European Divide Trail
Finisher #43
On July 25, 2024, we left Vancouver, Canada, and flew to the northern edge of Norway to begin the European Divide Trail (EDT) — a 7,600 km off-road journey that took us across 11 countries, climbing over 87,000 meters, and ending at Cabo St. Vincent in Portugal: https://europeandividetrail.com/
We’re proud to share that we are officially Finisher #43 – EVER – of this epic route.
A Ride That Tested Everything
The EDT isn’t just long — it’s raw, remote, and relentless. We pushed through 5 km of swamp, hiked our bikes up steep alpine trails, just to name a few challenges, and navigated sections where roads no longer existed. It was physically grueling and emotionally draining — moments that tested us and reminded us that the hardest paths often lead to the most meaningful destinations.
A Detour with Purpose
Midway, we took a break from the trail to visit LCC International University in Klaipėda, Lithuania — one of our charity partners. After speaking with students and sharing the vision of Cycle 5 to Survive, we returned to the trail with full hearts and renewed purpose.
Departing Vancouver, Canada on July 25, 2024, we will be traveling to the start of the European Divide Trail.
The European Divide trail (EDT) begins in Grense Jakobselv, the northernmost part of Norway, and stretches 7,600km with 87,000 m of elevation gain all the way to Cabo St. Vincent, the southernmost point in Portugal. This makes it the longest predominantly off-road bikepacking route in the world.
The Trail, established in 2020, is a continent-spanning network of trails, that connects the far edges of Europe. It primarily follows off-road tracks and trails, traffic-free cycle routes, and small sections of single track, with occasional stretches of minor roads.
Part way, we will be going off-route and taking a 20hr ride from Kiel, Germany to Klaipeda, Lithuania to visit LCC University – one of our charities. We will be arriving the first week of September with opportunities to speak to the students about our initiative – both in the classroom and special homecoming events. After several day, we will be taking the ferry back to Kiel, Germany, and back on-route to finish the EDT
Although called the European Divide Trail (EDT), it differs from the Great Divide Bike Route we did in 2023 in North America, which follows the Continental Divide. Instead, the EDT crosses multiple countries, each with its own unique economic, social, geographic, geologic, historical, and cultural characteristics. As you cross 11 borders, you’ll encounter numerous languages, customs, laws, and regulations. Some differences are immediately apparent, while others become evident as you travel through diverse landscapes and communities.
