A 66-year-old British adventurer recently accomplished an extraordinary feat – completing his third trip around the world by bicycle, and his 11th journey overall including motorcycling. Nick Sanders MBE rode over 19,000 miles (30,000km) on an e-bike, charting a course that took him eastward from Amsterdam. Despite spending nine grueling months on the road since last September, Sanders embraced the challenge with unwavering determination.
Sanders, who had previously circled the globe on a traditional bicycle twice before, reflects on the stark contrast this e-bike journey presented. In his own words, “The journey itself was not as hard as going around the world on an ordinary bicycle, and I know that because I’ve done it in 1981 and 1985.” Sanders’ motivation for this specific trip goes beyond personal accomplishment; he aimed to showcase the potential of electric bicycles as an accessible mode of travel for ordinary cyclists.
Planning his route meticulously, Sanders followed the earth’s vector line across Europe, the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and North America. Initially cycling 100 miles a day, Sanders steadily increased his endurance, often covering distances of up to 186 miles as his fitness improved. Throughout the journey, he relied on a Yamaha Wabash RT e-gravel bike, emphasizing that it was a standard production model available to all.
Sanders faced numerous challenges, with one of the most arduous sections being his journey through the Middle East. Due to unforeseen circumstances, he undertook the crossing without access to batteries, making the task exceptionally demanding. In scorching temperatures of up to 48°C, he pressed on, traversing Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE until ultimately reaching Dubai. Such trials were a testament to Sanders’ indomitable spirit and unwavering determination.
During his nine-month adventure, Sanders predominantly stayed in hotels and guesthouses, but remained open to unconventional lodgings. In Saudi Arabia, he often camped, while in Australia, he found solace under the stars amidst the bush. This flexibility allowed him to experience the world in a raw and authentic way, connecting intimately with the landscapes he traversed.
A former semi-pro cyclist, Sanders holds the world record for riding around the coast of Great Britain, achieved in a remarkable 22 days in 1984. Although his recent endeavors leaned towards motorcycling, his profound love for bicycling lured him back into the saddle in his mid-sixties. For Sanders, being on a bicycle brings an unparalleled sense of well-being and self-satisfaction. As he humorously notes, “Bicycling is my first love. It always has been and always will be. I quite fancy myself as being the Ranulph Fiennes of the two-wheeled world.”
Nick Sanders’ extraordinary journey is not only a personal triumph but also an inspiring testament to the potential of electric bicycles. In embracing this innovative mode of transport, Sanders has demonstrated that age is no limitation when it comes to pursuing one’s passion. As he eagerly contemplates his future adventures, one thing is certain – he will continue pedaling with unwavering resolve for years to come.
The bicycle industry has seen significant growth in recent years, with the rising popularity of electric bicycles (e-bikes) playing a major role. E-bikes, like the one used by Nick Sanders on his global journey, are equipped with an electric motor that assists with pedaling, making cycling more accessible and enjoyable for a wider range of people.
Market forecasts suggest that the global e-bike market will continue to expand at a rapid pace. According to a report by Market Research Future, the market is projected to reach a value of over $46 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.39% during the forecast period. Factors driving this growth include increasing consumer awareness about environmental sustainability, growing interest in fitness and wellness, and advancements in e-bike technology.
One of the key issues related to the e-bike industry is ensuring safety and regulations. As e-bikes become more popular, there is a need for clear guidelines and regulations to ensure the safety of riders and others on the road. Different countries have different laws regarding e-bikes, such as maximum speed limits and requirements for licensing and registration. Harmonizing these regulations across different regions will be crucial to the continued growth and acceptance of e-bikes as a mainstream mode of transportation.
The success of individuals like Nick Sanders in completing extraordinary feats on e-bikes helps to showcase the potential of these vehicles and inspire others to embrace them. Their achievements demonstrate that e-bikes are not just for leisurely rides, but can also be used for long-distance travel and challenging adventures.
For more information about the e-bike industry and market forecasts, you can visit Market Research Future.
To learn about the safety regulations and guidelines for e-bikes, you can visit Bicycleinfo.nyc.
To read about other inspiring journeys and adventures on e-bikes, you can explore the stories on ElectricBiker.com.