Covering 1,100 kilometres, their adventure included a couple of long stops, including a two-day rest in Copenhagen. “The slower pace allowed us to explore winding rural roads and experience the landscape through all our senses—sight, smell, temperature, and the sound of birdsong. You begin to appreciate the small details around you. It makes you feel alive. Slow traveling is simply wonderful,” says Ludovic.
He was pleasantly surprised to find bike lanes along most of the route, helping them avoid heavy traffic. However, cycling is still hard work. “You need good tires and equipment to handle all kinds of weather. We also discovered that we had to eat a lot to make up for burning 2,500 calories a day. We cycled 4–5 hours each day, with plenty of breaks to rest our legs. That pace worked well for us,” Ludovic explains.
Ludovic packed efficiently, carrying 25 kilos, including a tent, several bottles of water, and clothing for all weather conditions. He sent his study materials, clothing, and other necessities by post, opting for the least polluting shipping method.
This autumn, Ludovic is continuing his education by taking courses like “Greening the Economy” and “Climate Change and Society,” building on his master's degree in European Studies/External Relations. He also holds a Bachelor's in Sustainability from his home university, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. After completing his studies in Lund, Ludovic plans to pursue a career—perhaps even working on topics related to his master's thesis, which focused on the European Union’s promotion of green travel.
Ludovic’s Tips for Students Interested in Long-Distance Cycling:
- Start small: Begin with a two- or three-day trip to get an idea of how many kilometres you can comfortably cover each day. Some people find 50 km per day ideal, while others can manage 100 km.
- Just do it: Don’t overthink it. You'll adapt within a few days.
- Use helpful apps: In addition to Google Maps, try apps like ‘Camp Space’—which provides information about private individuals offering camping spots in their gardens—and ‘Komoot’—which suggests tracks for cycling (and hiking).
Future Cycling Plans: Iceland or the Alps.