In December 2023, stone worker Xavi Escrivà Durà began a new journey with his self-sufficient cycle tourism project. This time, he was embarking on a great adventure that would take him across the African continent from north to south. Starting from Valencia and as the final destination Cape Town in South Africa. About 14.000 kilometers. How did it go after almost four months of cycling through Africa?
A dream on wheels: how an adventurer from Pedreguer turned cycle tourism into his way of life
120 days ago Xavi began his long journey that has taken him through different landscapes, cultures and challenges. It was at the beginning of February when our adventurer crossed the border into Mauritania from Morocco. There he encountered marked differences, experiencing the true reality of a country with few resources. From Nouadhibou to Nouakchott, the man from Pedreguer was able to experience the generosity of local people who provided him with help and hospitality in the middle of the desert and the difficulties of the terrain.
At the beginning of March, he had already surpassed the 5.000 kilometer mark and was traveling through Senegal. A lush landscape and vibrant culture awaited you as you crossed the Diama border. From the imposing vegetation to the bustling life in cities like Saint-Louis. It was there that he was able to immerse himself in the city's daily life, explore its cultural wealth and stay for a day. “Many canoes leave from the fishermen's side of the city to the Canary Islands,” Xavi highlights.
Experiencing authentic Senegalese hospitality has been one of his fondest memories, when a local family welcomed him into a small village. Later he was able to enjoy typical dishes such as Jollof rice accompanied by the characteristic sweet and sour tamarind sauce at a friendly house. At this point in the trip, Xavi was able to repair his bike and lighten the weight of his luggage.
In Somone, south of Dakar, their goal was to head to the Gambia, explore its river and get to know the local communities, as well as visit some natural parks. Thus, after his time in Senegal, Xavi was received by the warmth and kindness of his people. In this small country, a chimpanzee reserve and Janjanbureh, an important place in the history of the slave trade, marked his stay.
Without stopping moving forward, the trip also took him to Guinea, a country marked by a lack of infrastructure, where electricity and drinking water are luxuries limited to certain areas. Despite these difficulties, the one from Pedreguer confirmed once again that the friendliness of the locals is one of the area's strengths. It was in Guinea where he faced his first episode of malaria, but thanks to his prompt action and medical attention, he managed to recover and continue his journey.
The landscape changed noticeably as it advanced towards the final part of Guinea, entering jungle areas with richer and more abundant wildlife. In Conakry, he obtained his visa without problems and continued towards Ivory Coast, where he noticed a marked contrast in the infrastructure, reflecting a more developed country. Despite having solved some mechanical problems with the bike in Abidjan, where he was in recent days, Xavi has already obtained his visa to continue to Ghana.
Throughout his journey so far, Xavi has had to adapt to different situations. He has faced the harsh heat of the Sahara, its arid and monotonous landscape, sand storms, food poisoning in Mauritania and has even overcome malaria. However, his determination and passion to explore new horizons keep him going towards his ultimate goal in Cape Town.
Our adventurer from Pedreguer has already covered nearly 8.000 km, thus reaching the halfway point of his journey. He will soon touch Cameroon, which will be “the beginning of the end,” he says. For now, from the Marina Alta, we will continue waiting for good news and pay attention to your updates in @xavi.vagamons and in Polar steps. Xavi Escrivà Durà's project goes beyond a simple bicycle trip and this is just one chapter of the extraordinary journey of Pedreguer, challenging limits and conquering horizons.
Rent Bike Javea sends you its greatest wishes for success in this adventure!