The aim of the cycle was to demonstrate the accessibility of cycle commuting, and how to travel on as little carbon emissions as possible. Due to their areas of study and interests, James and Xavier are both very aware of the challenges the world is facing in relation to climate change and the positive results associated with being environmentally conscious. 

Both students are on the same Doctoral Training Programme, and after attending an international training session in Aberdeen, one of the lecturers Graeme Paton, had put the thought of cycling to Geneva for a conference in Xavier’s mind, with the incentive of a free pint.  The journey would be to attend a QUADRAT Training Event which was at the foot of the Alps as part of their Doctorial Training Programme, examining geological aspects of their studies. 

Xavier explained what was going through his mind after Graeme's lecture: 

“I couldn’t stop thinking about ways in which we could complete the challenge, I really wanted that pint from Graeme! I began to research ways of how we would get there, looking into budget, resources, timeline and many other associated factors. I asked my housemate James if he would be interested in doing it with me, and without hesitation he agreed.” 

Whilst both Xavier and James had done some cycling before, having both cycled round Lough Neagh and the Isle of Sky respectively, it’s important to understand that they aren’t necessarily experienced cyclists. 

Prior to taking on the challenge, Xavier had completed some long cycles, but not regularly, as he also suffers from knee ligament problems. James had been on a cycle trip and hadn’t taken part in any endurance challenges before.  

The next time the duo saw Graeme; they brought to him their plethora of research on how they would complete the challenge. He explained how they would need a budget, and insurance. 

The cycle lasted almost two weeks (17th May – 1st June), the journey was carefully planned to ensure adequate rest periods and to make it as efficient as they could to avoid taking too much additional time out from their studies. 

The duo started off their journey by cycling from Belfast to Dublin, and boarded the ferry from Dublin to Cherbourg, before heading to Normandy, then Rouen, Paris, Burgundy, Dijon, and climbing the Jura Mountains, finishing with the descent to Geneva. 

The trip amounted to a huge 1,100km with an accumulated elevation of 20,650ft. The net emissions saved on the trip were roughly 389.2kg CO2e, which is the equivalent of driving from Belfast to London four times, or a month and a half’s worth of electricity usage for the average UK household. The only real carbon emissions that were used were their eating habits, as they consumed roughly twice the amount they would usually eat. 

The hardest element of the journey for the pair wasn’t necessarily the sheer distance that they had to cycle, but more the altitude they had to ascend.  

Accommodation wise, their initial plan was to camp, but with funding from QUADRAT (a joint fund from Queen’s University and The University of Aberdeen) they were able to stay in hotels and Air B&B’s. This allowed them to get a good night’s sleep, have somewhere to adequately refuel, and stay warm, to allow them to complete the challenge.  

James thanked Freedom Cycles for providing the bikes for the journey: 

“We were very grateful to Tim at Freedom Cycles for supplying the bikes for us to use for the trip. Before we set off, Tim ensured that the bikes received a full service to make sure everything was mechanically sound.  

“We were incredibly lucky that we didn’t have any major issues, the only thing that happened was one of the chains came off, which wasn’t ideal, but it was something that could be easily fixed by us.  

“Tim was on hand to answer any calls if we ever needed anything which gave us some reassurance.” 

As they were both travelling alongside some of the world’s most beautiful scenery it allowed them to absorb the adaptations in environment and atmosphere, and freshwater biology with the smaller interstation sections being more obvious. On the Burgundy Canal, they were able to see ecology and habitats and how discreetly the transitions took place. This applied to changes in culture too. 

James and Xavier also managed to make some wonderful cultural visits, including the Bayeaux Tapestry, the site of Joan of Arc’s death, Napoleon’s tomb, and Monet’s house.  

James highlighted how ever since training for and completing the cycle, he has noticed how much easier and faster it is to cycle commute, it has changed both James’ and Xavier’s travel mentality and demonstrated how travel can be more fluid and flexible.  

Well done to James and Xavier on completing the challenge, they are both keen to undertake another long cycle journey but maybe something more local next time! 

Media

Media enquiries to Lia McKenzie on email: lia.mckenzie@qub.ac.uk