BIKE THE EARTH — Kazakhstan’s First Solo Round-the-World Cycling Journey
One traveller, 22 countries and 380 days on a journey around the world. Bike the Earth was Magzhan Sagimbayev’s solo cycling expedition, supported by the Kazakh Geographical Society. It combined cultural discovery with an introduction to bicycle travel and the practical challenges of a long-distance adventure.
Turning Curiosity into a Journey
On 1 May 2014, Magzhan Sagimbayev departed from his hometown of Almaty. He returned on 16 May 2015, finishing at the Independence Monument on Republic Square, where family, friends and local cycling enthusiasts gathered to welcome him home.
The idea grew from his curiosity about other places and his encounters with international travellers visiting Kazakhstan. Their experiences encouraged him to develop a journey of his own. Travelling by bicycle offered a way to discover countries gradually, through their landscapes, communities and everyday routines.
KazGeo’s Support and the Project’s Purpose
Bike the Earth was carried out with the support of the Kazakh Geographic Society. Its aims included encouraging an active lifestyle, introducing people to bicycle touring and fostering an interest in other cultures.
An online diary and photographs made the expedition accessible to people following from home. Readers could observe how a long journey unfolded through daily decisions, changing conditions and unexpected encounters. The project connected an individual adventure with a wider audience interested in travel.
Across Countries and Cultures
Over 380 days, Magzhan visited 22 countries across Europe, Asia, South America and Australia. His journey included Central Asia, Iran, the Caucasus, European countries, Colombia, Ecuador and Southeast Asia.
The experience was shaped by its human encounters as much as its geography. In Laos, he met members of local ethnic communities; in Ecuador, he climbed Rucu Pichincha volcano. Iran stood out in his recollections for the hospitality of its people.
Meeting residents also created opportunities to introduce Kazakhstan. For some hosts, Magzhan was the first Kazakh traveller they had encountered. Conversations about his home country became a recurring part of the journey.
Life on the Road
Preparing for the expedition took approximately six months. Magzhan trained through running, gym sessions and cycling. He kept his equipment relatively compact, carrying a tent, sleeping bag, camping stove and essential supplies.
Daily progress depended on weather, road conditions and physical endurance. Plans sometimes had to change, and travelling independently meant making those decisions himself. Although he occasionally joined other cyclists, he completed most of the journey alone.
The expedition also brought a serious setback in Barcelona, where his bicycle was stolen. Sponsors helped him obtain a replacement and continue. The incident illustrated how a solo journey could still depend on a network of people willing to offer support.
A Journey Preserved in Writing
After returning, Magzhan brought his experiences together in a book, «Кочевник на двух колесах или вокруг света за 380 дней» — “Nomad on Two Wheels, or Around the World in 380 Days.” It collected more than 200 notes alongside stories from the expedition.
Bike the Earth’s educational value lies in this record of lived experience. Its diary and subsequent book allowed readers to explore the discoveries and practical realities of extended bicycle travel. For KazGeo, the project demonstrates how supporting an individual traveller can create material that helps others learn about the world.