1 ) WHEN WILL YOU RETURN TO TÜRKİYE, OR HAVE YOU EVER RETURNED?

I started my world tour by bicycle from Ankara on September 9, 2012. After pedaling across 46 countries and 3 continents, I returned to the country on July 5, 2018, because of my father’s illness, to see him, talk to him, hug him, and kiss him. In May 2018, I learned that his Stage 4 cancer had metastasized and spread throughout his body. I had shared this news with you, my dear readers, at the time. During the 54 days I stayed in Türkiye, I spent every single moment with my family. So, I’m sure you’ll understand why I didn’t meet any of you or appear in the media. I dedicated all my time to my father and family. On August 29, 2018, I went back to where I had paused my journey and continued from there. After returning to the road, I first visited a place my father really wanted me to see. I photographed it and added it to my travel memories. My father passed away on November 20, 2018. I carried on with the courage and life lessons he gave me, building upon what he taught me.

On January 1, 2023, I returned to the country again to apply for a U.S. visa I couldn’t obtain in Guatemala, Chile, or Colombia. I stayed in Türkiye for a year and cycled through Anatolia for four months. After eleven years, I saw Anatolia again. I held book signing events for my children’s book The Iron Horseman in five provinces. I gave three public presentations in our three largest cities. I spoke at 61 primary schools and seven universities. I collaborated with four companies on projects. I obtained U.S., Schengen, and U.K. visas. The directive from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about me was also renewed. On January 1, 2024, I returned to Colombia and began my North American journey.

Once I’ve visited the countries on my route and explored most of the world, I will return home. But I don’t have thoughts like, “Oh, I’m so tired. I miss my family, friends, and country. I can’t do this anymore.” As long as there’s no serious health problem, the journey continues. That’s the kind of family we are. We always support each other, no matter what. Without their support, I could never have made this dream a reality.

2) WHAT BRAND IS YOUR BIKE, AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

KRON G1 Design Gürkan Genç – Frame welding by F. Duarte, Colombia

Frame weight: 1.8 kg stainless steel – Unloaded weight: 14 kg – Fully equipped weight: 34 kg

Its weight is the same as my previous aluminum GG1. The switch to steel didn’t increase the total weight because I upgraded several components: rims, tires, rear and front racks, mounting brackets, cassette, and hubs—all replaced with stronger and lighter versions from higher-tier groups.

The G1 was designed to be compatible with Shimano’s MTB and GRX mechanical groupsets and Ortlieb bags. It supports any standard market rack system, including the GG Fork Hanger, which I designed for the Ortlieb Fork Pack and produced with my friends at Aspect in Ankara Ostim.

The G1 frame combines features of a gravel bike, mountain bike, and touring bike. With some equipment changes, it can be adapted to any of these formats. For example, using a straight fork, gravel handlebar, and GRX groupset, can become a gravel bike. It is a custom model, built to the rider’s measurements upon special request.

The steel model costs $8,400 in 2024. The titanium version is $9,600.

3 ) DO YOU TRAVEL THE ENTIRE ROUTE BY BIKE, OR DO YOU USE TRAINS, CARS, OR PLANES?

I travel the world tour route entirely by bike. I digitally record all my pedaling distances and kilometers. Sometimes, I leave my bike in a city and travel to places not on my route using public transportation or a car, then return to my bike and continue. I use planes and ships to cross continents or islands. If I have health issues or if the road lacks a shoulder and there are too many trucks, I put my bike on a vehicle and go to the nearest city to rest or find an alternative route.

Sometimes I travel through such remote areas that, even when I’m sick, I can’t find a vehicle and have to pedal all the way to the nearest town or city.

Here are the instances when I didn’t ride my bike: 1 – Ferry from Rotterdam, Netherlands to the UK (sea crossing)

2 – Flight from London, UK to Barcelona, Spain (sea crossing)

3 – Spain (Alicante, Europe) to Morocco (Nador, Meilla, Africa) (sea crossing)

4 – While traveling in Morocco with Enes Şensoy, he had to return to Türkiye, so after finishing our Morocco tour by bike, we took a bus to a spot we couldn’t reach. He took the bus back to the capital, and I continued by bike, returning to the route I had completed earlier.

5 – After finishing Tunisia, the Libyan border was closed, and due to internal conflicts in Egypt, I flew from Tunisia to Jordan.

6 – From Muscat, Oman to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (sea crossing)

7 – From Cape Town, South Africa to Buenos Aires, Argentina (ocean crossing)

Except for these, I’ve pedaled every part of my journey. I’m not someone who claims to travel by bike while secretly using motor vehicles. I cross deserts and mountain peaks with my bicycle and muscle power, not by car, bus, or pickup truck. I’ve pedaled more than 17,000 km through seven desert regions and climbed a total of 525,000 meters. Every pedal stroke, heartbeat, and route is recorded by GPS. These stats are digitally documented and available on Garmin’s own platform.

So please, just laugh and move on when you hear people saying, “Come on, he’s not really doing it all by bike.”

4 ) HOW DO YOU RIDE ON THE HIGHWAY WITH A BIKE?

It’s illegal to ride a bike on the highway. This rule applies in every country! At every highway entrance, there’s a large sign saying “No Bicycles.”

I don’t ride on highways in any country I visit. A couple of countries didn’t have alternate routes. But even in those places, I avoid intercity roads next to highways. I love exploring and discovering new places in my own way. That’s why I prefer village and backcountry roads, which have little or no traffic. If there’s a forest or mountain path in the direction I’m heading, I always choose that.

5) HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH DOGS AND WILD ANIMALS? HOW DO YOU ENSURE YOUR SAFETY?

I pedaled through national parks in Botswana, Africa, where signs say “Beware of elephants,” “Beware of lions and leopards,” and “Wildlife area.” I’ve cycled through puma habitats in South America, and in bear country in the USA. But you can’t follow these kinds of adventures on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! If you read the road stories of my Türkiye–Japan and World tour on my website, you’ll understand what kind of journey I’ve had.

The answer to your question:

When dogs attack, I simply get off the bike and run towards them. They get confused and run away. When I’m inside the tent, I sometimes hear animals walking around. As long as they walk on four legs, they’re not dangerous. For the two-legged ones, I carry a knife, an axe, and pepper spray.

When biking in areas where lions, leopards, and similar animals live, sunrise and sunset hours are crucial. You need to research the area well beforehand and plan your stops. Cycling in those regions is like playing Russian roulette. I never recommend it.

6) ISN’T TRAVELING ALONE DIFFICULT? CAN SOMEONE JOIN YOU AND PEDAL TOGETHER?

I’m not someone who likes to talk while traveling by bike. I observe the surroundings, the people, and nature, and think. I always meet someone to chat with during the day. Even if we don’t speak the same language, we find a way to understand each other. There are always smiles in conversations. When I greet someone, it’s heartfelt. Life is 50% movement and 50% sound. In the desert, there is neither. And when I’m cycling through one, I think, “This is what true solitude feels like!”

