Hey there, I’m Simon and on July 4th, 2026, I set off from my hometown, Cologne, on a lifelong dream: a 12,000-kilometer bicycle journey all the way to China. As I write this update, I have reached Ankara after 48 days and about 3,500km of cycling.

During my trip, I have raised money to support a cause that completely shaped who I am today: Chess.

Why Chess?

For me, chess is not just a hobby. Having led chess communities in high school and at university, I know how it can transform lives. First of all, it teaches patience, self-improvement, humility, and mutual respect. But the biggest impact it had on me is being part of a community. Many of my closest friends are people I met at my university chess club in London. I have also become friends with people by just setting up my board in the centre of a town with sign that says "play me at chess". The beauty of it is that chess is a universal language; it brings people together, no matter how old you are, where you're from, or what you do for work.

As I cycle to China, I have passed through Germany, Czechia, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Turkey (where I am now!). All of these places have distinct chess histories and cultures and I got to experience some that playing in places like the Sofia city garden, where chess has been a long running tradition. Many people say I'm crazy for carrying a chess board and weighted pieces with me, but honestly they have helped me to connect with locals more than any other piece of equipement could have ever done. As I continue to cycle east, I am filming and photographing my expierences for you to watch on my Instagram channel (@simon_holin) and eventually also my YouTube channel. I hope you enjoy and that this can inspire you to also follow your dreams.

The Cause:

The charity I am raising funds for is the UK-based Chess in Schools and Communities (CSC). I have personally worked for them while studying in London and they do incredible work in schools, teaching kids focus, logic, resilience, and giving them an alternative area to build confidence - all through chess. They also work in prisons & care homes to help stimulate minds and fight loneliness. Finally, they host the massive annual Chess Fest in central London, bringing thousands of people together for a free day of chess community.

How You Can Help

Donate: Every bit makes a difference. 100% of your donations go directly to the charity and will help support materials and classes.

Share: If you can’t donate, sending this to your friends, family, or local club is also a massive help.

Thank you for being part of this adventure :)

Follow along for updates from the road!