Sometimes we feel completely disconnected from the world around us. In a foreign land, we don't read newspapers or watch TV, so it's very hard to keep up with the news. Be it a tragedy in a far away land, or the exact opposite, like someone you know becoming a parent, we only leave our traveling bubble once in a while. The further we go, the more we keep our minds busy with the challenge at hand.
It will be interesting to see how much has changed back home, after the ride is over. Or how much each of us has changed...
Sep 5, 2011
day 26 - Ostrava
Day 26
July 28th
As mentioned, all our events were cancelled. There are, apparently, not enough of us. So we decided to take the day to catch up on some work, and ended up beating a new record: 8.5 hours sitting in the same pub. They had food, beer, coffee and wifi. We couldn't ask for more.
After trying so hard to get a migraine, we were joined for dinner by Martina, one of our hosts in Brno. This entourage begins to orbit around us, meeting the group at more than one point. We hope it keeps happening.
Time to pack the kofola and get ready. We're entering Poland in the morning!
July 28th
As mentioned, all our events were cancelled. There are, apparently, not enough of us. So we decided to take the day to catch up on some work, and ended up beating a new record: 8.5 hours sitting in the same pub. They had food, beer, coffee and wifi. We couldn't ask for more.
After trying so hard to get a migraine, we were joined for dinner by Martina, one of our hosts in Brno. This entourage begins to orbit around us, meeting the group at more than one point. We hope it keeps happening.
Time to pack the kofola and get ready. We're entering Poland in the morning!
facts of life: it's active citizenship, stupid!
Having only three bikes on the road speaks loudly of the students' interest in doing something assertive for their own rights. It may seem crazy, but we are trying to get all those young people to speak up and get involved in the decisions that affect their opportunities and have an impact on their future.
Even more upsetting, though, is having meetings canceled "because there are not enough cyclists".
While ignoring the physical effort of these brave young lads and lassies is something I take personally, I guess ignoring the greater effort and commitment of hundreds of individuals and organizations is even more aggravating. We have had contact with many people who only now started to realize how important it is to let their voice be heard, and we still get shunned by some people who ask for more youth participation and do not act accordingly when the opportunity comes.
We're not stopping. We're going to knock at their doors again. And again. And again. Until they listen.
Won't you join us?
Even more upsetting, though, is having meetings canceled "because there are not enough cyclists".
While ignoring the physical effort of these brave young lads and lassies is something I take personally, I guess ignoring the greater effort and commitment of hundreds of individuals and organizations is even more aggravating. We have had contact with many people who only now started to realize how important it is to let their voice be heard, and we still get shunned by some people who ask for more youth participation and do not act accordingly when the opportunity comes.
We're not stopping. We're going to knock at their doors again. And again. And again. Until they listen.
Won't you join us?
rider profile: Georgi
Profile
Name: Georg Klopf
Age: 23
From Austria
Studies: Dutch Studies
"Ride for your Rights! = meeting people from whole Europe + adventures + fun"
Name: Georg Klopf
Age: 23
From Austria
Studies: Dutch Studies
"Ride for your Rights! = meeting people from whole Europe + adventures + fun"
day 25 - Potstat to Ostrava
Day 25
July 27th
This morning our good doctor Thomas had to leave us and return to Austria. One big loss for the group, which is now down to three cyclists, and for Georgi in particular, who already misses his broken English buddy.
Another day without much to tell, we rode up and down the steep hills of Northeastern Czech Republic, always under the rain. The highest point of the day's trip was arriving at the highest point in the city of Ostrava, where our dormitory is located.
We were welcomed by our ESN hosts, Veronika and Michaela, checked in, had a shower and a nice meal. Then we learned a few things about Ostrava, always under the form of "Ostrava has the most [insert adjective] [insert name] in [insert another name that makes the statement true]". As we went out and took a tour of the city, we could actually confirm some of these statements, such as: the puppet theater is the most modern in the country; Stodolni street has the most bars and clubs per square inch; Czech karaoke is the strangest experience of our last week.
Stage F completed, nine more to go.
July 27th
This morning our good doctor Thomas had to leave us and return to Austria. One big loss for the group, which is now down to three cyclists, and for Georgi in particular, who already misses his broken English buddy.