The only people who have joined me on the road are close friends I met in Türkiye. I don’t invite strangers. I biked with Enes Şensoy in Morocco in 2014, and he later shared his thoughts on his page titled “Traveling with Gürkan Genç.” I rode with Engin Kaban in 2017, who published “Cycling with Gürkan Genç.” Despite three years between them, both travelers noticed many of the same traits. I stayed consistent.

After meeting me, some people might be disappointed. I may not be the Gürkan Genç they imagined or the dream tour buddy. I make mistakes like everyone else, learn from them, and keep learning. In short, traveling alone is never hard for me, and I admit, I can be a difficult character to understand.

7) HOW MANY FOREIGN LANGUAGES DO YOU KNOW?

I speak Turkish and English well, and a bit of Spanish. With people whose language I don’t know, I communicate using body language and facial expressions. A sincere greeting opens every door. If you want to learn a language, at least three months of studying in the country where it’s spoken is ideal.

8) WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO TRAVEL BY BICYCLE?

Because a bicycle is slow enough to notice the details, fast enough to make progress, sturdy enough to carry essential gear, and clean enough not to pollute nature.

9) WHY A WORLD TOUR?

One day, I’ll die, and this is a huge world. I want to explore and see as much of it as I can, within my means.

10 )WHAT’S YOUR INCOME? ARE YOU RICH?

Neither I nor my family are rich, if we were, my projects would look a lot different. I have no savings, no secret account. My only assets are my bike and the belongings I carry with me.

You can find full details of the companies that sponsor my world tour and the kind of support they provide on the “Sponsors” page of my website. For years, I asked many institutions for support. Almost none provided financial assistance. The few that did, do so because we have a good relationship. They transfer a monthly budget to my account, which covers my food and accommodation expenses. When I camp most nights, I save money and use that to fund my personal projects.

Some readers also send money after reading my articles, saying, “Well done, great writing, you deserve this as your writer’s fee.” I list their names [here]. I use those contributions for future projects or to replace broken gear.

Between 2014 and 2016, I carried a DJI drone. I filmed factories, hotels, and landscapes in the countries I visited and sold those videos to clients or got free accommodation in exchange. I bought my first drone in 2014. As more companies got their own drones, that income stream dried up.

I also earn from Google and YouTube ads, but it’s not much. I haven’t uploaded many videos, so it barely earns $5/month. There are no ads on my website either. You won’t see flashy banners popping up. I also don’t enjoy creating content for YouTube.

I give motivational talks to private companies in Türkiye and abroad. As of 2024, my 45-minute presentation fee is $15,000 + VAT.

Now, some of you probably just said “Whoa!” But why are you surprised, my friend? I don’t ask anyone to invite me to speak. I once attended a talk by a female speaker who shared her three-month African journey. The company that invited her paid $15,000 + travel and accommodation. Some companies only want to cover my flight. That’s when I truly understand how little people value this bicycle world tour.

If you said “Whoa!”, you’re also someone who underestimates what I’ve done.

Some say “You’ll be super popular when you return to Türkiye,” but I already experienced that after riding from Türkiye to Japan. (And honestly, the Japan tour was more legendary than the world tour, because it was my first.) I’ve seen how fleeting popularity is for people who do trips like this.

We don’t care about fame. We’ve been on the road for years and have had so many near-death experiences. Even if you don’t respect that, I ask you not to talk behind our backs.

When I return to Türkiye, I’ll go to schools and give presentations to elementary, middle, and high school students whenever I’m available. I’ve already been doing that for years via Skype during my journey. That’s one of the best things I can do. Please don’t ask me to share my experiences for your association, company, or organization.

Someone who has spent years on the road, overcome countless challenges, visited the core of all belief systems, lived within different cultures, and sacrificed so much along the way, surely that person’s experience and time must have value.

Imagine going to a software developer, doctor, or engineer and saying, “Hey friend, explain everything you know for free.”

People take courses and pay to learn from them. They deserve compensation for sharing their knowledge.

But with people like us, it’s expected that we just share everything for free. That shows how little our experience is valued.

The content on this page holds years of cycling experience. If anyone says “You’ve done nothing, contributed nothing to humanity,” that’s just plain malice. I’ve shared all I could, helped you dream, and inspired you. If an institution wants to invite me to speak, I ask them to follow proper procedures. Let’s not waste each other’s time.

Besides my own experience, here are some ways I’ve seen fellow travelers fund their journeys:

As you can see, those who want to travel always find a way. As I said above, I travel with a special passport and fund my trips through my website and social media, earning through hard work and dedication.

11) HOW TO FIND SPONSOR

I’m not good at finding sponsors. Before and after starting my world tour, I contacted over 752 companies electronically and had face-to-face meetings with over 400 firms. I asked, “Would you support my world tour?” The positive responses? Zero.

– Many of Türkiye’s leading companies congratulated and praised me to my face, but behind my back, some company owners said, “Why should we give him money to travel? It doesn’t work like that.”

– Some companies didn’t ask for my support but came to me, signed contracts, and said “We’ll start sponsoring you on this date,” and later they never sent any money.

– During my journey, some people said they would sponsor me after meeting me. Later, when their business went bad, they told me they couldn’t sponsor me.

– Some would say in front of their friends, “We’ll sponsor Gürkan Genç’s journey,” only to never contact me again.

– Others would get excited and say, “Bro, we’ll help you, we’ll arrange something,” only to forget about it and continue their conversations without bringing it up again.

The truth is, I never directly asked anyone to sponsor me!

On my sponsorship page for the world tour, the 6 companies listed have owners or managers who are my friends. That’s why I won’t flood you with their ads. However, those following me for years already know who they are. They don’t need any advertisement from me. Their brands are either world-renowned or well-known in Türkiye. That’s why they’ve supported me wholeheartedly over the years.

The way my friends’ companies have supported or sponsored me is written next to their logos. From the beginning, I called these companies my “DREAM PARTNERS.” The high school students I presented to were right when they said, “Everyone who supports you is your dream partner.” Supporting something bigger than sponsorship is what matters!

You might want to sponsor me. If we agree, I’ll place your logo either on the front page or my Sponsorship page. In addition, I’ll mention that you became my sponsor on social media on the first day. After that, I won’t specifically write about you or highlight your name in every post, but I may mention your brand when the time comes. I won’t wear your logo on my clothes or head. In short, I won’t annoy my followers, but they will all hear about you, and over time, they will learn about you. It will even spread by word of mouth, and people will talk about you among themselves.

Here are my sponsors for you.

12) WHY DO THESE COMPANIES SUPPORT YOU?

34,500 photos, over 5,000 pages of writing, English-Turkish publications, and Turkish audio commentary. This page reflects teamwork, sweat, effort, and dedication. Support comes from the heart, as does sponsorship. There’s a real project here, with contributions to the country and people.

