Cyclist Who Went Out In The Cold

Independent compares Bill Bryson's adventures to Tim Moore's audacious endeavor as he embarks on a 9,000-kilometer journey along the historic Iron Curtain route. Armed with nothing more than a small-wheeled, two-geared East German shopping bike, Moore sets off on his journey. His adventure begins at the harsh, icy borders between Norway and Russia, amidst the Arctic winter's relentless chill. He bravely pushes his trusty MIFA 900 through the frost-laden wilderness of Finland, where temperatures plummet far below zero. Throughout his journey, Moore finds unique places to rest, including bank vaults, grand imperial palaces, and untouched Soviet youth hostels. He contends with numerous challenges: battling the hostile vodka-induced atmospheres in Russia, overcoming landslides in Romania, and surviving on a constant diet of dumplings. Despite these hardships, he and his diminutive bicycle find camaraderie and support from unexpected quarters—be it the hospitable reindeer herders or celebrated Serbian musicians. A not-so-proud dependence on Magic Man energy drinks also helps sustain the voyage. As Moore pedals past remnants of the Cold War—watchtowers and rusted razor wire—he reflects on the distorted vision of the Communist dream and the enduring legacy of Cold War fears, all while modern East-West tensions simmer in the background. After enduring three grueling months, traversing 20 diverse countries, and experiencing a remarkable 58-degree temperature change, both man and machine finally totter onto a serene beach by the Black Sea in Bulgaria, enriched with wisdom from their journey, albeit feeling the weight of time more than anything else.