In this story, Jasmine Lehrman describes how she and two friends undertook a long-held dream of riding their bikes in Europe. For readers in the US (and the UK for that matter), a European tour is almost a right of passage and Jasmine perfectly encapsulates the ups and downs of life on the road. Here's her story of a 2-month ride, across six countries...
The Dream Begins
My passion for exploration began in New Mexico's deserts and blossomed in Upstate New York’s woods. It led me to Kroka Expeditions, an adventure program where I met Sara at 16, and later Julian and Ian at 18. Our shared love for adventure planted the seed for a European bike tour first dreamed up during a gruelling climb in the Ecuadorian Andes.
After finishing a semester in Ecuador in December 2023, we returned home to save, plan, and prepare for our May 2nd departure. While researching gear, I discovered Carradice Super C panniers - handmade, durable, and perfectly suited for our journey. They proved invaluable on the road.
Gear Setup
Bike: Surly Bridge Club
Front/Rear Racks: Trekk & Racktime
Panniers: Carradice Super C Rear and Carradice Super C Front
Other Gear: Salsa saddlebag, Swift Industries front loader, cockpit & bottle cage, and a trusty Amazon frame bag.
Hitting the Road
Our journey started in the U.S. on April 29th when Ian picked me up in New York. After a quick prep in New Hampshire, we flew to Dublin on May 2nd, where Sara met Ian for the first time - at the airport, about to embark on a two-month bike tour!
Ireland: The Emerald Isle
On May 4th, we biked out of Dublin toward the Wicklow Mountains, camping our first night overlooking Lough Bray. The next days took us through mossy glens, shimmering lakes, and moorlands, earning a true appreciation for why Ireland’s called the Emerald Isle. By May 7th, we had our routine down - navigating via Komoot, laughing through the miles, and sharing camp chores. My Carradice bags were light, waterproof, and easy to carry, making daily life on the road seamless.
We reached Limerick for our first layover, enjoying local pubs, laundry adventures, and unexpected kindness - like a stranger offering his home for us to wash clothes. These serendipitous encounters defined our trip. After exploring the Burren’s rocky expanse and witnessing the northern lights, we headed to Galway, then caught a ferry from Belfast to Scotland on May 13th.
Scotland: Wild and Untamed
Scotland welcomed us with rain and wind, but we embraced it. We biked along the rugged coast, visited charming farms, and relaxed in sunny Irvine. A local tour guide suggested the Isle of Arran, so we followed fate’s nudge. Arran was my favorite stop - lush, mystical, and breathtaking. After a tumble (thanks to my ocean-gazing), we camped on the beach under the stars.
From Arran, we ferried to the Kintyre Peninsula, biking through bluebell-filled forests and ancient castles - including Ian’s ancestral MacLachlan castle. Midges tested our patience near Loch Eck, but the landscapes made up for it. We reached Glasgow, dried out for two days, then biked the Union Canal to Edinburgh, sharing laughs and high-fives with fellow bikers along the way.
The British Isles Farewell
On May 27th, we raced through England, catching a ferry from Harwich to Rotterdam. The Netherlands greeted us with flat roads, canals, and plenty of cheese - a brief but beautiful interlude before Germany.
Germany: Countryside Escapades
We stayed in Lemgo for a week, helping our host Irmgard on her farm. Her warmth and stories of Germany’s history were unforgettable. On June 6th, we biked to Berlin to meet Julian, our final crew member. Reuniting with him was pure joy - we celebrated my 19th birthday with street songs and free ice cream.
Biking through Germany was magical, with forest trails and hidden villages. However, Ian’s health forced him to rest in Prague while we pushed on. Our route took us through Saxon Switzerland National Park’s stunning rock formations before crossing into Czechia.
Czechia: The Final Push
Reaching the Czech border, we hugged the milestone - six countries and 1,500 miles behind us. We biked through Děčín’s charming streets, watched Germany beat Scotland in a soccer match, and savoured local apricots and cheese. The final 70 miles to Prague were tough but exhilarating.
As we raced into Prague’s cobblestone streets, I recognized a park from my childhood visits—my mother’s hometown. After navigating bustling trams and narrow lanes, we made it. Six countries, nine ferries, countless laughs, and lifelong memories—our serendipitous journey had come full circle. My sibling Ro greeted us, and we finally reunited with Ian. The adventure of a lifetime was complete.
