A transcontinental bike ride. Two continents. 13 countries. 14,580 km. 300 days. One young man’s journey alone for hope.
Update: After enjoying this engaging interview with Adrian Marziliano about his transcontinental bike ride, don’t miss his follow-up guest feature 6 Lessons Learned Cycling Solo through Latin America!
I recently connected through social media with Adrian Marziliano who, like another young man I met earlier this year, has embarked on an epic journey. I was drawn to Adrian’s story, not just because of its scale, but because he was starting his ride in Chile, one of the Latin American countries where I lived in my youth, and a country of unparalleled beauty where I long to return.
I soon learned that Adrian’s travels were not just a quest for adventure or to set a world record.
This transcontinental bike ride would be a journey of remembrance and hope . . . .
Table of Contents
Interview
Howard: Please start off by telling us a bit about yourself.
Adrian: My name is Adrian Marziliano and I am a 29-year-old Canadian. I was born in Toronto, but I actually grew up in the Central Valley of California and lived there until I was 16. I graduated from Ryerson University in Toronto with a Bachelor’s Degree of Commerce. I am also a private pilot with a Canadian Private Pilot’s Licence. I am very active and love playing ice hockey as well as mountain biking. I also love travelling and discovering new hidden treasures around the world, especially when it comes to food. I have always considered myself very fortunate to grow up with adventurous parents, who took my sister and me travelling whenever they could. Thanks to them, I sometimes find it hard to stay in one place for very long.
Howard: And right now you are on the road, is that correct? Where are you going?
Adrian: That is correct. I am currently in Lima, Peru, on a solo bicycle trip that began in Santiago, Chile, on November 9, 2016. My plan is to ride to my hometown, Toronto, to raise money and awareness for palliative care cancer patients.
Howard: A bicycle trip from Chile to Canada. Epic! How long does a transcontinental bike ride like that take?
Adrian: According to my route, it is about 14,580 kilometres. I figure since my goal is to ride about 50 km per day, I will try to complete it in 300 days.
Howard: 300 days! That must not give you much time to stop and hang out. Will you be taking any breaks?
Adrian: I will take a few breaks as I go. The idea is to try to follow my schedule and my route, and to work in some breaks by pedalling a bit further on some days to rest during others. It has already worked out for me so far, as I am slightly ahead of schedule and have taken more breaks than I originally planned. Besides, this trip is less about relaxation and more about trying to spread awareness. For this reason, I hope to continually be on the move to maintain the interest of my followers.
Howard: Tell us more about the route of your transcontinental bike ride. Where are you going exactly? Which countries will you visit along the way?
Adrian: Right now I am following the Pan-American Highway through Chile to arrive at the Peruvian border. I will ride on along the coast until I get to Ecuador. I then plan to pass through the Andes Mountains into Colombia and ride until the city of Cartagena. A boat will take me to Panamá, where I will continue to follow the Pan-American Highway up to Mexico. I will then cross over to the Gulf of Mexico and ride along the coast until Texas. My route will take me through Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. I will then pass into Canada via Niagara Falls and ride into Toronto.
Howard: Wow, that will make for quite an adventure! Can you tell us more about why you embarked on a transcontinental bike ride?
Adrian: Yes, of course. I am riding to honour my late mother who lost her battle to colon cancer in 2010. I was there holding her hand when she passed, and ever since that day, I’ve felt the desire to do something in her name to help support cancer patients. Since her passing, two uncles, an aunt, and two close family friends have also passed away from cancer. I’ve watched my very large, Italian family get smaller and smaller and decided I had to do something.
What better way to gain attention and support than to ride halfway around the word?
Howard: So tell us, how do you plan to use biking to help spread awareness for cancer patients?
Adrian: I believe the two biggest and hottest things on social media right now are travel and food. Many people are stuck at home or at work wishing they were on an adventure. I’m saying, “Come on my adventure and support cancer patients who truly need your help.” I’ve had this romantic idea for some time now that you could use travel to help support a cause and to spread awareness for that cause.
Adrian: My goal is to capture the public’s attention with photos of adventure and new foods I discover along the way in order to bring about the consciousness of something more serious. Just as you can find adventure in every corner of the globe, you can now also find someone who has been touched by cancer.
Howard: Sounds clever enough. Is there an organization or group helping you with your cause?
Adrian: I am working with the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation in Toronto. The cancer hospital that is connected to this foundation administered my mother’s treatments and also contracted the palliative care workers that came to our house to help with her care. This project is not only my way of saying thank you to them, but also to help other patients who, like my mom, wake up every day to fight cancer. I am very happy to have the support of the Princess Margaret Foundation. To me, this partnership is very personal.
Howard: That is great that you have their help! For readers who may not know, what exactly is palliative care?
