietnam, Cambodia, Morocco, Eastern Europe, Scotland and Iceland. Presently she is pedaling in India. Jill and her bicycle Pegasus adventures can be found here.
Delphine Torrekens, a year in Asia
Delphine Torrekens spent a year cycling in Asia. When I met Delphine she was pedaling in China. Happy to be avoiding winter back home in Paris, France, Delphine was on your way to Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Turkey.
In celebration of International Women’s Day together let’s make a photo gallery of solo female bicycle tourists. Thank you for participating, please send photos, links and/or stories to skalatitude@gmail.com, and the WOW (women on wheels) photo gallery will appear here in celebration of International Women’s Day. If you have links to business’, blogs or projects they obviously can be included in the photo gallery. I thoroughly enjoy building a community of like minded people and connecting with the women and men who write me and ask questions about whether camping solo is scary, bicycle chasing psycho dogs, visas or where to find food and water in remote regions such as the Gobi Desert or the Australian outback.
Mirjam The Cycling Dutch Girl Going Slowly Around The World
Mirjam The Cycling Dutch Girl Going Slowly Around The World
Helen Lloyd
Helen took on Africa and pedaled solo from her home in Britain to Capetown, South Africa. In her blog, she counts beers, miles and marriage proposals along the way. Take On Africa. Presently Helen has also pedaled through Canada, America and Central America. This winter she will be cycling in Lapland, Iceland.
Gathering our resources is sure to make women on wheels increase in popularity as we venture into the forth coming year. The WOW (women on wheels) photo gallery can be found here, thanking you in advance for sending your photos and/or links to skalatitude@gmail.com. Please join in the celebration and send your photos, links and /or stories to skalatitude@gmail.com. We can also stay connected through Twitter and Facebook.
Grace Johnson met her photographer husband Paul Jeurissen while pedaling the trans-america solo in 1981. They have been pedaling together ever since. Their current project is called "Bicycling Around The World In Search Of Inspiring Cycle Images". Their remarkable photos can be found here In Search Of Inspiring Cycling Images. Grace's other projects include the free Bicycle Traveler Magazine.
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"Bicycles are wheels. You can do all kinds of things with them. My preference is to use them to travel. When I can't travel, I ride near home." A wonderful quote from the blog Suze Cycling about cycling through French, Cevennes
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Susan Minich, Suze Cycling Just got back from another cycling adventure in France. This time from the med to the Atlantic. From her great blog about why cycle in France?
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"France....the best place on the planet to combine cycling, eating, mountains, beaches, art, architecture, history and culture." Susan Minich
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Kiki Holl decided to spend her summer cycling across America and raising money for multiple sclerosis.
