Hey there, I’m Simon and on July 4th, 2026, I’m setting off from my hometown, Cologne, on a lifelong dream: a 12,000-kilometer bicycle journey all the way to China.

During my trip, I am raising 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, or even just setting up my board in the centre of town to play strangers. 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 will pass through the Balkans, Turkey, Georgia, and Central Asia, all the way to Hong Kong - all places with distinct chess histories and cultures. This won't be my first large bicycle ride either; I started cylcing through Europe when I was 17 to prepare myself for 'the big one' by cycling to Sweden, Croatia, and Portugal. Of course, I will be carrying a chess board with me, using the game to connect with locals every step of the way and filming my experiences for you to watch on my YouTube and Instagram channels (@simon_holin).

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!