Another day without much to tell, we rode up and down the steep hills of Northeastern Czech Republic, always under the rain. The highest point of the day's trip was arriving at the highest point in the city of Ostrava, where our dormitory is located.
We were welcomed by our ESN hosts, Veronika and Michaela, checked in, had a shower and a nice meal. Then we learned a few things about Ostrava, always under the form of "Ostrava has the most [insert adjective] [insert name] in [insert another name that makes the statement true]". As we went out and took a tour of the city, we could actually confirm some of these statements, such as: the puppet theater is the most modern in the country; Stodolni street has the most bars and clubs per square inch; Czech karaoke is the strangest experience of our last week.
Stage F completed, nine more to go.
Aug 18, 2011
facts of life: routines
After so much time of moving from one place to another on a daily basis, it feels like I've been doing this forever, and it feels strange if I stop somewhere. There's only a handful of us, everybody knows where the luggage fits best, everyone can carry someone else's stuff without mixing shoes, sleeping bags or mats, things just flow naturally and the mood is pretty good.
When exactly did this become normal to me? Or even to the others? Can you even call this a routine if you never sleep in the same place, or talk to the same people, or pack the cargo in the same way, or use the same currency, or hear the same language?
I was probably too busy to notice when this change took place, but now I'm wondering what it will be like when I go home and everything changes back. Then again, it might never change back. I've become a different man.
So, to all of you out there, that joined the Ride and went back home: how are you doing?
When exactly did this become normal to me? Or even to the others? Can you even call this a routine if you never sleep in the same place, or talk to the same people, or pack the cargo in the same way, or use the same currency, or hear the same language?
I was probably too busy to notice when this change took place, but now I'm wondering what it will be like when I go home and everything changes back. Then again, it might never change back. I've become a different man.
So, to all of you out there, that joined the Ride and went back home: how are you doing?
rider profile: Thomas
Profile
Name: Thomas Huber, aka the Doctor
Age: 27
From Austria
Graduated Medicine
"If you do this again next year, I will pay for t-shirts."
Name: Thomas Huber, aka the Doctor
Age: 27
From Austria
Graduated Medicine
"If you do this again next year, I will pay for t-shirts."
day 24 - Olomouc to Potstat
Our schedule in Olomouc was pretty tight. We started the day at the Palacký University, where we met with the Vice-Rector for International Relations, Jakob Dürr, and with the head of the International Relations Office, Yvona Vyhnánková. They had carefully read the Manifesto and took some time to discuss with us our concerns and the goals of this project.
We learned about the restructuring of the Czech Higher Education system and how well it turned out to match the Bologna changes. We were also presented with some facts and figures of the University and the city of Olomouc, along with a short History lesson on František Palacký. At the end of the meeting, we brought our Bike of Honour which was tested and signed by our hosts, both cyclists in their free time.
After a nice lunch with the whole ESN crew, we went to the City Hall, where we met Mayor Martin Novotný, notable for being the youngest person elected Mayor of a big city in the Czech Republic, and also for being the leader of a rock band. After we introduced ourselves, we explained our ideas, received words of encouragement for the challenges ahead and gave the GoCycle another spin.
Once the meetings were over, we went on a city tour, where we found an impressive architecture hiding behind the cover of a student city.
In order to shorten the way to Ostrava, we still had to cover some distance this afternoon. There was a lot of climbing, under rain, up to the small town of Potstat. We stayed at the local kindergarten and went out for dinner at the only place in town. We tried the local food, had a couple of beers and met a young man named Jan, who had to come and talk to us to practice his English skills. The fact is that, between all the meetings and events, we also enjoy talking to the locals, it lets us escape the routine - if we can call it that.
This was one of the longest days so far. We want to thank our local team for welcoming us on such a quick visit, we really enjoyed it!
You can see some more photos of our visit here.
We learned about the restructuring of the Czech Higher Education system and how well it turned out to match the Bologna changes. We were also presented with some facts and figures of the University and the city of Olomouc, along with a short History lesson on František Palacký. At the end of the meeting, we brought our Bike of Honour which was tested and signed by our hosts, both cyclists in their free time.