“It’s because he’s got rich sponsors; that’s why he’s traveling” or “They’ve thrown money at him” is a simple statement. People who say these things have no clue about how I got support from companies. Directly asking me, “Would you help me get sponsorship?” will likely annoy them. Additionally, companies I’ve worked with have no connection to any financial needs on my end. I’ve personally reached out and spoken to every sponsor. I’ve mentioned everything clearly on my sponsorship page. No one can say, “He asked me to talk to this company and get support.” The work I do is evident for all to see.

If it were only about sponsors, everyone in Türkiye with the means or resources would have embarked on their world tour by bike. The reality is, that no one is asking, “Let’s sponsor Gürkan Genç, let him travel!” It’s not easy to pursue a dream without effort, and it’s even harder today to earn a living.

13) CAN YOU HELP US WITH OUR PROJECT? WILL YOU CONTACT SPONSORS FOR US? WILL YOU PROMOTE OUR PROJECT?

The person who sends this email:

A) The guy who sends me a message after hearing from a friend, “Gürkan Genç is getting support from companies and traveling, ask him to help you too,”

B) The guy who browses the internet and thinks, “He must be rolling in money; he doesn’t have any problems, why wouldn’t he help me?”

C) The guy who looks at photos on Facebook, reads a few posts or doesn’t read them at all, and thinks, “I’ll try my luck,”

D) The one who has a project and wants to promote it to the public through my help and reach,

E) The person running for a cause and asking for financial support for their charity or campaign,

Look, I’m referring to a “guy” because so far, no woman has sent me such messages. People who have read my journey or know me won’t ask such things. They understand that I’m already offering all the resources I have. I’m managing three projects while on my world tour. I don’t own a factory, a company, or hidden assets. How I continue my journey is explained in point 14.

Regarding sponsors, I’ve listed the names and addresses of all my sponsors on my page. No one can say, “This guy asked me to talk to this company to get support.” Everything is transparent here. But many people prefer the easy route. They want to travel freely and get sponsorship without putting in the work. That’s not how it works.

14) HOW DO YOU COVER THE COSTS OF THE TOUR?

I’ve met foreign travelers and a Turkish traveler who travels the world with no money. They cross borders without using passports or visas, and they navigate through mountains. What they’ve experienced is known only to them. No one else knows their journey. They don’t expect anything from others, including organizations or social media. They are on this journey for themselves. This is the true meaning of traveling the world freely.

How do you earn money on the road? You need to have a universal skill. If you play a musical instrument, you can earn money by performing in any city’s square. If you’re skilled in mechanics or engines, you can work in a local workshop and fix cars.

As an amateur writer, photographer, and editor, I’ve shared my life story through over 30 countries, generating hundreds of thousands of views through publications and social media. As a graduate of the Faculty of Communication, I’m essentially doing my job while traveling. I’m using the technology of the age— the internet— to share my experiences. This sharing creates value. Communication, one of humanity’s fundamental elements, is my profession.

Still, some people say, “His job is just traveling.” But they don’t realize that every place I visit is part of my work and life. It’s a free job, a voluntary one.

15 ) HOW MUCH DO YOU SPEND PER DAY?

The amount of money spent varies depending on the country and the type of trip.

When traveling in Europe during the summer, I mostly camped or stayed with people I found on WarmShowers or Couchsurfing. In Africa, I stayed at schools, and in South America, I stayed with firefighters.

If I travel this way, my daily expenses are €3.5. Not bad, right?

There are countries where you can travel for two months without spending a penny and leave with $400.

By the way, I save money by traveling this way. 🙂

However, as someone who has created opportunities, I want to experience and explore as much as possible in each country. Here’s what I do:

To travel the world in this way, you need to be working. Some might say, “But you’re not working,” the answer can be found in questions 10 and 14.

16) Do You Receive Financial Support from the Turkish Republic or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Passport or Visa Expenses?

I’ve never received financial support from the Turkish Republic!

The support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs includes:

17) When You Work, Sell Something, or Do Sponsorship Deals While Traveling, Do You Feel Like You Are Getting Away From the Main Purpose of Your Journey?

After my bicycle tour in Japan, I realized how much I spent on the road. Before starting my world tour, I agreed with a company to produce and sell “Iron Horseman” T-shirts, coasters, mugs, baby bodysuits, etc., through my website. I tried this in 2012-2013, but despite the effort and time spent, it didn’t provide any extra income for my journey (I sold only 10 items in one year). And when I say effort, I’m not just talking about the sweat I shed on the road!

On this page, I write about my years of travel experiences and memories, and the best part is that it’s free to read. I thought people who read the page would say, “Well done, you wrote great, so I’ll buy some products,” but very few did.

Yes, some companies sponsor me. If you check that section, you can see who and why they sponsor me. No one ever said, “Gürkan Genç, travel the world, and we’ll give you equipment and money.” There is effort and hard work behind it. That’s why I’ve been traveling for years.

The person asking this question probably hasn’t read this page thoroughly and is unaware of what I do. If they’ve read it and are still asking the same question, they might have a different issue. These are the same people who want someone like me, who has dedicated their life to travel, to go through deserts, freezing cold, and tough conditions, without asking anyone for help—whether for equipment or financial support. They want to see me with torn clothes and long beards because that’s how a “true traveler” should look in their eyes. They don’t see professionals who earn money while traveling as real explorers or travelers.

Since 2010, I’ve been traveling the world in the same way I started, and I continue doing so.

18) CAN I USE/PUBLISH YOUR ARTICLES ON YOUR WEBSITE, ON MY SITE, ON FORUMS, OR IN MY PROJECT?

First, let me clarify: The feature that enables this tour to receive support from readers and institutions is the information you want to share from this page, such as articles, photos, and route details. Without this page, I wouldn’t be able to travel the world the way I imagined. You can take a paragraph and share it, or share one or two of the photos with a source link to this page; I won’t have an issue with that. For the past 4 years, many readers have supported me in this way, and they continue to do so. They’ve used my travel memories in their theses, on their websites, and in their projects, citing this website as a source. I thank everyone who has done so.

However, if you want to take all the writings and photos and copy them to other sites or forums, and if you don’t clearly state what you want to do with the articles on the site, or if you share information learned without citing the source in your projects, saying, “I’m thinking of turning these writings into a book for publication”, well, my friend, when I open my mouth, I become the arrogant, egoistic, self-absorbed person, right? What should I do in response to such disrespectful behavior, you tell me!

19) WHAT DO YOU EAT? DO YOU TAKE SUPPLEMENTS?

