The Soulful Cyclist

Pedaling to Promote the Power of Movement

“Not all those who wander are lost”

J.R.R. Tolkien

Welcome to this site about my bicycle journey through Europe and Africa, riding to learn more about myself and the world.

As a sport scientist, I know the positive power of movement, but also see the unjust barriers that arise for people with movement limitations due to physical disability. I believe in the right of everyone to move and live without limitations, and my journey is about sharing the story of what we can achieve when barriers are broken and meaningful support is given, but also how far we still have to go to ensure people with disabilities can live and thrive.

Will you join the adventure?

What are the Plans for My Journey?

Hi! My name is Max, and I’m planning to ride my bike from Helsinki, Finland to Cape Town, South Africa, covering approximately 25,000 km, crossing at least 26 unique countries, and traveling for a year and a half on my bicycle. I plan to start my journey in May 2024.

What motivates me to embark on this trip is a deep desire to experience more of the rich and diverse tapestry of humanity throughout these regions of the world, and to learn from various cultures, perspectives, and ways of life.

I can’t wait to begin and share my experiences, insights, and lessons from the journey here on this site. I hope you’re excited to follow along and join me on this adventure!

Follow My Journey

What is my Journey About?

I want my trip to be about forming connections, listening to the lessons the road may teach me, and sharing the story of my journey, to entertain, educate, and inspire. I also deeply want my trip to be about advocating and supporting inclusion, accessibility, and independence for people with disabilities.

My background in sport science has taught me the positive power of movement for health, well-being, and personal agency. My research with children with Cerebral Palsy, though, has shown me the inequality, stigma, and restrictions in access and opportunities that can come with physical disability. People across the disability spectrum face unjust barriers in access to education, employment, healthcare, recreation, and political participation.

My goal is to partner with some amazing organizations fighting for the rights of disabled people and working to improve health, well-being, and independence for people with disabilities throughout the regions I will be traveling.

Support My Partners

Want to Know More About Me?

My name is Max Thurston, and I’m a passionate adventure bicyclist owing to a series of amazing bikepacking tours exploring around Europe. I’m also a PhD candidate in Finland, researching the potential of wearable robotic exoskeletons to improve mobility in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). During my PhD I’ve developed a passion and enthusiasm for science and emerging technologies to improve mobility and personal agency for people with disabilities, and I’ve gotten to know and been inspired by the courage, resilience, and positive attitude of so many of the children with CP that I’ve worked with.

I’m hoping to combine these passions of mine for this new cycling adventure through Europe and Africa, riding to support accessibility, inclusion, and self-determination for people with disabilities. If you want to learn more about me and my background, please head to my ‘about me’ page. And feel free to reach out if you have any questions, tips, suggestions, or anything at all related to my trip through my ‘contact’ page.

About Me
Contact

Recent Posts