After a nice lunch with the whole ESN crew, we went to the City Hall, where we met Mayor Martin Novotný, notable for being the youngest person elected Mayor of a big city in the Czech Republic, and also for being the leader of a rock band. After we introduced ourselves, we explained our ideas, received words of encouragement for the challenges ahead and gave the GoCycle another spin.
Once the meetings were over, we went on a city tour, where we found an impressive architecture hiding behind the cover of a student city.
In order to shorten the way to Ostrava, we still had to cover some distance this afternoon. There was a lot of climbing, under rain, up to the small town of Potstat. We stayed at the local kindergarten and went out for dinner at the only place in town. We tried the local food, had a couple of beers and met a young man named Jan, who had to come and talk to us to practice his English skills. The fact is that, between all the meetings and events, we also enjoy talking to the locals, it lets us escape the routine - if we can call it that.
This was one of the longest days so far. We want to thank our local team for welcoming us on such a quick visit, we really enjoyed it!
You can see some more photos of our visit here.
Aug 17, 2011
RFYR is still hiring!
Would you like to join the Ride for your Rights! team on the road?
This is your opportunity!
We are looking for volunteers to ride in Boris alongside Tiago.
Applicants must be fluent inSerbo-Croatian, Hungarian, Slovak/Czech, German, Polish, Lithuanian, Latvian, Estonian, Finnish, Russian, Bulgarian, Italian and Portuguese something.
Applicants must also be able to type120 a few words per minute, cut hair, edit HTML and PHP, change tires, cook vegetarian food, fix bicycles, tie knots, build shelves, assemble a GoCycle under one minute, know exchange rates for relevant currencies on a weekly basis, play the guitar, do the laundry and hold Andi's mic (no pun intended) and pass the bottle of water.
Other valued expertises includenavigation, accounting, nursing and Tetris skills actually showing up.
We offer all the warm tap water you can drink and an endless stream of Bulgarian jokes.
Most important requirement: must have signed the Manifesto!
Apply to this comment box or via e-mail to rideforyourrights[at]campuseuropae.org
This is your opportunity!
We are looking for volunteers to ride in Boris alongside Tiago.
Applicants must be fluent in
Applicants must also be able to type
Other valued expertises include
We offer all the warm tap water you can drink and an endless stream of Bulgarian jokes.
Most important requirement: must have signed the Manifesto!
Apply to this comment box or via e-mail to rideforyourrights[at]campuseuropae.org
rider profile: Martin
Profile
Name: Martin Janovsky
From the Czech Republic
Studies: Telecommunications
"Try velo couché!"
Name: Martin Janovsky
From the Czech Republic
Studies: Telecommunications
"Try velo couché!"
day 23 - Brno to Olomouc
We began the morning meeting Deputy Mayor Jana Bohuňovská at the City Hall. It is important for us that the local government officials, especially in cities with so many students, support such projects and allow for more active citizenship from students and youth. After explaining the goals of our project, we received words of encouragement, a signature on our Manifesto and some reflectors to help keep us safe on the road.
Before departure we had time for some Portuguese coffee and we were joined by Georg, directly from Vienna to ride with us again, and by Martin, a local cyclist who showed us the best way out of the city and offered to help with contacts along our itinerary. Once again, we had a rainy day, but with such a small group we could stretch the day's ride to Olomouc.
After hours under the rain, we made it to the center of the city, where Barbora from the local ESN kindly welcomed us to her flat, which we instantly turned into a nomad camp. Without women in the cycling group, it's harder to remain civilized.
A short stop at the gyros and a not-so-long visit to the pub were enough to get all of us on sleeping mode. More than 100 km in the rain will wear anyone out.
Before departure we had time for some Portuguese coffee and we were joined by Georg, directly from Vienna to ride with us again, and by Martin, a local cyclist who showed us the best way out of the city and offered to help with contacts along our itinerary. Once again, we had a rainy day, but with such a small group we could stretch the day's ride to Olomouc.
After hours under the rain, we made it to the center of the city, where Barbora from the local ESN kindly welcomed us to her flat, which we instantly turned into a nomad camp. Without women in the cycling group, it's harder to remain civilized.