In the mornings, I mix 150 grams of muesli with yogurt or, if I don’t have yogurt, with warm water. If I have a banana or an apple with me, I always add that too. For lunch, if I find a place along the way, I’ll sit down and eat there. Otherwise, I’ll buy pasta or bread, tomatoes, and cheese from a market. In the evenings, I also have pasta. Before setting up camp, if I find a market, I buy apples or bananas. I don’t add salt to my pasta; I just put in one tablespoon of hemp oil. As supplements, if I have them with me, I occasionally use dried figs, halva, molasses, peanut butter, hazelnut butter, dulce de leche, walnuts, dried grapes, and almonds.

20) HOW DO YOU HANDLE VISA ISSUES DURING YOUR WORLD TOUR?

When I arrive in the capital city of a country, I go to the embassy of the country I will visit next. I introduce myself, explain what I’m doing, and fill out the application form, submitting it with my health insurance and project details. In most cases, I receive the visa within one day, during my preferred time slots. One of the biggest factors is having an English website. Who I am and what I’ve been doing for years are written on my website and Wikipedia. Almost all doors open for someone who is cycling around the world. This trip is not a typical tourist trip. The journey is visible on the internet as it is being carried out.

I personally handle the discussions with the embassies of the countries I plan to visit. I give them information about my project and chat with them. I meet directly with ambassadors or consuls, not consulate officers.

Since I don’t know exactly when I’ll leave the country I’m visiting or when I’ll enter the next one, I usually apply for a 3-month visa. Some countries start the visa validity from the day I receive it, while others allow me to choose the start date. Depending on the situation, I reach the border on the exact date and use the full 3 months. I pay for all my visa fees myself! This means the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs or any Turkish institution does not pay for my visa fees because I am traveling the world by bike. There is no such thing.

Another issue is the Schengen Visa. “How did Gürkan Genç travel for two years without a residence permit in Europe and without leaving the Schengen area?” Normally, a Schengen visa is given for 3 months. The rule in Schengen is:

“We are giving you a Schengen visa for 3 months within a year. You can travel as much as you want within Schengen countries for 3 months. After 3 months, you must apply again from your home country.” Everyone who is not a European citizen has done this until now. They will continue to do so until Europe abolishes Schengen.

A French diplomat in Geneva once told me: “This is the first time we’ve done something like this in our system. You can travel as much as you want in Europe.” In Germany and France, they created a special page in their systems for me, and my passport has a visa that many diplomats have never seen before.

“What’s so special about you?” you ask. Those who have read the travel stories on my website know why this special treatment is given to me. I’ve taken the time to write and share, and those who are curious can read my journey.

21) CAN YOU RECOMMEND A BICYCLE OR CAMPING GEAR? I CAN’T FIND THE WATER PRODUCTS YOU USE, WHERE CAN I BUY THEM?

The brands and products I use are listed on my website (Equipment). Asking for recommendations on products I haven’t tried or tested would not be appropriate for me to respond to. Cyclists and camping gear shops will show you the best products based on your budget. Some people say, “I checked your page, the products you use are too expensive! Can’t you recommend cheaper ones?” Well, these are the products I use—how can I recommend something I haven’t tried? If you buy something and don’t like it or it turns out to be bad, you’ll blame me: “Gürkan Genç recommended this.”

So please, don’t send me messages asking for bicycle recommendations or which one to buy.

22) AREN’T YOU AFRAID?

When the end of a high-action, adrenaline-packed movie is known, it’s not very exciting anymore. The enjoyment comes from the adventure itself. Sometimes, the adventure is so solid that movies are watched over and over.

Since the end of the journey is known, I enjoy the adventure. I have only one life, and I want to see the world.

23) ARE YOU MARRIED? YOUR PEERS ARE MARRIED WITH KIDS…

Before I left, my wife was pregnant. Our daughter was born, and my wife has raised her so far. Naturally, I missed seeing her grow up. When I return, we will continue our lives together from where we left off. By the way, during my Turkey-Japan tour in 2010, I had a son with a woman I loved in China. We chat on Skype occasionally. Also, before 2009, I got married and divorced once. I have a daughter and a son from that marriage. In 2018, in South America, I had a daughter with a woman I loved.

You probably thought, “Wow, he’s married and has kids!” when you first read this. The above is part of the rumors spread about me in my country.

I am not married, and I have no children. However, I have had women I loved in many countries. I would have liked to have a child. To be honest, I couldn’t find a mother who would take care of our child until I returned. Also, no woman who wanted to marry and have a child while I was doing my world tour. “You have girlfriends everywhere in the world, you have a lot of people who love you,” some people message me. That’s true.

It seems that when I return if I can manage to integrate into the system, I’ll try to build a home. Considering that I’m currently the only person in a country of 80 million doing a world tour by bike (I’m not just traveling, I’m cycling around the world), it’s worth sacrificing certain things to be an example for future generations.

24) HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR ROUTE?

I don’t have a fixed route. I know which countries I’ll go to, but I don’t do any prior research. I don’t have a schedule like “I’ll visit this place today, that one tomorrow.” If there are must-see places along the way, I probably already know about them. I use a compass to decide which direction to head. I try to stop by the capitals and visit all the museums as much as possible.

25) DO YOU HAVE ROLE MODELS?

My family and a traveler who lived between 1870 and 1930.

26) HOW DO YOU CHARGE YOUR DEVICES ON THE BIKE?

I use a SON 28 dynamo on the front wheel of my bike. I charge all my electronics with it, except for my laptop (camera, voice recorder, action cam, phone, e-reader, headlamp, rechargeable batteries, and small power banks).

27) HOW DO YOU STAY CONNECTED IN THE DESERT OR CITIES?

I have a satellite communication system that lets me send messages via Facebook and Twitter, even in the desert. Details are on my equipment page. In every country I visit, I buy the best local GSM SIM card and activate a data plan. I don’t care about price, I care about the widest coverage. I don’t have a satellite phone.

28) WHERE DO YOU SHOWER AND HOW DO YOU WASH YOUR CLOTHES?

I shower every three days. I carry two 4-liter water tanks. I fill them before setting up camp, then hang them from a tree or hold one above my head to shower. I’ve done this down to 0°C, but not below. I wash my clothes in small streams or at gas station restrooms. In winter, when this isn’t possible, I check into a hostel or hotel by the 12th day at the latest and wait until my washed clothes dry. Why 12 days? Because I can wear each underwear for three days. After day 3, sweat, dust, and dirt cause irritation and fungal infections. (I’ve tested all this, so I can speak confidently.)

29) HOW DO YOU HANDLE TOILET NEEDS?

I find a suitable spot in nature. I always carry wet wipes or toilet paper.

30 )DON’T YOU GET COLD IN THE TENT? YOU HAVE SPONSORS, WHY NOT STAY IN HOTELS?

My winter tent is rated for Everest expeditions. The coldest I’ve experienced inside it was -40°C. My sleeping bag is rated to -60°C, and I use an inflatable mat underneath. These are high-quality products that offer both insulation and durability. You can find them on my equipment page.

