Beatrice Filippini is an intensive care nurse. At 27, while working in London, he decided to quit to pursue a dream: pedaling in South America.
In 10 months he has traveled solo 11,500 km. Starting from the northernmost tip of Colombia, it has gone as far as the southernmost road in the world stops (Puerto Williams, Chile).All with the bike that has accompanied it since university: a red 3-speed folding bike Bromton.After a few days, the backpack was robbed. Starting with a minimalist baggage, he continued through the Andes (up to 5,000m), the Amazon, sand and salt deserts, Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.From the middle of the journey he tried to reduce his environmental impact to almost 0. He has in fact eaten waste products from shops and supermarkets and sleeping with a tent. He supported the few travel costs by cooking and selling empanadas in the squares where he stopped.
On the occasion of the May 28 release of her book “Pedalande”, we at BAM asked her some questions.
Beatrice, how did this crazy idea come about?
In 2017 I was working as a nurse in London. I had just concluded a full year in which I worked and studied.In search of a more peaceful life rhythm, in search of a deeper relationship with nature, with others and myself, I chose to leave.So I quit my job and left. Attracted by the natural beauty of South America, by the possibility of being able to communicate with people easily …And so it was.
How come the bicycle?
The bike was a natural choice. I wanted to go slowly, to have continuous contact with places that I would cross. And I also wanted to have as little environmental impact as possible.Going on foot would have been too slow..so the choice of the two wheels seemed the best.To further lower the environmental impact of the trip since I entered Chile, I have eaten recovering food before it was thrown away, from supermarkets, greengrocers and bakeries.
An immense journey.
What is left in your heart?
Among the many fantastic places crossed perhaps, the Amazon rainforest still fills my eyes today. This limitless expanse of trees, the constant song of insects and birds … the snakes that crossed my road … The Amazon is a unique place!
What is your relationship with loneliness?
I have almost always traveled alone, but I have never been seriously.Those who have already traveled know what I mean. The hospitality of the people has been truly incredible. Local people supported me as a sister, daughter and friend …By cheering me on, offering me something to eat and a place to sleep.
Any advice for us?
If I had to give advice to cyclists and cyclists leaving …Leave, just sure!Always listen to your intuition … leaving room for the unexpected.
PedalAnde, the story of this trip will be available from May 28th in all online and non-paper bookstores and eBooks.https://www.amazon.it/Pedalande-Beatrice-Filippini/dp/8862407688Part of the proceeds from book sales will be donated to the “La Gomena ODV” Association (http://www.lagomenaonlus.it)
