From Thailand to Crimea: One Cyclist's 12,000-Kilometer Ride Home

Russian cyclist Andrey Pavlov has traded the tropical beaches of Thailand for the open road, pedaling over 12,000 kilometers to return to his home in Crimea. After months abroad, he says the pull of family and familiar soil became impossible to ignore.

Pavlov’s route cut through five countries—Laos, China, and Kazakhstan among them—before crossing into Russian territory. Along the way, he relied on little more than determination and a sturdy bike. “I couldn’t stay away from Crimea any longer,” he told local media. “It’s my home, and being apart from the people there is too hard. Every place has its charm, but nothing compares to where you belong.”

He is set to finish the journey on July 26, with just 70 kilometers left to the village of Sovetskoye, where his family is waiting. Pavlov doesn’t plan to become a travel blogger or seek fame. “I’m just coming home with a deep love for my homeland and its people,” he said. For now, the road ahead is short—but the trip has already left its mark.