Pedaling for a ‘World Sans Frontiers'

TDT | Manama

Email : pradeep@newsofbahrain.com

In a world frequently divided by political and geographical lines, Arun Thathagath, a visionary cyclist from Kerala, India, stands out. Driven by the dream of unity in a "world sans frontiers" (a world without borders), he is currently cycling his way through nearly sixty countries.

Arun's journey didn't begin with the rigid, large-scale logistic planning typical of global treks. As a government employee, his initial cycling project began in 2017, covering the entirety of India. This domestic success led him to cross into Myanmar and then Thailand, solidifying his path as a globe-trotting cyclist.

His current grand leg officially began in 2024, taking him to the Paris Olympics venue. From there, he embarked on a tour across Europe, navigating Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia. After crossing from Europe via Türkiye, he ventured into the Middle East, traveling through the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia before arriving in Bahrain. Arun spent approximately ten days exploring the Kingdom before continuing his journey to Qatar.

"The unique blend of heritage and modernity in Bahrain captivated me," Arun shares. "When cycling across the country, you realize how small the world actually is, and how universal human kindness truly is. Bahrain is one of the countries that helped reinforce this understanding."

At the heart of Arun’s incredible mileage is a powerful philosophy: he advocates for prioritizing basic human needs—such as education, healthcare, and food security—over defense expenditures. He also believes in reviving ancient trade routes, like the historic Spice Route, to foster global understanding and economic cooperation.

A fervent supporter of sustainable tourism, Arun is using his trek to call for a dedicated cycling infrastructure across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), mirroring Europe's successful EuroVelo routes.

"Cycling not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also brings a huge revival to the tourism sector," Arun comments, highlighting the economic and social benefits of such infrastructure.

The two-year journey, which began in Paris and spans multiple continents, is financed by a bank loan. Arun views this bold move not as a burden, but as an "investment in life experiences," much more valuable than investing in a house or a car.

His machine of choice for this demanding adventure is the American-made Surly Disc Trucker, a rugged touring bike specifically designed to carry heavy loads over long distances. Arun hopes to conclude his monumental cycling odyssey by the end of 2026, finally returning home to India.