With my current financial support, it’s impossible to stay in hostels throughout the whole world tour. I do have friends who managed to get hotels to sponsor them. It’s possible, I just couldn’t make it happen.

31) WHAT DOES YOUR FAMILY THINK ABOUT THIS JOURNEY? DON’T YOU MISS THEM?

Of course, I miss them, how could I not? But we know life has an end, and our time is limited. My family supported me in making the most of this time. On November 20, 2018, my father passed away and became an angel who now travels with me. He supported me every day, always told me how proud he was, and now we pedal together. My mother and brother still support me and feel proud as well. Even though there’s distance between us, we’re a family with strong bonds. Sending love and kisses to my family.

32) ARE YOU CRAZY? WHAT WILL YOU DO WHEN YOU RETURN? YOU’LL BE OVER 40, WHO’S GOING TO HIRE YOU?

I’m someone who’s left fear behind and follows his heart rather than logic. If you still think I’m crazy, read this article a friend wrote called “A Mad Dervish” 🙂

As for the rest, yes, people ask, “Who will give you a job?” or “Do you even have social security?” Many emperors, kings, and wealthy people have come and gone from this world, and now they’re all underground. How many of them do you think got to travel the world like this? After 45, as long as my hands and feet work, I’ll do whatever job I can find. I won’t starve. I’ll do whatever it takes not to end up on the street. But I’ll go to the grave having seen a large part of the world, something not many can say. I’ve already achieved that. And because of this, my family is proud of me. That’s more than enough.

33) YOU’VE BEEN ON THE ROAD FOR YEARS. DON’T YOU EVER LOSE MOTIVATION? HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF QUITTING AND RETURNING TO TÜRKİYE?

Now that would be true madness. I’ve never thought of going back! Even asking that question is a kind of craziness 🙂

Can you really tell someone doing a world tour by bicycle to just stop and go home?

About motivation, first of all, I didn’t set off around the world because I was running away from something, and this trip didn’t have a flashy mission. The most important part of it is that I’m traveling the world for myself. Because I’m going to die, and time is running out.

People say, “You’re so lucky.” If this is luck, then I created the conditions for it. Nobody just came up and said, “Hey, go travel the world.”

I’ve been on the road for years, and this journey is not a “take a quick trip and come back” kind of thing. If it were that easy, hundreds of people with the means would have done it by now.

If you really want something, you make it happen. I wanted to travel the world by bike, I love life, and I’m trying to make the most of the time I have left. That’s why I’ve always stayed motivated. Even after going through dozens of bad experiences, I kept going, and I still will.

There’s no negativity in my mood, no weariness, and no drop in motivation.

34) HOW MANY KILOMETERS DO YOU RIDE ON AVERAGE PER DAY? WHAT’S YOUR TOP SPEED?

I don’t have any rule like “I must be at this point by this date.” The daily distance I ride varies a lot. Sometimes I ride only 10 km and pitch my tent. If I really like the spot, I might stay there for a day or two. Other times, I ride nonstop for 20 days, covering between 80–120 km per day. Some areas I pass through have nothing worth seeing, so I try to cover those distances quickly.

On my international tours, the longest I’ve ridden in a single day was 232 km (during a desert crossing in Saudi Arabia). I don’t have a set speed or a route I must follow. Normally, my average speed is between 18 to 22 km/h.

35) HOW MUCH WEIGHT DO YOU CARRY ON THE BIKE?

Without any touring gear like racks, bottle cages, or other accessories, my bike weighs 8.9 kg. I even participated in an MTB race once in this setup.

When fully set up as a touring bike with racks and accessories, the total weight of the bike is 18 kg.

There are six bags mounted on the bike:

In total, the bags have a volume of 62 liters and weigh 28 kg. Together with the bike, the total weight is 46 kg.

With the food supplies I carry, I can eat up to 9 meals in a row without needing any resupply.

Among the items I carry are summer and winter clothes, essential repair tools for the bike, camping gear, a laptop, a drone, a camera, and other electronics.

When I enter desert regions, the weight increases. I add up to 30 kg more due to extra water and food.

I’ve organized the contents of my bags in a specific order. I’ve been touring for years with the same system. Since I do a lot of climbing, I never carry anything I don’t absolutely need. I don’t bring souvenirs or knick-knacks. I carry no mementos.

36) WHAT KIND OF PRECAUTIONS DO YOU TAKE AGAINST YOUR BIKE OR GEAR BEING STOLEN?

I have certain criteria for where I camp. Even the way I sleep in the tent depends on the location I set it up. In some places, I lock the bike to the tent. Other times, I don’t lock it at all, it just stays outside with the bags on. I carry pepper spray. In some countries, I’ve even carried 20 cm knives.

But in tours like these, nothing is guaranteed. In one country, I had two external hard drives stolen because I was careless. As a result, I lost all the videos and photos from three countries and a documentary I had been preparing for a year. In another country, three people tried to rob me, I got beaten up, and a shopkeeper saved me. In yet another place, someone pointed an AK-47 at my chest demanding money. In another country, a group chased me with knives.

So far, I’m still alive and continuing my journey.

There are bad people everywhere in the world. Sometimes you encounter them, sometimes you don’t. Every decision I make on the road can influence what happens next.

In 2012, four bicycle tourers lost their lives. In 2013, that number was twelve. In 2014, six more. In 2015 and 2016, four each. In 2017, seven bicycle tourers died while pursuing their dreams on world tours.

I would like to take this opportunity to respectfully remember those who chased their dreams.

37) DO YOU TRAVEL ALONE OR DO YOU SOMETIMES SEE OTHER CYCLISTS ALONG THE WAY? CAN I RIDE WITH YOU?

During my journey, I sometimes meet other travelers who are pedaling in the same direction. After riding together for a while, everyone continues on their own path. Sometimes, my friends from Turkey visit. These are people I’ve cycled and traveled with during the time I spent in Turkey. I can also invite people based on referrals from others I’ve cycled with. However, I prefer to pedal alone.

I only invite friends I know well and have cycled within Turkey. I do not invite people I haven’t cycled with, don’t know well, or have no idea whether they can camp. Also, I am not a good tour companion for many people.

38) WHO TAKES YOUR PICTURES, WHO FILMS YOU, AND WHO WRITES YOUR ARTICLES?

I take the pictures myself, using a tripod and monopod. Sometimes I place the camera at a spot, take the shot, and then go back to retrieve it. I also carry a drone that can follow me. I edit and turn the footage I shoot during my journey into short films that I upload online. After completing touring a country, I dedicate a week to watching, sorting, and editing the footage. It requires quite a bit of time and effort. The articles you read on my website are written by me while I’m on the road. My team helps with my spelling errors and translating them into English. Then they send me the articles. I upload them on the website, with photos, both in Turkish and English. It takes about 4 hours to upload and organize each article.

