The Epic Journey: A 360-Degree Ride Around the World
Meet Markus, a passionate traveler from Kempten, Germany, who recently completed an incredible journey around the world. His journey was not just a tour, but an adventure that pushed the boundaries of what is possible with a classic Vespa scooter.
Preparing for the Adventure
Markus started his epic journey by preparing a little in advance. He bought a Vespa scooter in the United States, rode it from the east coast to the west coast for 10,000 kilometers, and then set off on his world tour with two more scooters he stored in different locations. His goal was both to save money and to simplify complex shipping and logistics challenges.
80 Days Around the World
From June 30, 2018, to September 17, 2018, Markus rode his three classic 2-stroke scooters, covering 27,113 kilometers across 18 countries and three continents. His average daily distance was 399 kilometers, with a remarkable longest ride of 690 kilometers in a single day. He managed to drink wine, enjoy good food, and follow in the footsteps of Jules Verne, finishing his circumnavigation in Spain, as described in Verne's book.
Challenges and Trials
Markus faced numerous challenges during his journey. He encountered various weather conditions, from scorching heat (up to 46 degrees Celsius) to freezing cold (5-7 degrees Celsius), as well as extreme weather like thunderstorms, typhoons, and hurricanes. He also had to deal with unexpected delays, repeated breakdowns, and various ailments, including diarrhea, colds, and bleeding hemorrhoids. Despite these trials, Markus healed physically and mentally, riding with a passion that kept him going even through difficult times.
Non-Stop Riding
For Markus, this was not just a tour; it was a relentless race against the clock. He believed in the adage, 'If you want to ride around the world on a Classic Vespa, you'll have to ride every day when the scooter is willing to ride, even when it's raining, during extreme heat, cold, and intense storms. You'll ride through floods, sand, construction sites, and other obstacles, and often will ride when you are ill or injured.' His insistence on constant movement and adaptation is a testament to his bravery and determination.
Unexpected Surprises and Adventures
The journey was filled with unexpected surprises. For instance, he faced challenges like missing flights, unpredictable border or police controls, animal attacks, car accidents, and even near-misses. Despite these incidents, Markus embodies the spirit of adventure, often finding joy and humor in the chaos. He also shared his experiences through a series of statistics, highlighting the monumental effort required to complete such a journey.
A Price Worth Paying
The costs of this adventure were high—Markus invested around €25,000, including everything and the preparation for his previous ride in the United States. However, he would undoubtedly say that the journey was worth every euro spent. The wealth he gained was not in material possessions, but in experiences and unforgettable memories.
Conclusion
Markus' journey around the world on a Vespa is not just a story of adventure and endurance; it's a symbol of the human spirit's ability to overcome challenges and transform the mundane into the extraordinary. If you are a motocross enthusiast or a traveler seeking an unparalleled adventure, Markus' story is an inspiration to push your limits and create your own unforgettable journey.