Wiebke Lühmann: 20,000 kilometres with a tent and bike - and afterwards?

We spoke to Wiebke Lühmann four months after the end of her journey to find out how she is getting on.

Processing takes time

TOUR: You've been back in Germany for four months and have been jumping from podcast to TV programme to lecture. Have you already had time to process your journey for yourself?

Wiebke Lühmann: It definitely takes time - and to be honest, I'm still in the middle of it. Such a long journey can't simply be sorted or finalised in a few weeks. Many experiences are still working on me and I keep realising in small moments how much this time has shaped me and will certainly stay with me forever.

But I find it really exciting to talk about it in interviews or talks. New questions will always be asked that I may not have consciously thought about before. This means I'm always coming up with new stories that I might otherwise slowly forget. I particularly enjoy the direct dialogue during my live presentations - when people come up to me afterwards, share their own stories or tell me that they have been inspired. That's just really enjoyable.

At the same time, however, my wanderlust is slowly growing again. The feeling of arrival, home and stability is good right now - but I also sense that this is not the last adventure.

That stays in your head

TOUR: What do you remember most about the trip?

Wiebke Lühmann: Definitely the incredible vastness, dimensions and length of the continent and the journey. But above all, it is the many encounters with people that have stayed in my heart.

I experienced so much warmth and helpfulness along the way - it really touched me. No matter where I was, someone helped me, showed me the way or simply smiled in a friendly way. It was wonderful and showed me how good people can be when they are open to each other.

TOUR: Why are you travelling by bike?

Wiebke Lühmann: I love this special mix: on the one hand, of course, it's a sporting challenge - you don't just cross a continent like that, it takes strength, endurance and sometimes a good dose of stamina.

But on the other hand, it is also the proximity to the environment, to nature and to the people along the way that makes travelling by bike so special. You can feel everything very directly: the wind, the smells, the road conditions, but also the atmosphere of a place. You are right in the centre of real life and not shielded from it - I really like that.

>> It's not always easy. A low point of the journey

TOUR: Why go to Africa?

Wiebke Lühmann: I really wanted to cross an entire continent - and Africa is actually right on our doorstep. It's only 45 minutes by ferry from Europe to Morocco - I found that totally fascinating.

At the same time, I had very little prior knowledge about many countries and deliberately wanted to set off with an open mind and make my own experiences. And that was exactly right.

TOUR: What surprised you?

Wiebke Lühmann: I was particularly surprised by how little we in Europe actually know about Africa - even though it is so close. Many regions are almost a blind spot in our public perception. I found that very sad in some cases and it also made me think.

But that's exactly why I travelled - to see for myself, to learn and perhaps also to contribute a little to getting more people interested in these diverse countries and cultures.

TOUR: What have you learnt that you would do differently on your next big trip?

Wiebke Lühmann: I would definitely pack more minimally right from the start. Especially on such a long route, you quickly realise how little you really need.

I could have left my laptop at home - it was more of a burden than useful. And my big camera was also often more of a burden. Today I know that it's much simpler, easier and freer.

What comes next?

TOUR: What's next?

Wiebke Lühmann: I'm currently working on several projects that tell the story of the journey again in very different ways: A film is in the works, a book is being written - and of course I'm still giving talks.

I'm also looking forward to bikepacking adventures - probably heading east. But for now, smaller bikepacking adventures are on the agenda for the summer: I'm really looking forward to OFF GRID, Munich-Freiburg Gravel and a solo tour from Hamburg to Bordeaux.

The bitter truth after the journey

Wiebke Lühmann shared her journey on Instagram. And now she has written a very personal post about her mood after the trip, which felt anything but easy. In doing so, she once again demonstrates her courage to talk about things that are often not talked about.

Experience Wiebke Lühmann live

TOUR: Where can people see you live?

Wiebke Lühmann: Preferably at one of my talks or at bike shows. And of course at bikepacking events, which I'm really looking forward to - that's where you can meet me on my bike in a completely unfiltered way.

In May, Wiebke Lühmann will be at the Velo Berlin and in June probably at the Eurobike.