26-yr-old German cyclist on global tour in city

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 25

A 26-year-old German cyclist, Basti Gutmann, who is travelling across the globe on a self-built cycle, today arrived in India through the Attari-Wagah Joint Check Post.

Hosted by Delhi Public School, he is cycling across 24 countries in the world with themes of sustainability and “plant for the planet”.

On his world tour, he will cover about 40,075 km with a mission to plant 40,000 saplings.

Giving details about the countries he has travelled to so far, he said he commenced his journey from his hometown Munich on June 10. He has pedalled through Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran and Pakistan.

On his experience with people during his long and arduous journey, he said most of the people were good. Since they do not cross borders and interact, they built an image on hearsay. He added that nobody becomes a terrorist by choice but situations compel them in a way that they do not have any alternative.

He says, “I am cycling alone but I am not alone, as I interact with people and film them on my way”.

Before going on the cycling tour, he handed over his wooden furniture company to his friend. After returning home, he wants to show his countrymen how people live around the world.

On his inspiration to cycle around the world, he said it was his childhood dream. “From India, I will pedal to Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, Morocco, Spain Portugal, again Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland and then to Germany”.