Hello, I’m Alee ✌️
I travel. I write. I photograph. I film.
I’m all about creating meaningful, engaging content around bikes and adventure. I travel for days, weeks, months — even years — at a time by bicycle, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Everything I’ve learned from a life on two wheels came together in a simple, practical book to help you kickstart your own bike touring journey. Check it out HERE.
I’m Obsessed With Global Adventures
My first major ride was with my partner at the time. We pedalled from the Netherlands to Australia. I wanted to find out for myself just how big the world really was.
Over two years and 31,000 kilometres, I discovered that what makes the world extraordinary is the people. They’re the ones who shape a place, shift your perspective, and open your eyes and heart. I had some of my best travel moments in places that, on paper, looked dull.
I also learned that the world is far bigger than it appears, and that regardless of how different people may look, act, or cook, we’re all fundamentally the same. And that’s incredible.
Since then, I’ve spoken at schools, shared stories at events, and filmed my experiences to inspire others. Even if jumping on a bike for years isn’t realistic for everyone, I believe I can help shift how people see the world.
A Few Things That Happened Along The Way
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Knocked on strangers’ doors asking for a place to stay
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Climbed snow-capped mountain passes for days
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Slept in city parks filled with stray cats and eccentric locals
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Drank fermented horse milk
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Was gifted a night in a 5-star hotel (and felt totally out of place)
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Witnessed death
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Was invited to live with a family for a year, all expenses paid
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Rode across deserts in 50°C+ heat
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Was called “son” by people I had just met
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Camped through just about every weather condition
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Lost track of time for days on end
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Ate more mystery food than I care to admit
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Saw skies that looked like paintings of heaven
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Helped people see that life isn’t just about careers
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Wore clothes until they fell apart
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Discovered insects that probably aren’t in any field guide
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Volunteered on farms and in remote communities
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Taught myself how to build a website
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Watched meteor showers fill the night sky
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Rode through potholes deeper than my shoulders
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Went over a week without a shower
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Left my loaded bike unattended and trusted it’d be safe
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Communicated entire conversations using only hand gestures
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Witnessed more sunrises and sunsets than most do in a lifetime
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Invented meals out of whatever I could find
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Hitchhiked with a tandem bicycle
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Flew in a hot air balloon
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Taught myself to make short films
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Made music with strangers by a river
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Rode until saddle sores told me to stop
What Bike Did I Use?
For that first big tour, I rode a custom Co-Motion tandem – a beautifully built, incredibly stiff machine that surprised me every day with what it could do.
It was kitted out with my favourite touring components: Rohloff 14-speed hub, Gates Carbon Drive belt, S&S couplers, Ryde Andra 30 rims, a SON dynamo hub, Tubus racks, Supernova lights, and Thomson accessories.
You can check out the full bike build (including weights) HERE and a fun video introducing the tandem HERE.
How Did I Afford The Time And Costs?
I spent about a year and a half working and saving as much as I possibly could. Then I sold off everything I knew I wouldn’t need for the years ahead. I saved more than I ever expected, sold so much that there was barely anything left at home, and felt deeply grateful to be living in an affluent country, where extended travel was even possible.
That’s what allowed me to hit the road and keep riding for over two years.
Before I left, and countless times while on the road, people would tell me they wished they could do what I was doing. But then they’d list reasons why they couldn’t – usually work, kids, or lack of money. And sure, finances are often a barrier.
But I’ve always believed it comes down to priorities.
I know how lucky I’ve been: I was in good health, had a decent job, and came from a supportive family. But at the same time, I made conscious choices. I don’t own a car. I don’t have a house or a mortgage. Instead, I choose to spend my time and money on the experiences, skills, and personal growth that come with bike travel.
I’ve met all kinds of people doing this – families of four, five or more cycling around the world; people walking, hitchhiking, travelling by donkey or van; people living without money, working on farms in exchange for food and a place to stay.
No matter where they came from, they made it happen. If you want it badly enough, you can too.
Want to Know More?
Check out the FAQs that Kat and I answered while riding around the world on a tandem.