A short stop at the gyros and a not-so-long visit to the pub were enough to get all of us on sleeping mode. More than 100 km in the rain will wear anyone out.
facts of life: supply and demand in the job market
After hours in front of the laptop, with two slices of cold pizza and a raw eggplant for dinner, I finally managed to close shop and grab a beer. I joined the rest of the group in the other room, and after 15 minutes everyone went to sleep.
I'm working for too long, and I'm not as efficient as I should be. I need an assistant. I'm even willing to change our job offer and drop most of the prerequisites. I'll post it again in the next round.
day 22 - Brno
Day 22
July 24th
We had a meeting at the underground headquarters of ESN, at the Masarik University, with lots of food on the table again. We saw a presentation about beer (or was it about the Czech Republic?) and then a video about beer (or was it about Erasmus life?). Once again, we had a chance to talk about our goals, share experiences and then go for some beer.
We spent the afternoon playing a game incredibly similar to a city tour, only to end up at the train station, where Lukas and Ursi were beginning to think they would never make it back to Vienna. Given the low number of riders, we were all rooting for them to stay, but to no avail. Once they left, the city tour (or was it a game?) proceeded onto dinner time. We brought food for Julian and Tiago, who had left to work hours before, and continued with games until inappropriate hours.
It was a very easy going day with easy going people. Pity we have to leave, but there is still a lot of road ahead of us.
July 24th
We had a meeting at the underground headquarters of ESN, at the Masarik University, with lots of food on the table again. We saw a presentation about beer (or was it about the Czech Republic?) and then a video about beer (or was it about Erasmus life?). Once again, we had a chance to talk about our goals, share experiences and then go for some beer.
We spent the afternoon playing a game incredibly similar to a city tour, only to end up at the train station, where Lukas and Ursi were beginning to think they would never make it back to Vienna. Given the low number of riders, we were all rooting for them to stay, but to no avail. Once they left, the city tour (or was it a game?) proceeded onto dinner time. We brought food for Julian and Tiago, who had left to work hours before, and continued with games until inappropriate hours.
It was a very easy going day with easy going people. Pity we have to leave, but there is still a lot of road ahead of us.
Aug 16, 2011
facts of life: the way to a man's heart...
... is through his stomach. If it weren't enough that almost everyone from ISC Brno interrupted their holidays to come and meet us, they put on quite a performance. I can't recall the last time I saw so many people smiling so much. And they topped it with trays and trays of food! And then they gave me raw meat!
At the risk of repeating myself, they totally win the award for the best reception of RFYR! Kristina, Alena, Martina, Marek, Danka, Lenka, Jakub, you guys are amazing! See you on my way back!
At the risk of repeating myself, they totally win the award for the best reception of RFYR! Kristina, Alena, Martina, Marek, Danka, Lenka, Jakub, you guys are amazing! See you on my way back!
rider profile: Ursi
Profile
Name: Ursula Witzani
Age: 21
From Austria
Studies: Sports Sciences
"It was a great day with you guys, riding for a good thing. Long live student mobility!"
Name: Ursula Witzani
Age: 21
From Austria
Studies: Sports Sciences
"It was a great day with you guys, riding for a good thing. Long live student mobility!"
day 21 - Laa an der Thaya to Brno
Day 21
July 23rd
Our small and ever changing group left Laa and Austria, to add another flag to the pole. The Czech Republic now has the privilege to host Ride for your Rights!
With more merciful weather, we had a lunch break by the lakeside, where Julian decided to upset fishermen and scare little children by riding his unicycle (now finally accessible, thanks to Ferdinand's work).
The ride was comfortable, possibly because of yesterday's spa treat, and was crowned with the best reception we've had so far: the crew from ESN Brno were waiting for us at the dormitory with great snacks and the friendliest attitude we've encountered on our way. They really made us feel at home.
They took us out for dinner and drinks, with the promise of lots of fun for the break day. Looking forward!
July 23rd
Our small and ever changing group left Laa and Austria, to add another flag to the pole. The Czech Republic now has the privilege to host Ride for your Rights!
