RIP Iohan Gueorguiev 1988 - 2021

Yesterday I learned from the bikepacking community of the passing of Iohan Gueorguiev aka. Bike Wanderer. Four years ago I came across his See The World series on YouTube: his several-year journey from Alaska to Argentina by bike. I loved what he was doing and the videos he was putting out.

Iohan smiling beside a Welcome to Alaska sign [Credit: Iohan]

His unassuming nature, his soft voice, warmth and relatability. His adventure, resourcefulness and perseverance. The way he edited his videos, and chose just the right backing music. Saying hello to all the animals. Iohan’s videos are a joy to watch, at times almost meditative.

Vicariously living through his videos I thought I want to do that, and needed to prove it to myself. That was the inspiration to do my first tour, the first step from Zero to World Touring, and since then I have taken a few more steps. I have now cycled a few thousand miles on various overnight trips; I have ridden and camped through increasingly remote and difficult parts of the UK, self-reliant, usually alone and mostly wild camping. Watching Iohan has continued to inspire my exploration of myself and my homeland, his journey a reminder of the wonders that bike-based travel can show you.

The shadow of Ausangate - a dog who, unbidden, accompanied Iohan for a while [Credit: Iohan]

Iohan’s death upset me far more than I would’ve expected. I never met him, he didn’t know of me, but I feel in some way that I have lost a friend. I have cried as I would for a friend. My heart hurts like something precious has been taken from it, but perhaps that is exactly what has happened. He inspired me not just to go bike touring, but to aim for continent-scale exploration and bike living; this beautiful person, who feels like a key piece of my own journey, my life, is now gone.

I watched the sunset from the hill last night, feeling the need to be outside for a while. I feel so sad, but so grateful for Iohan’s contribution to my life, and, given the outpouring of grief from the bikepacking community, many others feel the same.

Sunset from Little Solsbury Hill

Logan Watts (bikepacking.com) and Alee Denham (Cycling About) put out their own heartfelt tributes, as did many others I’m sure.

• Logan’s tribute

• Alee’s tribute

Rest in peace Iohan. We will miss you.

Thank you, so much ♥