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I’m The First Romanian To Cycle North And South America (6600 Km So Far) After My Girlfriend Dumped Me
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I’m The First Romanian To Cycle North And South America (6600 Km So Far) After My Girlfriend Dumped Me

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In January of this year, a short while after moving with my Iranian girlfriend in Bucharest, Romania, I got dumped by her. Her situation was much more complicated than one of the average person. She was an unusual immigrant from Iran in Romania, and that made her more exotic in my eyes. As a matter of fact, this is part of the reason why I fell in love with her.

At the moment of break up, I felt my entire world collapsing before my eyes. We had made plans for marriage and then traveling the world together, and now everything was gone. She justified her decision out of a lack of love for me that she couldn’t tell in the beginning. But it was probably more than that, that has ended our long-term relationship. So, at the moment when that happened, I needed to embark on something else, something big. I needed to start on a significant project that would restore my self-esteem, the faith in myself, and mend my broken heart. All the things which have been partially harmed by this tough moment for me.

And what crazier project than that of deciding to take off to Alaska and start biking along the longest road in the world, the Panamerican Highway down to Argentina. So I convinced a few sponsors in Romania to back my road trip with the equipment needed and started an Indiegogo fundraising campaign, and I took off into the wilds of Alaska.

Since August 5th, when I started biking near the Arctic ocean I came a long way, and I am now approaching the Mexican border. 6600 km (4100 miles) cycled through the most remote areas of North America, through the wilds of Alaska and the Yukon territory and the vast prairies of Canada to Yellowstone National Park and Canyonlands in South Utah. This has been an amazing journey and life on the road experience so far, and as I am approaching Mexico, I am getting ready for the real cultural experience. I can’t wait for the hot-blooded people and the warm weather as I have been battling with the winter for the past month or so since crossing the border in Montana, in the United States.

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This journey is more than I could have expected when my girlfriend dumped me. I wake up every day in my tent with a new landscape, in a new part of the world. I get the meet amazing people that show me how humane this world can still be. Some people stop me and offer to host me for the night, some stop and hand me money in appreciation of what I do. One thing I will never forget is the day I got caught up in a terrible snowstorm in Utah. The very first family on whose door I knocked invited me in to take refuge and have dinner with them — what a beautiful moment.

I have a long way to go still – check the cool photos I took along the road. If you want to support my journey through the Americas, you can donate on my Facebook page through the donate button.

More info: Facebook

RELATED:

    Sleeping in my tent at -10°C in Utah, USA

    Cycling through the mountains

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    Cycling in winter conditions in Idaho, USA

    Reaching the Arctic circle in Alaska

    Above the clouds in the North Slope of Alaska

    Arches National Park near Moab, Utah, one of the most beautiful places I have ever been through

    Crossing the border to New Mexico

    Canyonlands National Park, Utah, USA

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    Arches National Park, Utah, USA

    My faithful friend

    At 5574 Feet (1698 m) I crossed the border into the fifth state

    what-i-did-when-my-iranian-girlfriend-dumped-me-i-left-for-alaska-to-cycle-the-two-americas5

    The Canadian Prairies at sunset. Alberta, Canada

    i-became-the-first-romanian-to-cycle-north-and-south-america-after-my-girlfriend-dumped-me-9__880

    Cycling in the Winter time, Montana, USA

    Deadhorse, Alaska at dusk

    At Lake Louise in Banff National Park

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    Radu Paltineanu

    Radu Paltineanu

    Author, Community member

    Read more »

    Explorer, Motivational Speaker, European Adventurer of the Year 2018

    Read less »
    Radu Paltineanu

    Radu Paltineanu

    Author, Community member

    Explorer, Motivational Speaker, European Adventurer of the Year 2018

    What do you think ?
    Add photo comments
    POST
    TracyMcMillian
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You remind me of Edward Abbey, author of "Desert Solitaire", who was in LOVE with Arches & Canyonlands Nat'l Park. He was strongly opposed to the idea of visiting the national parks by car - any motorized thing in fact- in fear of polluting and destroying them. Traveling on a bike, you must have been praised by Abbey. The book was published in 1968 and is still considered one of the most beautiful nature writings ever written. I am about to enter my 60's. Dumping and being dumped many times, I now know all the experiences with men has only enriched my life on earth. I hope you don't feel sad or disappointed, for you never know what's waiting for you during your life's journey. I truly admire your adventurous mind and your way of dealing with one of those heartbreaking moments nobody can avoid.

