Cycling Around the World to Help Ukraine
Donation protected
Hello everyone!
I am Volodymyr “Volo” Muliar – traveller, vlogger, musician and sound engineer from Ukraine, currently living with my family in the UK.
On May 31, 2024, I will start a solo round-the-world bicycle expedition to raise funds for aid to Ukraine. My route will touch all continents, including Antarctica, and will be one of the longest in history – more than 60,000 km. I expect it to take about 3 years.
Two years ago my family and I received incredible hospitality and warmth in Hexham, England after arriving here as refugees. With deep gratitude, it will be an honour to start the biggest project of my life so far right here and come full circle, returning here in 2027.
To do this, I need to raise funds to cover the equipment, several transoceanic crossings, minimal daily expenses and insurance (see below for details). That's why I have started this GoFundMe fundraising campaign.
What have I already accomplished?
Since 2010, I have cycled about 65,000 km in many countries of the world – mostly with my wife and young son Marko. The longest trip was from Ukraine to Australia (17,000 km, 13 countries), the longest solo trip was through South America (6,000 km, 5 countries).
I always travel not only for my own pleasure, but also to show other people the world I see. That's why I run a YouTube blog called Two-wheeled Chronicles. Focusing on high-quality filming and editing, I also make the music soundtrack myself (have you heard my musical project Folknery?). Since 2017, my videos have been broadcast by several TV channels in Ukraine.
What is special about my future project?
My planned trip will have some unusual features, some of which may not have been done before on a non-stop solo round-the-world bike trip. So, maybe I can claim a world record along the way! In particular:
- during the expedition there will not be any flights by plane
- the route will cover all 7 continents on Earth
- probably the longest round-the-world solo cycling trip by route length
- the largest number of countries will be visited (at least 48)
Probably some others are also possible... This list is not really a priority for me, because the most important thing is not the number of records (although, I would be happy to set some), but helping people in Ukraine.
What do I need to implement the plan (what I am fundraising for)?
My three-year journey is not expected to be simple and easy, taking into account the length of the route, the climatic specifics of individual regions, as well as possible visa issues. Therefore, I have to focus on purchasing high-quality and reliable touring equipment, which, moreover, should be as light as possible. Although I can purchase some of the gear list myself (such as camera, camping gear, bicycle panniers, etc.), I still need financial assistance for the following major items:
- a touring bicycle (non-electric) – £1,200
- part of the video equipment (action camera and drone) – £1,400
- expenses for intercontinental moves (sea transport) – £4,500
- insurance – £3,700
What next?
Starting the journey I will regularly show people its progress on social networks:
Thus, in my videos and posts, I will constantly encourage people to donate to Ukraine through separate fundraising (I will not have access to those funds, they will go directly to the charity) - https://gofund.me/15bb9ca5
This fundraiser will also remain active throughout my journey, so you can support me towards my goal at any time if you'd like.
Here is a short video about my project and past travels:
How will the funds collected for Ukraine be used?
These funds will be directly transferred from GoFundMe to one of the largest foundations that do a great job of helping Ukrainians – DISASTERS EMERGENCY COMMITTEE. That is, I will not have any access to that money. They will be allocated to humanitarian needs as decided by the DEC and their Ukrainian partners - to help civilians, refugees and children, to rehabilitate fighters, etc.
What else can be expected from this project?
Upon completing the expedition in 2027, I aspire to create a full-length documentary film based on the footage I've captured during the journey. Additionally, I intend to write a book. I would like to collaborate with other artists on both ideas.
This is my dream, coupled with a profound sense of responsibility to contribute to the triumph of good over evil in the world.
Join me in supporting this endeavor, and together we can make it a reality!
Volo
Organizer
Volodymyr Muliar
Organizer
England