Worldwide Solo Bike Journey: Judi Desire Pedals from New York to New Zealand
In the heart of Brooklyn, Judi Desire embarked on a unique journey that took her across the globe on two wheels. From the bustling streets of her hometown to the picturesque landscapes of countries like Mauritius, Brazil, Hawaii, and New Zealand, Judi's bike tours have been a testament to her spirit of adventure and her love for connecting with people.
It all began in 2010 when Judi was introduced to the world of bicycle touring by a coworker. Inspired, she decided to visit Europe and soon found herself pedaling through the continent's diverse terrain. However, it was in 2012 when Judi truly embraced the nomadic lifestyle, setting off on a three-month journey to Sao Paolo, Brazil.
Judi's bike tours have not always been smooth sailing. During her first attempt at touring from New York City to Cape Cod, she got lost and had to adjust her plans. Even in unfamiliar territories, Judi's resilience shone through, and she managed to complete her journey to Connecticut instead.
Judi is a firm believer in the power of cycling to bring about change, particularly in communities of colour. Despite facing challenges such as physical harassment in places like Istanbul, Judi's experiences of exotification and harassment have not deterred her from promoting cycling in her own community.
In 2017, Judi founded Uptown & Boogie Bicycle Advocacy, an organisation that offers learn-to-ride classes, bicycle repair education, and group rides in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx. Her goal is to use the bicycle to bring positive change to her community.
Judi's travels have taken her to some remote and unique locations, from camping in bushes to staying in firefighter dormitories. She has also made use of homestay services like Couchsurfing to meet locals and fellow bike tourists. Despite the pandemic, Judi remains optimistic that the surge in cycling in New York City may lead to long-term behavioural change.
Judi still works as a computer programmer to fund her bike tours and only purchases one-way plane tickets. She returns to her Harlem apartment to subsidise her trips whenever her bank account is depleted. Despite the occasional encounter with racism, Judi has never felt like the victim of racism while bike touring.
Judi Desire's story is a testament to the power of adventure, resilience, and community. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that with courage and determination, one can explore the world and make a positive impact on their community.
[1] Source: Interview with Judi Desire (Accessed on [Date])
- Judi Desire's adventures span various aspects of life, from her home-and-garden base in Harlem, to the scenic routes of travel destinations like Mauritius and Hawaii, and even the intense terrain of sports, all while promoting cycling for community change.
- As a cyclist and founder of Uptown & Boogie Bicycle Advocacy, Judi Desire leverages her travels in home-and-garden settings, sporting events, and diverse locations like Sao Paulo and Istanbul, to promote cycling within her community and inspire others to adopt this lifestyle.
