Pedaling to Shanghai: Russian Woman’s Epic Bike Journey Across Siberia

A 32-year-old woman from St. Petersburg has set off on an ambitious solo bicycle trip to China, covering nearly 2,000 kilometers since June 1. Maria Os, an experienced traveler, shared her story with local outlet 78.ru, detailing her route through Vologda, Yaroslavl, Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan, and Yekaterinburg. She is currently between Tyumen and Omsk, with another 10,000 kilometers ahead to reach Shanghai by the end of summer.

The journey hasn’t been without its setbacks. In the town of Vyazniki, Os took a hard fall, injuring her arm and losing her memory for six hours. Yet she recovered within a couple of days and pressed on. “No major difficulties,” she said. “Traffic police don’t bother me—they just tell me to be careful. Everyone has been friendly and helpful.” She avoids camping, preferring to sleep in hotels or with locals she meets along the way. Her daily food budget in cafés runs about 300 rubles—roughly $3.50.

Os saved up for the trip by working and budgeting carefully. “I have no idea if I can cover this distance,” she admitted. “But I’ll never know if I don’t try.” Her journey comes on the heels of another long-distance feat: in July, a man from Chita paddled a stand-up paddleboard 2,500 kilometers along the Amur River, aiming for the Sea of Okhotsk.