A month on bikes: Father and daughter cycle 2,500 km from France to Moldova
Homesickness can be so powerful that it can transform a simple trip home into a true adventure. This is the case for Adelina and her father, Sergiu Alexuța, who have been living in France for several years. They decided to return to their homeland for a vacation, but not in the usual way—instead, they chose to travel by bicycle. They plan to complete the journey from France to the Republic of Moldova in about a month.
During the summer holidays, many Moldovans living abroad usually return home to the Republic of Moldova. This is also true for the Alexuta family, but Adelina and her father have chosen a special way to make the trip: by bicycle.
They plan to travel at least 2,500 kilometers from France to Moldova.
“It is already a technical training for cycling. We train regularly, as we have been cycling for about ten years. We ride every Sunday, and our bodies are used to it,” Adelina said on the show “Zi de Zi” on Radio Moldova.
The pair mentioned that they aim to cover between 100 and 150 kilometers each day. They believe they will arrive in Moldova between July 5 and 9, although the exact date will depend on the weather and their physical condition.
“We bought special long-distance bicycles that can carry heavier loads, and they are in good condition—new, in fact. We have planned everything and have all the necessary equipment with us, including tires and repair tools,” Sergiu Alexuta explained.
For Adelina, embarking on this adventure means giving up comfort and packing only the essentials.
“Adventure means that I left my makeup behind. I only packed the clothes I need: two pairs of shorts, two T-shirts, a shirt, sunscreen, necessary medications, and a toothbrush—that's the bare minimum,” she said.
On their journey to Moldova, the cyclists will pass through France, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania.
“We’ve visited cities we’ve never seen before. For example, Sens, Troyes, and Langres. If we weren't on our bikes, we probably wouldn’t have explored these places. We'll eventually reach the mountains, which will be even more beautiful, but for now, we’ll enjoy the fields,” Adelina added.
Travelling by bike is a completely different experience compared to travelling by car, as both emphasised: “When you ride a bike, you have time to take in your surroundings,” said Sergiu Alexuta.
They anticipate passing by Lake Constance in Germany and travelling through Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest before entering Romania via Baia Mare and Bistrița.
According to them, many people they meet along the route encourage them, ask about their journey, and express astonishment at their ability to bike such long distances.
“I really love Moldova, and maybe one day, when I’m older, I’ll come back to live here. But I was born in France,” Adelina noted.
