Ep. 1096: Jacob Lemanski - Riding a Bicycle Around the World TWICE

Epic around-the-world bicycle journey: 38,000 miles in 999 days

In this episode Jacob Lemanski recounts an extraordinary, self-supported bicycle expedition that covered roughly 38,000 miles over 999 days. He explains gear choices, daily pacing, safety close calls, and the emotional arc of leaving and returning home. This narrative mixes practical bike-touring details with philosophical insights about consistency, trust, and living deliberately.

Long-distance bike touring tips and self-supported cycling strategies

Jacob rode a steel Surly Long-Haul Trucker loaded with front and rear panniers and sometimes 50 pounds of water. He deliberately began fully self-sufficient—"a ship at sea"—carrying spare tires, parts, and essentials. His daily rhythm centered on five to six hours of riding, often aiming for 50 miles but sometimes covering 20 to 70 miles depending on terrain and wind. He eventually tossed the bike computer to stay present and avoid letting numbers ruin the experience.

Safety lessons, close calls, and adapting to driving cultures

The podcast shares vivid close calls: tidal waves on a beach in Argentina, a valley fire in Central America, mechanical failures in remote Tasmania, and thin-air nights at 17,100 feet in Bolivia. Jacob contrasts different driving cultures—China felt slower but chaotic, while other countries required constant vigilance. His advice: carry essentials, keep your kit compact for fast escapes, and accept help when genuinely needed.

Mindset, consistency, and reentry after long travel

Jacob emphasizes one-day-at-a-time thinking and consistency as the backbone of sustained accomplishments. He reflects on how the trip shaped patience, confidence, and perspective on humanity. Reentry was surprisingly difficult: relationships and routines had shifted and he took years to settle back, expressing his experience through art rather than immediate normalcy.

From bicycle expeditions to ant art and guiding tours

After returning, Jacob built elaborate ant farms (antlife.space) as living art and now runs Mountain High Bicycle Tours around Denver, offering guided day rides and e-bike options. His story offers inspiration for armchair travelers and practical lessons for aspiring cycle tourers.

Keywords and related search terms: long-distance bicycle touring, self-supported bike travel, 999-day bike journey, around-the-world bicycle expedition, long-haul trucker touring bike.