OXLAEYSuperstar Marija (a flashback)
In 2010, in anticipation my big trip, I was teaching myself all I could about cycling. I decided to go on a bike trip outside of Germany. To test the waters and my gear. Being a big Eastern Europe fan, I found a cycle club in the Ukraine called Velotours.
I sent the organizer, Marija, an email. Could I come on one of their tours? YES.
My first trip with Velotours was to the Carpathian mountains, and it was a dreamy, slow train ride up the mountains. Cycling in the narrow, country roads was great too. I learned so much from Mary and her crew about bike gear and – in particular – how to pack your bike for transport.Cycling in the Ukraine is great but the country’s real gem is Mary.
Marija is an inspiration for all travelers: At 21 she’d already cycled through India, Iran and a few places in Europe. She has a magical ability to make everyone on her tour feel like they are getting special attention. I’ve never seen her angry or cross (except for once when the hotel she booked tried to cheat the group on price). When the ride only goes uphill, Mary finds something positive to say, to motivate those legs to turn a few more times.
Mary: You’re a superstar!
I went to the Ukraine twice again in 2012 to cycle with Mary and her crew. The most memorable being our trip was in the summer of 2012. We took the train down south to the Crimea. What luck! Just two years later, Russia would march in and annex the region.
Here’s the video, which also won 1st place in the 2014 American Cycling Association Video Competition.
Thank you Marija for all your advice and for becoming such a great friend!
