Jacob Lemanski - Cycling the World: A 999-Day Adventure Across 38,000 Miles

What does it take to spend nearly three years cycling across the world? In this episode, Jacob Lemanski takes us on an epic journey through 38,000 miles, crossing deserts, mountains, and countless borders. With nothing but a bike and the will to keep going, Jacob shares how he navigated extreme climates, overcame physical and mental challenges, and embraced the kindness of strangers along the way.

From sleeping under the stars in Mongolia to pushing his limits in the Andes, Jacob’s adventure wasn’t just about miles—it was a life-changing exploration of resilience and purpose. Tune in to hear about the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned from one of the most extraordinary cycling trips ever attempted. Whether you’re dreaming of your own adventure or looking for inspiration, this conversation will remind you of the limitless potential of the human spirit.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Jacob decided to quit his job and bike around the world.
• The unexpected moments that defined his journey, from encounters with wildlife to navigating remote deserts.
• How to budget and plan for long-term travel, including Jacob’s creative tips for saving money.
• The mental and emotional toll of adventure and how Jacob coped with isolation and homesickness.
• Insights into Jacob’s podcast, How to Move the Stars, and the enduring impact of his journey.

Timestamps:

01:15 Jacob introduces himself and how he prepared for a 999-day journey.

09:00 The spark that ignited Jacob’s dream to bike around the world.

18:00 Surviving in the Gobi Desert: Navigating without maps and the challenge of remote landscapes.

27:30 Memorable encounters with locals: Acts of kindness in Central America and beyond.

33:00 Facing fears: The realities of camping in the wild and dealing with bears in Alaska.

45:00 The emotional toll of isolation and how Jacob found inspiration to keep going.

55:00 The decision to stop and reflections on what 999 days taught him about life, adventure, and resilience.

01:03:00 Jacob’s transition back to "normal life" and how he transformed his experiences into a podcast.

01:08:00 Top travel tips: Jacob’s favorite countries, best routes for biking, and advice for aspiring adventurers.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• Jacob’s podcast: How to Move the Stars
• Travel essentials: Hammocks, bike gear, and survival tips.

Connect with Jacob:

• Website: howtomovethestars.com
• Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/howtomovestars/

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform! Want to support the show? Check out our affiliate links for travel resources in the show notes.

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Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Contact me - [email protected] 

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Cheers, James.