From Vught to Lisbon

Cycling for Change

In June 2025, I cycled 2,500 km across Europe to embrace adventure, reconnect with nature, and push my limits. At the same time, I dedicated this journey to those who are forced to leave their homes, not by choice, but by necessity.

Why This Journey Matters

As of 2024, more than 114 million people around the world have been forcibly displaced from their homes due to war, persecution, and natural disasters. This includes over 43 million refugees, 62 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), and 6 million asylum seekers. Behind each number is a personal story of loss, resilience, and the search for safety.

Some move by choice, for adventure or opportunity. But for millions, movement is a necessity—driven by survival. Through this journey from Vught to Lisbon, I hope to raise awareness and support for those who are forced to leave everything behind.

Learn more

The Journey

main features

2563 km

Distance covered

40 days

Trip duration

14430 m

Distance climbed

1419 euro

Donations collected

The fundraising campaign raised a total of €1,419, which accounts for 56% of the targeted goal.

In practical terms, this amount covers approximately 55 specialized medical consultations.

Highlights

In this short interview, Christos Nicolaidis, area manager in Lesbos for Stichting Bootvluchteling, shares what it’s like to work on the frontlines of one of Europe’s biggest humanitarian challenges. We talk about the reality behind the headlines, what motivates the team, and why their work matters—now more than ever.

interview Stichting Bootvluchteling

I met Laurent and Antony in Ichoux (close to Bordeaux) where they are running the Camping des Forges (link).

Laurent being a backpacking cyclist himself accepted to give me an interview. Antony he is also a author of French “chansons” with nom artistic SEVMANEST (see / @antonyaugersevmanest).

I exhausted Laurent so much with deep questioning about his hobby that at the end he gave me the key of his holiday hut close to the beach to spend one more night :-).

I want to thank Antony and Laurent for their generosity and hospitality.

camping des Forges

In this interview, I chat with Sam from the UK, a fellow amateur cyclist and backpacker I met during a long ride under the sun (and over a cold beer!). We talk about the magic of traveling by bike—how it lets you truly experience the land, connect with people, and embrace unexpected adventures. Sam shares why cycling is more than just transportation: it’s a way to build confidence, accept discomfort, and find joy in the journey itself.

We also dive into how weather shapes our mindset, the importance of persistence, and how touring has changed how we see life. Sam opens up about a scary moment involving dehydration, and a breathtaking ride through the Pyrenees that made it all worthwhile.

If you’re into slow travel, meaningful connections, and pushing your limits just enough to grow—this one’s for you.

Grab a cup of something warm and enjoy the ride.

interview with Sam

Cézar reads Los Peregrinitos by Federico Garcia Lorca

Cézar, the owner of casa rural Posada de Grimaldo, is a fan of Lorca and here he volunteers to read, in Spanish, one of Lorca’s poems.

Los Peregrinitos (“The Little Pilgrims”) is a playful, tender poem that mimics a traditional folk ballad. It tells the innocent, almost fairy-tale-like story of two young cousins who travel to Rome to be married by the Pope. Despite their youth and bashfulness, they are ultimately wed.

The point of the poem is to capture the charm and simplicity of childhood love, blending innocence with the solemnity of religious ritual. Lorca uses a folkloric tone to reflect on purity, tradition, and youthful longing, while gently poking fun at adult institutions like the Church.

In Lisbon, I sat down with my longtime friend Yorgos to reflect on identity, home, and the journey. He shared how his Greek background exists with him, though it no longer defines his daily life. He spoke of passing on a connection to Greece to his children and how “home” now means wherever love and comfort exist.

Yorgos asked me about the unexpected parts of my trip. I told him how I hadn’t planned to speak openly about the cause, but conversations emerged naturally — and people responded with support. The highlight was connecting with others who shared their stories. I also spoke about how the weather, physical exhaustion, and solitude deepened my connection to nature and helped me let go of control.

Though Yorgos initially doubted whether I’d complete the journey, he found it coherent, courageous, and meaningful to witness.

interview with an old friend

Photos

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Instagram clips

Conclusion

a journey dedicated to refugees

All donations went to Stichting Bootvluchteling, an NGO helping displaced people with medical and mental health care, at the borders of the EU, namely Lesbos in Greece (more information here).

The fundraising campaign raised a total of €1,419, which accounts for 56% of the targeted goal. In practical terms, this amount covers approximately 55 specialized medical consultations.