Bikepacking and ultra racing have developed rapidly over the past year and have become much more accessible. But what if you quit your job, sell all your gear, and fly to Alaska to cycle south from there? Without a goal or final destination. Kai Vijverberg (@cyclingfairytales) did it.
Since his youth, he has felt most at home outdoors in nature. When he first heard about bikepacking in 2020, he decided to try it immediately. What started with a simple set of panniers and a solo trip through Europe grew into a great adventure. Along the way, he discovered not only new places but also the power of peace, freedom, and unexpected encounters.
The passion for adventure begins outdoors.
For him, it all started with a love for nature. From a young age, he enjoyed spending time outdoors and often went camping. His curiosity about new places grew over the years. When he first heard about bikepacking, he knew almost immediately that it was the right fit for him.
In 2020, he took the first step. He bought a simple set of panniers that he could attach to his road bike, just enough to carry the essentials. That summer, he set off on his first solo trip. Without a fixed route, navigating by compass, he cycled through the Eifel in Germany, Luxembourg, and Northern France, returning to the Netherlands via Belgium.
That first trip made an immediate impression. Not knowing where you’ll end up, where you’ll sleep that night, being constantly outdoors and having to work hard to get somewhere – that sense of adventure made me instantly addicted to bikepacking. It gives me the feeling that I am truly alive.”
From small trips to a big adventure
After that first trip, it didn't stop at just one adventure. In the years that followed, he went on several smaller bikepacking trips, the longest of which lasted about two weeks. But in early 2024, he decided it was time for a bigger adventure.
In May 2024, he boarded a plane to Alaska, where his next journey began. In fifteen months, I cycled over 20,000 kilometers, from Alaska to Panama. Along the way, I faced extreme conditions: temperatures ranging from –8 to +47 degrees Celsius, cycling through forests and deserts, and camping in areas inhabited by bears and crocodiles.
He describes the journey succinctly: “A rollercoaster.”
Yet, it was not only a physical challenge. He did not know beforehand how his body and mind would react to being on the road alone for so long. Ultimately, that proved to be one of the most beautiful aspects of the journey. The tranquility of nature gave him inner peace, and he noticed that he felt increasingly connected to his surroundings.
Traveling alone also brought unexpected encounters. “When you are alone, people are quicker to approach you. As a result, I often ate with people, got to camp in gardens, or was even offered a bed.”
The importance of good equipment
Good equipment plays an important role during his travels. He has known the founders of Airoman for several years, dating back to the time when he competed at an amateur level. "Of course, part of my equipment already consisted of Airoman items. But when they reached the end of their lifespan after a few months, they sent me new ones to Mexico!"
The GOAT line from Airoman, in particular, suits his usage well. "I use the neck warmer, merino base layer, and GOAT socks almost daily; they are compact and lightweight but still keep me nice and warm."
What might seem less logical are the Aero Arm Sleeves; although aerodynamics are less important during long journeys, according to him, these arm sleeves offer a major advantage: protection against the sun without adding extra heat.
A new challenge towards the North Cape
The next adventure is already planned. In April 2026, he will set off on his bike again, this time from the Netherlands towards the North Cape in Norway, the northernmost point of the European continent.
After reaching the North Cape, he plans to cycle back to the Netherlands via Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Germany. The full route will again cover approximately 12,000 kilometers, with a planned travel time of about seven months.
For this trip, he has partially renewed his equipment. "Some gear was simply worn out after so many kilometers, while others have been upgraded. For instance, I will now be riding with a new bike and new bags."
However, the route also brings new challenges. There are relatively few roads in Norway, and many of them are dead ends. Because he prefers cycling off-road and avoiding heavy traffic, it can be difficult to find suitable routes.
That is why he has included various hiking trails in his itinerary. He does not yet know if these paths are actually suitable for cycling. But it is precisely that uncertainty that makes the adventure appealing.
In addition, he is really looking forward to wild camping in Scandinavia. Unlike many other countries, it is often permitted there. As long as you follow the rules, you can spend the night almost anywhere in nature.
“That feeling of freedom is exactly what I do it for,” he concludes.
The first part of his series Bikepacking Planet Earth can be watched HERE or found on YouTube as Cyclingfairytales.