ORTLIEB catalogue 2010_pages 1-42 - Evobike

on
Tour with
ORTLIEB
annemarie klein:
7 years · 44.561 kilometers · 22 countries · 3 continents
Starting day is May 12, 2002. The 34
year old nurse leaves everything behind
in order to realize her dream of a lifetime.
In the years coming she will bike
the world alone.
„ The fact that I am leaving home becomes
clear once I turn my back to Austria.
With a funny feeling I am saying
goodbye to my mother tongue.“
The long trip takes her through Europe,
another 3000 km later into Turkey
where she changes her last Euros into
Turkish Lirasi. The big adventure still lies
ahead of her.
„For many it is unimaginable to travel
alone as a woman and above all by
bike!“
Often Annemarie experiences the hospitality,
and most times she is asked
to stay longer. The major advantage of
travelling alone is the lack of compromises.
She continues to Asia. Countries like
India or Bangladesh require lots of engery
to stand up as a female. As soon
as I put down my foot, hundreds of men
run towards me from all directions.
They curiously push around me, stare
at me.“ Still, the people are friendly.
The women are always amicable, they
admire my courage and the fact that
I a travelling alone by bike. Some are
envious of the freedom European women
have.“
It is always important to behave according
to customs of the respective
country. Especially clothing is important
for women in Muslim countries, it
is essential that shoulder and knees
are covered. Further, the family is very
important, and questions about your
family become routine.
Five years in Asia took their toll. But she
continued her trip and flew to Down
Under. Despite her heavy luggage -
sometimes 100 kg - she could enjoy
the endless vastness. She reaches the
southern end of New Zealand, Slope
Point, for Christmas 2008. South of
here there is only the Antartica.
After seven years the journey ends here
in February 2009.
Two months later she returns to her
home country for the first time after
seven years. An unforgettable moment.
www.bikeworldtour.com
«The preparations took a full year.
The hardest part were the numerous
goodbyes, always accompanied by
the uncertainty if I would ever see
them again…»
35