39) DO YOU ANSWER YOUR EMAILS YOURSELF?

I personally answer emails, and messages on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. I respond to every message personally. No one writes on my behalf or answers questions for me. It’s not even possible. What I experience on the road is only known to the people I meet there. So, don’t be surprised when I reply. Yes, I respond to every single message and comment despite all that’s going on. (Sometimes I miss some, sorry for that.)

Also, you might see that I’ve read your message on some social media accounts but haven’t responded. After seeing that I read it, some of you wrote, “Hey, you read it but didn’t reply,” followed by more sentences. Don’t you ever consider that I might be on the road, tired, or involved in something else? It simply means I don’t have time to write long replies. Please don’t take offense like that. Similarly, sometimes I reply to comments, and if I reply to one person and not another, there’s some grudge. Answering everyone individually takes hours, so please understand. I try to answer as much as I can.

40) HAVE YOU NEVER BEEN SICK? IS THERE ANY MEDICATION ON YOUR BIKE? HAVE YOU EVER BEEN INJURED? DID YOU GET VACCINATED?

I’ve been cycling internationally for 8 years. So far, I haven’t gotten sick. I’ve been poisoned in Uzbekistan and Algeria. While setting up the tent in Russia, one of the tent poles hit my front tooth, which got damaged and eventually fell out. In Sweden, I tore a muscle in my right calf, and I couldn’t cycle for 20 days. In Switzerland, I got hit by a car, and in France, I got a fungal infection in my groin. Since I didn’t stop pedaling, it took months to heal, and it spread to my legs. I stopped cycling for 20 days to let it heal. In England, I fell off my bike and broke my left ribs. In Palestine-Israel, I got stung by a scorpion in my chest. In Jordan, I broke my right ribs, and in Saudi Arabia, I got hit by a truck and had to undergo two surgeries. After that, I had a two-month recovery period in that region. In Africa, I got malaria, with only a 50% chance of survival. In southern Chile, I got shingles. The doctor told me, “You need to rest,” but I decided to continue. I fell off my bike while crossing the Andes Mountains in Chile and Argentina, injuring my left knee. It took 20 days for it to recover. Just when it was back to normal, I fell again, this time fracturing my left arm in four places and tearing a tendon. After riding 650 kilometers, the pain didn’t go away, and I went to the hospital. I was told I could use my left arm only at 30% of its capacity for 7 months. Now it’s at 80% and has stayed that way. In Bolivia, I got food poisoning from the water I filtered, at a remote spot at 4,780 meters, vomiting inside and outside the tent for hours. After that, I fainted from exhaustion.

In short, I didn’t give up, and I don’t intend to give up until this tour ends.

On the bike, I carry muscle relaxants, painkillers, antibiotics, hay fever pills, condoms, and a small first aid kit. I’ve been vaccinated for Japanese Encephalitis, Meningococcal, Yellow Fever, Flu, Typhoid, H. Influenza, Tetanus, Pneumococcal, Diphtheria, and Hepatitis A and B. In Africa, I also took malaria medication in sub-Saharan countries, but I had to stop after a while. You take those meds for a while, and after that, it’s up to your luck. Either you get malaria, or you don’t if you’re lucky!

41) MY FRIEND AND I WILL BE CYCLING FROM CITY A TO CITY B IN TURKEY. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS ROUTE? WHAT SHOULD WE BRING WITH US?

Each person’s needs are different. What I’ve packed for my journey is listed on this page (Gürkan Genç Equipment). All the gear I use is the best for long-distance tours. Even if I were to travel within Turkey for a year, the rear panniers would be enough. Carrying too much weight doesn’t make anyone a better cyclist; it’s self-inflicted misery. You can find alternative options online, according to your budget.

The idea that “If a person has cycled around the world, they’ve definitely done the route I’m about to take in Turkey” is wrong. Many travelers in Turkey have been cycling for years and share their travel stories on their websites. You can easily research and read about them online.

42) GÜRKAN, CAN YOU GIVE ME A BIKE, A TENT, A CAMERA? I HAVE DREAMS BUT NO MEANS…

I wrote on the page about how I give away bikes. Those who say, “We follow you with love,” probably haven’t read my posts or travel stories. If they had, they wouldn’t ask such a thing. I kindly ask you to respect the effort I’ve put into creating this page by reading it. I carried out this project between 2012 and 2018, but I stopped; I no longer give away bikes.

43) WHY DON’T YOU FILM A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT YOUR TOUR, WILL THIS TOUR HAVE A BOOK? DO YOU HAVE A BOOK ABOUT YOUR JAPAN TRIP?

It’s not impossible for someone traveling alone to shoot a documentary. Some cyclists do it. But I’m not the type to stop and say, “Let me take some footage here, people are dancing, let me shoot the rain, let me shoot when I reach the top of a mountain, etc.” The videos I post online have a different purpose. When you watch the videos, what do you feel? Do you get the urge to buy a bike or to go on a long journey with your bike? People ask, “Since you’ve been to school and you know the job, why don’t you shoot it?” I write, take photos, narrate what I write, and work on three other projects beyond traveling by bike. If I were to shoot a documentary, I would focus on just that. I wouldn’t spend time on other things. What I want to do is not shoot a documentary about my journey. If this journey is to have a documentary, someone who understands this field and also enjoys biking needs to come with me, and their sole task would be to shoot the documentary. The most important thing is we need to function as a team. That person already exists. Enes Şensoy, but I’ve never been able to invite Enes because I don’t have the budget to support him.

I have had talks or sent emails to TRT, World&Travel, İz TV, National Geographic, NTV, CNN, and some private companies. If you’re not connected with these organizations and don’t have the right connections, they will make money from you, give you a little money, and say, “We will increase your visibility.” I haven’t cared about visibility for years. Those who follow will follow, those who don’t, won’t.

There will be a book about my world tour. The book about my Japan tour is already written. But I haven’t given it to a publishing house yet. It’s still early to publish that book, maybe someday in the future, but before that, I have other book projects.

44) HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN YOUR BIKE, AND WHAT SPARE PARTS AND REPAIR KITS DO YOU CARRY?

When the chain oil runs out (you can tell from the mechanical sound), I only oil the chain. I don’t oil the front derailleur, rear derailleur, or gears. I do this by turning the chain once. I clean the chain every 1,000 kilometers. I don’t make movements that would strain the chain on hills. I ride with a high cadence while climbing. I carry a spare chain. I have two boxes of bike oil. Since the front wheel has 36 spokes and the back has 40, the adjustment doesn’t get disturbed easily. I have a tool to adjust it. I also have a key size of the rear cassette lock’s adjustment key. I carry an Allen wrench set, a chain repair kit, and a Leatherman multitool. I have about 15 puncture repair kits. I carry puncture repair kits for the outer tire, so even if the outer tire bursts, I can continue for many kilometers. I also have two spare inner tubes, one spare brake cable, and one spare gear cable, which I change once a year. I also oil the spokes on the bike when needed. I carry about six pairs of spare brake pads. I try to use the brakes sparingly, so I don’t wear out the brake pads easily. I also benefit from using XT-V brakes here. I haven’t oiled my Brooks saddle even once since the day I started my journey! I’ve only tightened it a bit. I’ve washed my bike four times in two years. I have a spare set for the front fork. I have spare luggage screws, spare brake adjustment screws, four spare spokes, and one spare outer tire. I only perform bike maintenance if it really needs it. When I take long breaks, I check all the bike parts before hitting the road.

