Finding new borders with Olivier Rochat
He has crossed two continents through dozens of countries, his trip spanning just over 28 000 km - on a bicycle
SWISS national Olivier Rochat left his home in Lousanne on 15 September 2014 – and hasn’t been back since.
The 26-year-old pastry chef has crossed two continents travelled through dozens of countries, his trip spanning just over 28 000km.
And he has done it all on a bicycle.
Pedalling for a good cause, Rochat has a donation scheme that sees him earning money for his charity, Bike For Africa, for every kilometre he covers.
The Zululand Observer managed to chat to Rochat while on a one-night stopover at Yellowood Guest House in Empangeni.
Having travelled through Mpumalanga and down into KZN the day before, he only had time to talk while readying his bicycle for the next leg of his trip – Scottburgh, then Ixopo and Underberg before tackling the Sani Pass into Lesotho.
‘From Lesotho I want to go through the Garden Route on my way to Cape Town, where I will stay a while before flying to Brazzaville in the Congo,’ he said.
His trip then is far from over, with a planned completion date ‘sometime’ in September.
But this young adventurer doesn’t only cycle to raise money, something his charity has done exceptionally well in having contributed to the building of a school in Togo late last year.
‘I cycle because I love it,’ he said.
‘I get to see so many places that I have always wanted to see, while raising money for a good cause.’
So far Rochat’s favourite stops were Malawi and Istanbul, two places he says he instantly fell in love with.
‘Istanbul’s diversity is great. It’s a really fascinating place. In Malawi everyone is friendly and the country is beautiful.’
Having passed through more than 20 countries, most of these in Africa, Rochat is amazed that he hasn’t had any accidents or incidents of violence.
‘There was one time some rocks were thrown in my direction in Ethiopia, but they missed,’ he laughs.
‘In Egypt they made me delete pictures off my camera, but other than that, it has been smooth sailing.’
Rochat had just enough time to pose for a photo before jumping on his bicycle for the next leg of his journey.
‘Yes, it’s a quick 200km to Scottburgh, so I should arrive tomorrow,’ he said.
If you want to become a sponsor or simply read more about his adventures, visit www.bikeforafrica.ch.
