About the Project
We are Xavier and Valeria, two part-time travelers, avid cyclists, and devoted photographers and sketchers from France and Ukraine. After our last big cycling trip around Iceland, we’re ready to hit the road again. However, this time, we plan to step outside our usual European destinations and experience something different and truly exciting.
How It Started
In March 2020, the three of us (including our tandem bike!) landed in Amman with big plans in mind. Unfortunately, 2020 was the worst possible timing. After 10 days in Amman—with our tandem still in the box—and watching the situation worsen, we accepted defeat and took the evacuation flight back to France. Ever since, we’ve been waiting for the right moment to pick up this project where we left off.
How It’s Going
That’s why, in January 2025, we’re putting our tremendous tandem on a plane for a second attempt to make this journey a reality, hoping that nothing will prevent us from fulfilling this dream again. Only this time, it’s much bigger—our appetite has grown over the past few years!
Key Points
Using our tandem as our sole means of transport. Muscle power only!
Wild camping, bivouacking, and staying with locals (whenever we’re invited). 
Venturing off the beaten path to explore lesser-known places.
Engaging with local people to broaden and share our understanding of the region.
Departure Date
DECEMBER, 31
2024
Media Coverage
Before the trip: 30 days countdown on our Instagram page with content highlighting the preparation process: test and choice of equipment, packing, etc.
During the trip: Regular content and updates from location on our Instagram page. Live updates on our Strava and Komoot pages.
After the trip: Series of articles about the whole experience including our best photography and drawings from our travel sketchbooks.
This is going to be a gorgeous adventure and we would love to share it with as many people as possible.
Do you have any useful contacts?
Are there any interesting places, people or facts youʼd like to share with us?
We are open to any ideas and will be happy to hear from you!
Our itinerary
The itinerary is approximate as we prefer being spontaneous and adapt depending on the circumstances. There is always some space for the unforeseen!
As slow travel enthusiasts, we believe it’s the best way to fully immerse ourselves in each destination, create meaningful connections with interesting people, and explore places beyond the guidebook—all while respecting nature and challenging ourselves.
Our Goals:
Discover Jordan at a slow pace, showing that it offers much more than just Petra and Wadi Rum.
Venture into Saudi Arabia, a true Terra Incognita for European travelers, to explore its landscapes, towns, and people, about whom we know very little.
Visit the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain beyond their luxurious image, often portrayed in Europe.
CONTACT US
contact@independentpeople.net
CONTACT US
contact@independentpeople.net