45) DO YOU COLLECT MEMORABILIA, ITEMS, OBJECTS FROM THE COUNTRIES YOU VISIT? IF SO, HOW DO YOU SEND THEM TO TÜRKİYE?

I don’t buy trinkets or similar things. Even though I have the means to buy and send them, I’ve never felt the need to do so. People I meet during my journey sometimes gift me clothes or repair tools that I can use. What I think those in need along the way might need, I pass on to them. I’ve never had a consumption frenzy like “Let me buy this or that.” The items I send to Turkey are the broken or worn-out parts of the bike, winter tires, worn clothes, and winter sleeping bags. My clothes have been the same for years, and after wearing and washing them repeatedly, the fabric wears out or loses its properties. I try to find the same color and model to renew them and continue the journey.

46) I’M BETWEEN 15-20 YEARS OLD AND WANT TO TRAVEL THE WORLD LIKE YOU. HOW DO I DO IT?

There are many people who travel the world by bike or take regional tours. They all share how they travel on their pages. But especially when you say, “I want to travel like you, bro,” I won’t tell you it’s impossible. However, a tour like mine is not as easy as it looks. First, you need to finish university, and it wouldn’t hurt to do a master’s degree. Then comes the military service, and then you’ll start working by sending your resume to companies. When the time comes, you’ll establish your own business. When you’re standing on your own feet, then you can say “I’m going”, of course, as long as you haven’t married or had kids by then. Otherwise, will you travel the world while constantly asking for money from your mom, dad, or relatives? If you’re going to say, “Yes, that’s how I’ll do it, my family will send me money for years,” then don’t hesitate and hit the road immediately. Or do you think sponsors will pay you to travel the world? Do you think they need your advertisement? (I’m writing this because I’ve experienced it! The harsh truths!)

First, I advise you to set small goals. When I started my world tour, which I dreamed of when I was 12 and started at 33, and have been on the road without returning to my country for years, if you ask me, “Bro, tell me the secret of this journey,” I’ll say, “Well, it’s simple.” Start with small goals, then move on to the bigger ones. Otherwise, if you just head out for a world tour like this, you’ll end up returning home halfway due to money problems. Also, if you asked me this question and I directed you to this page, the road is long. A traveler should be a researcher, curious, and learn the details. When stuck, they ask for help. I hope you achieve your goals.

47) Can You Travel the World Without Knowing a Foreign Language? What Kind of Problems Will You Face While Traveling?

Yes, it’s possible. I have friends who travel like this. With a sincere greeting, you can receive help from many people in rural areas, even though it might be rare in the capitals of countries. However, you won’t be able to gain detailed knowledge about the country, the joys, or the struggles experienced there. On the other hand, every person you meet during your travels will have a different story and different experiences. Listening to those experiences and sharing their lives will enrich your soul and provide new perspectives. You will come up with new ideas. While traveling the world, knowing at least English will be beneficial. Try to use the universality of communication as best as you can while you have the chance.

48) Do You Pray? Do You Fast? Do You Drink Alcohol?

Depending on the answer I give, people will either view me positively or negatively, and when they talk about me, they will start the conversation with, “Do you know Gürkan Genç…,” and then fill in the blank with one of these statements. No matter what answer I give, it won’t go beyond satisfying personal curiosity or gossiping.

If you are following me, liking me, or looking up to me because of whether I do these things or not, I kindly ask you to stop following me. I’d appreciate it if you follow me for my genuine character and to learn from my travel experiences.

49) Do You Attend Your Friends’ Birthday Parties? (For ages 4-10)

No, unfortunately, I can’t attend my friends’ birthday parties. ^_^ But when my world tour ends in 2023, I plan to throw a big birthday party and make up for it.

50) Why Do You Give Harsh Responses to Questions on Social Media? Are you a grumpy person?

Could an angry or grumpy person make so many friends across the world? No, they couldn’t. Could they host people? No, they couldn’t. I don’t respond with smiles after being asked the same questions 50,000 times. I’ve answered many questions on this page that the questioner has in mind or not. With the internet at their fingertips, they could easily find answers to everything, but instead, they feel the need to ask the same questions again and again. People who ask, “Where do you get your money from? Are you rich?” or “Life is good for you,” really annoy me. How many rich people have traveled the world by bicycle, or how many of them have become rich while doing it?

Some people go around spreading rumors about my travels, without knowing the details or reading anything I’ve written (and they don’t have to), calling me an arrogant, wealthy person who is traveling with money. Since I don’t respond, they say whatever they want. (At least I can write on my own page J).

To the professionals and experts in the cycling community, I say: Look, I’ve never claimed to be an expert or a professional cyclist, and I’ve never belittled or mocked anyone. If someone says, “Gürkan said this or that,” come to me and we’ll clear things up right there. I’ve been cycling for years and I share my experiences, some people like it, some don’t, some criticize it, and that’s fine. Also, when I give harsh answers to rude questions, some say, “Gürkan gave me a snobby answer.” There are some questions that clearly reveal the intention behind them: “What have I done to you? What’s this hate? I don’t know you, I’ve never met you.” Don’t come to me or anyone else on the road with such upsetting questions.

51) You Were Traveling Faster in Europe, Then You Slowed Down. There Has Also Been a Decrease in Your Posts. What Is the Reason for That?

I was traveling fast in Europe because I was trying to reach certain destinations. I aimed to visit places like Sofia, Moscow, Stockholm, Bern, Milan, London, Barcelona, Rabat, and Madrid. I had an important reason for this! As I mentioned earlier, I don’t share every detail of this trip. After Algeria, the journey became more routine. So, what’s the rush for someone traveling the world? If I told that story, I’d have millions of followers now, not just hundreds of thousands. I’m not a fan of show business.

Additionally, there are many reasons why my posts have decreased. In some places, you can’t be alone. The hospitality and attention are overwhelming. In such situations, I can’t tell people who invite me, “You guys go ahead, I’ll stay here and focus on my posts and website.” I’m on a world tour, which is a challenging journey in many ways. Sometimes, I don’t feel like sharing, writing, or even talking.

52) Have You Gained Weight? Lost Weight? You Seem to Be Aging!