With more merciful weather, we had a lunch break by the lakeside, where Julian decided to upset fishermen and scare little children by riding his unicycle (now finally accessible, thanks to Ferdinand's work).
The ride was comfortable, possibly because of yesterday's spa treat, and was crowned with the best reception we've had so far: the crew from ESN Brno were waiting for us at the dormitory with great snacks and the friendliest attitude we've encountered on our way. They really made us feel at home.
They took us out for dinner and drinks, with the promise of lots of fun for the break day. Looking forward!
facts of life: until we meet again
This morning I said goodbye to Christopher and Juliane, took Riina to the airport, took Majda and Mirko to the bus station, drove Niki and Jakob back from Laa, Nina and Christian will leave in the morning and yesterday I only managed to give Mario some Kofola from the back of Boris, before he returned to his Death Star.
The group I knew is gone, as all good things must come to an end. Less have joined, although we keep our hopes up. And I'm sure I'll see many of my new friends sooner than I expect, latest in the next time we do something like this...
The group I knew is gone, as all good things must come to an end. Less have joined, although we keep our hopes up. And I'm sure I'll see many of my new friends sooner than I expect, latest in the next time we do something like this...
rider profile: Lukas
Profile
Name: Lukas Zauner
Age: 25
From Austria
Studies: Sports and Theology
"I came, I saw and changed the world!"
Name: Lukas Zauner
Age: 25
From Austria
Studies: Sports and Theology
"I came, I saw and changed the world!"
Aug 13, 2011
day 20 - Vienna to Laa an der Thaya
Day 20
July 22nd
With a much smaller group than in the past few weeks, we began stage E with - you'll never guess! - a meeting in Vienna. We were contacted by the head of the Austrian National Agency, which deals with the very issues we try to address and wanted to learn more about the project. We couldn't pass on such an opportunity to voice our message.
We hit the road under a heavy storm, testing our waterproof gear and climbing up the hills on the way to Laa an der Thaya, just before the border with the Czech Republic.
There, we met the local Mayor, presented our project and rolled our the Bike of Honour once again. We believe that local government has an immense responsibility in motivating and supporting young people to start their own projects and not just search for opportunities in the big cities. We've seen much country side up until now, and it's a world of possibilities.
Before we checked in the Pfadfindergruppe house, we received a special treat: evening at the spa! Courtesy of the Mayor and Therme Laa, we had dinner and dipped ourselves into hot salty water outside. It was a very nice reward after riding in the rain.
July 22nd
With a much smaller group than in the past few weeks, we began stage E with - you'll never guess! - a meeting in Vienna. We were contacted by the head of the Austrian National Agency, which deals with the very issues we try to address and wanted to learn more about the project. We couldn't pass on such an opportunity to voice our message.
We hit the road under a heavy storm, testing our waterproof gear and climbing up the hills on the way to Laa an der Thaya, just before the border with the Czech Republic.
There, we met the local Mayor, presented our project and rolled our the Bike of Honour once again. We believe that local government has an immense responsibility in motivating and supporting young people to start their own projects and not just search for opportunities in the big cities. We've seen much country side up until now, and it's a world of possibilities.
Before we checked in the Pfadfindergruppe house, we received a special treat: evening at the spa! Courtesy of the Mayor and Therme Laa, we had dinner and dipped ourselves into hot salty water outside. It was a very nice reward after riding in the rain.
special thanks: Karlheinz Toechterle
We would also like to thank the support of Karlheinz Toechterle, the Ẫustrian Federal Minister of Science and Research, for the interest shown in Ride for your Rights!
Once again, it is very important for us to receive support and to have a chance to speak to all stakeholders, in order to properly identify and tackle the problems of student mobility. The support of the Federal Ministry, we believe, is a step in the right direction and we hope to have more chances to address these issues in future. There will be much to do once the riders make it to their final destination.
Once again, it is very important for us to receive support and to have a chance to speak to all stakeholders, in order to properly identify and tackle the problems of student mobility. The support of the Federal Ministry, we believe, is a step in the right direction and we hope to have more chances to address these issues in future. There will be much to do once the riders make it to their final destination.
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