Cycling alone in Asia with Agathe Sorato
In this podcast episode, I welcome Agathe Sorato, who traveled solo for 4 months in Southeast Asia through Laos, Cambodia and Thailand, and shares her experience with us.
Watch the video interview
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Episode summary
Cycling alone for four months through Laos, Cambodia and Thailand: that’s the challenge taken up by Agathe Sorato. A Parisian UX designer with a passion for sport, she chose bicycle travel to make a long-postponed dream come true. In this episode, she tells us about her preparations, her joys, her trials and tribulations, and what she learned from this solo adventure.
From idea to reality: a dream come true
Agathe wasn’t a huge cyclist before her trip. She had done a few itineraries such as La Vélodyssée, but never for more than five consecutive days. The opportunity presented itself when she was able to take six months off work. A break-up with her lover disrupted her initial plans, but she decided to turn this period into an opportunity: to realize her long-held dream of traveling alone by bike.
Southeast Asia has established itself as an ideal destination: a safe, affordable region, with an abundance of infrastructure and a climate that’s ideal for January travel.
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Prepare itinerary and equipment
Before setting off, Agathe mapped out her route, drawing inspiration from maps, traveler testimonials and tools like Komoot. But she soon realized that she would have to improvise on a day-to-day basis, depending on available routes and accommodation.
She chose a sturdy bike, a Genesis Croix de Fer, equipped with Ortlieb Gravel panniers. With no tent or stove, she opted for lightness, relying on guesthouses and small hotels for accommodation. “I’d been told I’d take too much stuff… and it was true!” she laughs.
Between hardship and wonder
Road conditions varied greatly from country to country: red dust and heat in Cambodia, sand and difficult gradients in Laos, easier roads but heavy traffic in Thailand. Agathe sometimes had to push her bike in 45-degree heat, run out of water or face loneliness.
But she also experienced some unforgettable moments: the smiles and encouragement of the children, the warm welcome of the locals, or that moving arrival on the Mekong after 150 km in a single day.
Travelling alone: a transformative experience
Agathe was apprehensive about traveling alone. In the end, solitude was both a difficulty and a strength. She learned to let go, to trust the road and herself, and to accept that not everything can be planned.
She also stresses the importance of Instagram and online communities for bonding and feeling connected despite long hours alone. ” Today, I do a lot of things on my own without waiting for others. This trip has given me self-confidence. “
What’s next? From Asia to ultra-cycling
Barely back in France, Agathe has signed up for the Desertus Bikus, a 1200 km, 16,000 m elevation gain ultra-cycling race in Spain. A new challenge that continues the momentum of her Asian adventure.
A tip for getting started
Agathe encourages all those who hesitate to take the plunge: “You have to dare and not think too much. It doesn’t matter if you take a bus or don’t travel many kilometers. The main thing is to enjoy it. You always grow from it.
Links
- Agathe’s Instagram
- Featured race: Desertus Bikus