Adrian: Palliative care is about being there for cancer patients when they need it the most; a person to to talk to, help maintaining a positive outlook on their lives, a new warm blanket or some fresh flowers, a ride to and from their treatments, a home-cooked meal for them and their family, or even a simple hug.
Howard: Those are great suggestions for ways we all can lend a hand to survivors in their struggle. Are there other ways we can support your cause?
Adrian: Please, please visit and like my Facebook page: @RideHomeForRosemary. I will be uploading photos, videos, and information from my trip using that page. Leave your mark with some kinds words, by rating my page, or even by posting a photo of yourself with the #RideHome hashtag to show your support.
If you are feeling generous, visit my donation page, RideHome4Rosemary, to make a donation for my cause. The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation is registered as a charitable foundation in both Canada and the United States, so residents from both countries can receive a tax receipt for donations over $15 CAD. All money donated will go directly to the foundation to improve and further develop palliative care programs.
Also, please don’t forget to share my story and my ride with friends, family, and social media contacts by using the hashtags #RideHome and #RideHomeForRosemary. The success of my trip depends on word getting out, so please share as much as you can!
Howard: Is there anything else you would like people to take away from your cause?
Adrian: Absolutely! I would like this ride to not only help my cause and the foundation I am working with, but to motivate others to make a difference in their own ways, as well. It is most important to me that we join together to fight this disease and support patients in any way we can.
Many of these things can be done without donating money. If you don’t have much to spare, donate some extra time to a foundation or to someone you know with cancer. Create your own fundraiser to help a local foundation or support group. Every little bit can make a difference. I believe that anything is possible. I have never travelled anywhere by bike before, and yet here I am trying for almost 15,000 km for my first attempt.
If I can do this, anyone can make a difference.
#RideHomeForRosemary Promo Video
#RideHomeForRosemary coming soon! Are you ready? #RideHome #epic #ride @thePMCF @GIPPEC @GTBicycles @Garmin @Thule pic.twitter.com/e2QcjX2FMw
— Adrian Marziliano (@AdrianMarzil) October 15, 2016
Read more about Adrian’s transcontinental bike ride in his follow-up guest feature 6 Lessons Learned Cycling Solo through Latin America.
Map It!
If you would like to follow Adrian’s transcontinental bike ride in real time, you can connect with him daily at TrackMyTour: #RideHomeForRosemary.
We Would Love to Hear From You
We value dialogue with our readers, and Adrian will be joining us in the discussion by responding to your comments and questions below. Would you ever consider doing an epic trip, such as a transcontinental bike ride, for a worthy cause? We would love to hear your thoughts on Adrian’s journey, and we appreciate you sharing this story on all your social channels!
If you enjoy learning about epic journeys and the intriguing people who take them, check out our interview with Nathan Kolk, a young man who took A 10,000 Mile Road Trip around the USA!
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Helpful Links
6 Lessons Learned Cycling Solo through Latin America
Donate: Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
Facebook Page: @RideHomeForRosemary
Facebook Profile: Adrian Marziliano
TrackMyTour: #RideHomeForRosemary
Hashtags: #RideHome #RideHomeForRosemary
Hello Adrian, I have been following you for a couple of months, once your Dad told me about your adventurous goal I asked how do I contact him…..I am awed by you goal, also your dedication to honor your mother (very special) and your contribution in further raising awareness to the dreaded disease of cancer…….you are a very special young man, I believe your Mom is right there with you on your travels and I know your Dad is very proud of you…..I love seeing the beautiful places you share with your pictures, places I’ve never been and will probably never visit. Adrian, due to following you on your journey and your cause, my awareness to cancer has been heightened…….may God Bless You, keeping you safe and renewing your strength every day……
Thank you so much Shirley! It makes me very happy to know my journey has touched you, and that you are enjoying my posts. Thank you for the compliments and the moral support! It means a lot to me to have people like you following my cause and cheering me on! All the best!
Hi Adrian this is Jennifer Barry I am a friend of your parents and a client of your dad for many many years. The last time I saw you was st my daughters wedding in Penble Beach which was about 11 years ago. I have been following your travels and I am very proud of what you r accomplishing. Your mother is very proud of you too. Be safe an I look forward to following you. What a journey !!!
Hey Jennifer!
I remember your daughter’s wedding very well! You and your family were very kind to have us as guests. It was such a beautiful ceremony! Thank you so much for your kind words and for following my journey! You have given me motivation to keep going! I hope to see you again soon one day. Take care and lots of love to your family!
Hi Adrian, it’s cousin Kevin in Vancouver. Just wanted to say how proud I am of you! What you are doing is very brave and courageous and raising awareness for such a good cause. Also enjoy your journey as you discover all the different geography from South America to Central America to the U.S.A. I hope to meet you soon sometime, we would all love to have you over in Vancouver and I need to visit Toronto too. I pray for safety and strength for you. Be safe, Ti Amo, Ciao!