There are times when I gained a lot of weight, and times when I lost a lot. Unfortunately, you will see these changes by the time my world tour ends. I will keep getting this question until the tour ends. I started sharing photos related to my travels on social media when I was 31, and now I’m 41. I’m getting older, and one day, I will die. This is a normal process.

53) Gürkan, What Do People Sell in the Countries You Visit? What Are the Consumption Habits of the People? Can You Do a Research on This? Is It Possible to Connect Us with Tourism Companies and Create a Network Between Companies? What Are the Business Conditions in This Region? Can You Do Some Research for Us?

It’s definitely possible to do all of that. If you transfer $5,000 + VAT for fieldwork and analysis, I can conduct such a study. If you try to research the region yourself, the cost of your plane ticket, hotel, car rental, guides, etc. will add up, and the longer you stay, the higher the costs. You can send your inquiries via email. If I believe I can do it, I will make observations in the field, talk to government officials, gather the information you need, and send it to you. Please also send the payment to my bank account. If you cannot afford such an amount, you can get support through Google’s search engine. I’m sorry, but I won’t spend my time doing free research for you in the region and meeting with company officials or government people to provide information. Note: I have done research on the food sector and provided information to companies.

54) We Believe You Have Not Received The Necessary Attention/Recognition. Doesn’t This Situation Bother You?

Choosing this lifestyle and undertaking this journey was my choice. It’s not something I do to attract attention or make money. It’s a choice to walk alone, and maybe die alone on the road. People who have met me in person know well that I’m not someone who cares about being recognized or receiving attention! People continue to live their lives by earning money however they choose, and I am trying to do that by traveling the world in a different way. I write, I take photos, I share my story. Some like it, others criticize it. Even when I fall, get tired, face many difficulties, get criticized, or get loved, I strive to stay strong and keep going. It may seem easy, but it’s not.

Please don’t take this as arrogance, but right now, I am the only person in the country who has been traveling the world by bike for years. Many friends started but turned back. This isn’t about, “If I had money, I’d travel too” or “If I had a sponsor, I’d travel too” or “Anyone who rides a bike 100 kilometers can do this.” Living life without limits is an incredible experience and journey. I have no regrets about the adventure I am living, and please don’t worry about me. Just know that I am happy.

55) What Will You Do After Your World Tour?

The world tour ended the day I first turned the pedal on September 9, 2012. I have no doubt whether I’ll finish it or quit halfway. I’m not the kind of person who likes to leave something unfinished.

In 1993, I told my mother I would go on a world tour by bicycle… In 1995, while I was in high school, my goal was to study at the Faculty of Communication, and I graduated from the Faculty of Communication. In 2002, I wanted to go to Japan, but due to financial constraints, I couldn’t go (I had studied Japanese history at university and had really enjoyed it). In 2003, my goal was to work at a corporate company, and I worked for Tav Holding. In 2006, I aimed to own and manage a restaurant, I owned a restaurant with two friends in Ankara from 2008 to 2010. In 2009, I dreamed of making the journey to Japan by bicycle, which I had envisioned during my university years, in 2010-2011, I cycled from Turkey to Japan. In December 2010, I made a video in South Korea, saying, “If I get the chance, I will go on a world tour by bicycle.” In May 2011, I said that I would give presentations and hold photo exhibitions all around Turkey. From September 2011 to May 2012, I gave presentations at nearly 100 schools in Turkey and held 4 photo exhibitions. The documentary of my tour was shown at the Canada Mountain Film Festival and the Turkey Mountain Film Festival. In December 2011, I shared with my family, friends, and you all that I would go on a world tour by bicycle. At that time, I didn’t have any sponsors, but I said I would have them by the time I left! On September 9, 2012, as I said in 1993 to my mother and in the video I filmed in 2010, I started the world tour with 10 sponsors. In 2012, when I started the world tour, I said I would give away bicycles every two months, offer foreign language scholarships, create projects under the name “Traveler’s Scholarship” to encourage young people to travel, and support athletes. I’ve done each of these, and I continue to do so. My greatest achievement has been the Young Explorers project. In 2011, I said I would voice the writings on my website. In 2014, I slowly started voicing all my writings! In March 2013, after my world tour ended, I told Ecem, who was an Erasmus student in Denmark at the time, that I wanted to become the Minister of Sports. We even made a video. One day, I will do everything I can to become the Minister of Sports of the Republic of Turkey.

56) Why Do You Want to Be the Minister of Sports of the Republic of Turkey?

I’ve been part of basketball, swimming, and volleyball teams, 8 years of basketball, 3 years of swimming, and 3 years of volleyball. My ex-girlfriend was on the ice hockey team, so I learned to ice skate as well. I’m good at water skiing and wakeboarding. I’ve been snowboarding for 10 years. I’ve done rock climbing whenever I find the right location and team. During my travels, I’ve ridden horses in many countries. I enjoy running. I play football well and I was a goalkeeper. I played for my school team. I can’t say I’m a professional cyclist. I only participated in one MTB (mountain bike) race. I finish the races I start, and I never quit. While traveling, I meet with potential future candidates for the position of Minister of Sports and talk to people responsible for sports today. I’ve been researching what we should do to include sports and athletes in tourism, education, health, and urban planning in our country for years.

I may never become the Minister of Sports! But that doesn’t mean I can’t dream and set goals for that position. As you can see from the things I’ve written above, if I fail, I will continue to do good things in my life. I have other dreams.

It’s up to you to make him become the Minister of Sports, who is in contact with so many people, traveling the world by bicycle, who’s involved in almost every branch of sports. Trying my luck won’t cost me anything. If it doesn’t happen, I’ll continue on my own path.

When I say I want to become the Minister of Sports, some people will try to mock me or belittle me during my hardest times by saying things like, “He’s been traveling for free for years, doesn’t think about working, he’ll become the government’s guy and live off others, he’ll continue to live for free, fooling you all, there are many cyclists who do the same things.” To these people, I’d say: If I’ve even managed to help you learn something small from these pages, videos, or live broadcasts, I won’t forgive you.

While traveling, I write, voice my writings for the visually impaired, adjust my website according to their programs, take photos, shoot videos, share them on the road, appear in newspapers, magazines, and TV channels of the countries I visit, give presentations at schools and universities, meet with government officials, introduce my country, and through the projects I do with the world tour, I teach children, offer foreign language scholarships, find scholarships for students abroad, give away bicycles, provide spending money for young people to travel in my country, and give support to athletes with financial and equipment help. I also provide financial support to other travelers like me.

While fulfilling my dreams for myself, I’ve tried to be a part of other people’s dreams whenever possible.

The future leaders of modern Turkey must be people who have realized their dreams! I believe that in the future, there will be young people who will do even better things than what I’ve done with similar journeys. I hope this page will guide them, even if it’s just a little.

If you want to SUPPORT MY JOURNEY, you can do so through this page.

Love,

Gürkan GENÇ

Things I’ve Experienced on the Road, Events That Happened to Me…