Meet Emma Alderman, a cyclist who set off on the ambitious journey from Alaska to Argentina, riding over 20,000km to raise funds for The Bike Project. Her incredible adventure, born from a passion for cycling and a commitment to helping refugees, is taking her through some of the most beautiful and challenging landscapes on Earth. Now partway through her challenge, Emma shares her experiences, how she prepared for the journey, and the impact she hopes her efforts will have.
What inspired you to take on the ambitious challenge of cycling from Alaska to Argentina?
In very general terms, I would always be riding to the shops, to work or running errands and find myself thinking …’I wonder what it would be like to just keep going, and going’. Around 4 years ago I set off from Chile, where I was living at the time, with the aim to get to Mexico, but unfortunately COVID hit and like so many people, I had to change my plans. I promised myself that I would work towards an even longer trip to make up for the wait.
We’re so grateful that you have chosen to support us. Why did you choose to fundraise for The Bike Project?
I researched a few different charities and The Bike Project feels like the right fit. Cycling has been so influential in my life for a number of reasons and I believe providing bicycles to people who can benefit from them can have a huge positive impact. Teaching anyone who would like to learn to ride a bicycle is fantastic and building community through cycling is truly beautiful. The current climate in the UK towards immigration is really worrying and I think it is very important to find ways to support refugees and asylum seekers. The Bike Projects provision of agency and community can make all the difference.
How have you been preparing both mentally and physically for this epic journey, and what do you think will be your biggest challenge along the way?
Honestly, for the last three years the main preparation has been working and saving up to be able to fund myself to do this trip on a pretty tight budget. Physically I did little to no preparation as I knew that my cycling capacity would improve as soon as I began riding daily. This approach certainly made the first couple of weeks extra challenging! Mentally I researched the route and all the gear I needed alongside reading other peoples experiences so that at least I knew what I was getting myself into! In Alaska the first part of the trip felt especially daunting. The Dalton highway is a predominantly dirt road that stretches over 500 miles with no opportunities to resupply food. I don’t travel particularly light anyway, convincing myself that I will absolutely need books, swimming goggles, a spare stove etc. so I knew that the climbs I’d only ever seen before on Ice Road Truckers would be tough. I really struggled, but just kept going despite some tears. I know I will struggle again facing mountains in countries like Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Colombia on top of being in hotter conditions. I just hope to maintain my resolve to keep going!
With such a long road ahead, what are you most looking forward to experiencing during the trip?
I look forward to feeling a deeper connection to myself and my environment both physically and mentally. It is definitely a challenge which helps with feeling much more present and maintaining a closer relationship with nature.
What message do you hope to share with your supporters about the impact of their donations towards your pledge?
People have been so generous in offering to support my trip which I hugely appreciate. I would really like this generosity to be redirected as donations to The Bike Project as it is a hugely worthwhile cause which in turn motivates me to keep pedalling and documenting my travels.
For anyone considering a similar challenge or fundraising adventure, what’s the biggest piece of advice you’d give them before they start?
Self doubt is absolutely normal, but there is no place for it when it puts at risk acting on a desire to help others.
Support Emma’s journey and donate to her pledge!
She’s currently on this challenge! Every donation motivates her to keep pushing forward. You can make a donation to her fundraising page here >
Want to follow in Emma’s footsteps? Take on a challenge that excites you and raise money for The Bike Project to support refugees and people seeking asylum. Head to our fundraising page to find out more >