Hey Kevin! Thanks for the wishes and kind words! I definitely already have a new appreciation for geography and I haven’t even made it out of South America! You would love all the Pan-American travellers I see on their motorcycles! I will definitely have to come visit. I have a feeling my new love for biking will bring me over there sooner than later. You’re always welcome in Toronto! Take soon. Lots of love. Ciao!
What a great way to travel! I am so amazed by how passionate you are with this. Continue to inspire people. Cheers! xx
Thanks Trisha! This is a trip you definitely have to be passionate about to complete! Passion is what keeps us going! Take care!
Wow, 14,580 kilometers sounds long, but 50 kilometers sounds so much better. Still, nearly a year of cycling must be really exhausting. I hope he will manage to come with his message across. Cancer is a big problem touching many, and maybe if we care a bit more about our health, what we eat and whether we move every day, I believe we can live better life.
Thank you Veronika! I hope so too! It is definitely a long trip, but you’re right. When I only think of the next day’s ride, it feels a little better. It has already definitely taught me to look at life differently! And I believe you’re right about our health. A better balance would definitely make our bodies stronger and more resilient. If I wasn’t eating right and looking after myself, I definitely couldn’t have made it as far as I have!
Wow, what an amazing adventure! Thanks for sharing, Howard. And sorry to hear about your mother and other family members, Adrian. I love how you are doing this in their honor and raising awareness along the way, as well as inspiring others to make a difference in their own way–it’s such a great way to travel with a purpose! Best wishes to you and hope you have a fantastic time on your adventure!
Thanks Jenna! I really do hope this journey inspires others. Even if one person finds motivation to make a difference from my ride, I would consider it a success. Thank you for the wishes and the kind words about my family! Take care!
Adrian Marziliano is my son. Since his mom, Rosemary passed, six years ago he has been searching.
Moving to Santiago over two years ago, living with his cousin, Joanna DeMarco, getting the freedom, discovering Chile, and learning the language.
I feel Adrian has found purpose in life!!
I am a spiritual person, his mom Rosemary is guiding Adrian.
Enjoy your journey son!!
Thanks Dad!
Thank you for supporting my ride and for helping so much to promote my cause!
What a great thing to do. I am a cancer patient and so thankful to people such as Adrian helping to raise awareness.
Thank you Jenni! I wish you all the best and send you a big hug and lots of positive energy. I am so happy for your comment! It’s patients like you that are my inspiration, so it’s important to me that you find meaning in my ride.
Adrian, your story is very inspirational! I’m so sorry about your mother and other relatives, but I know they all must be so proud of what you’re doing. I hope your journey continues to bring awareness and help to those that need it.
Thank you very much Vicky and Buddy! I also hope that I can bring awareness and help any many as possible. Thank you for your kinds words about my family. I know they would be proud!
Thank you Howard for sharing this inspiring journey, and it’s lovely to meet you Adrian! I’m so sorry to hear about your mother. I think what you’re doing in her name is incredible, and for everyone who will benefit from the awareness and money you raise.
All the best, new follower of your journey here!
Thank you very much for the compliment and the condolences, Megan! I am really happy to hear you will be following my journey! I hope you have a great New Years and I wish you all the best with your blog!
Wow, not only is Adrian going on an epic trip, but he’s also doing it for a great cause! I think most of us travel for our own enjoyment and to escape the ordinary. To go travel to raise money and awareness is a really great way to give back.
Thank you Jennifer. I love travelling and exploring the world, but this time I really wanted to do something completely different. It is a very rewarding feeling to be halfway around the world, to know that you are helping a cause and that people are following you on your journey. It is definitely what keeps me pedalling! I am hoping that this could open the door for adventurous people out there to look at travelling in a whole new way.
Sincere kudos to Adrian for this. Travel brings so much in you. Lets travel more and make this world beautiful again.
Thank you Himanshu! I definitely agree!!
That is indeed a great cause he is doing this trip for! He is an inspiration!
Cancer patients do need that emotional bonding, knowing about them for the first time.
Thank you Indrani! I am very glad that you enjoyed the article and support my cause. No matter what form of treatment patients receive, the emotional connection is still important indeed. We are humans after all.
Amazing. Hats off to you. It is not easy to travel continuously with bicycle. Love to know about you
Thank you very much Sumti! It is not easy, but it is very rewarding! If you check out my Facebook page @RideHomeForRosemary, you can find some new videos of where I have biked so far. I hope you have a Happy New Year!
Thank you Howard and Jerry for sharing my story! I hope this will inspire others to take part in their own way to make a difference. I can’t wait to hear what people think!
The pleasure of sharing your amazing story is all ours, Adrian!