    Abby
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Truly inspirational man! And that's the way to handle a messy breakup :)

    ElizabethDaigle
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I liked reading it and seeing the pictures. So boom. The Internet would be empty if people didn't share. Why are you even on bored panda?

    BreezySally
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think saying someone dumped you makes them look and sound bad. She had her reasons for moving on and they might have been in your interest

    AdrianTiutiu
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Meserie, what you are doing is awesome, but believe me it doesnt compare with what romanians are doing in the construction field evry day in the us. If sll of them woul have a blog online abt their life your story would be a breeze comparing. So stop advertising, unless you walked the walk.

    bogbog
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You're an inspiration to us all. That is one epic trip :) Keep going, don't give up !

    ClintRichardson
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bike, Forrest, bike! Seriously though, please keep posting your progress. I think we all want to know that you are safe along the way. Please consider stopping before the Darien Gap in Panama so you can live to tell the tale again. It is nice here. Quite an accomplishment no matter how much further you get.

    VaesDothrak
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You should be very proud of yourself to gain the strength to achieve such a great life experience ...Everything happens for a reason ..;I know the feeling ...Take care

    DoruNuta
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Iulian Sabau. The first romanian who cycle around the world: http://picirelo.blogspot.rs/?m=1

    IrinaMacoviciuc
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a fellow Romanian, I am really glad I stumbled upon your article and read your story. I'm proud of you. Keep up the great work! I'm looking forward to following your travels on Facebook :)

    DeannaSt
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Radu Paltineanu, don't be upset because of that girl, even if you loved her a lot, plenty more fish in the sea. You'll love another one again soon, the first 9-10 months are very painful and then you'll be healed. And a bit bitter and a bit more suspicious and more cautious next time, but in the end, when a door closes, a window opens. And your window is worth every penny. Tale care. I will follow you along the road, from now on. I am Australian since 1987 but I was born in Romania. Mult noroc și cat mai multe vai și cat mai puține dealuri/munți/pante LOL. Bafta! Take care in Mexico, it's full of crooks always ready to steal a bicycle. :) You'll feel like home there ;)

    DeannaSt
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Radu Paltineanu, don't be upset because of that girl, even if you loved her a lot, plenty more fish in the sea. You'll love another one again soon, the first 9-10 months are very painful and then you'll be healed. And a bit bitter and a bit more suspicious and more cautious next time, but in the end, when a door closes, a window opens. And your window is worth every penny. Tale care. I will follow you along the road, from now on. I am Australian since 1987 but I was born in Romania. Mult noroc și cat mai multe vai și cat mai puține dealuri/munți/pante inclinate LOL. Bafta! Take care in Mexico, it's full of crooks always ready to steal a bicycle. :) You'll feel like home there ;)

    IuliaPoenariu
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cred că intimitatea proprie, a mea ca individ, are de-a face și cu motivele unor decizii, respectiv cu tăria cu care îmi înfrunt propriile dezamăgiri. Și cred că unele lucruri ar trebui să rămână ascunse, nu pentru că sunt urâte, ci pentru că putem trăi la fel de împliniți dacă suferința nu ne e complet mediatizată. So .. instead of the title, for the sake of the beautiful photos you shared.. "I was unhappy after a break-up, so I needed to see other beautiful sides of this planet, to see the world". No nationality needed. No unnecessary details. Otherwise, I would think that the whole reason of the trip was to win her back. Îți doresc multă liniște în suflet și înțelepciune.

    TimoteiRad
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    E puțin mai complex de atât. Au făcut ședință foto și a "inginerit" întreaga poveste: www.autostopmagellan.ro/radu-paltineanu-aka-pacala-explorator-in-americi-de-timotei-rad/ Pe finalul articolului e discutat și acest post de pe BoredPanda

    Load More Replies...
    AmilaDilanka
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nicely done man, Now this is a better way to get away from old memories. damn i wanna do this too.

    RebeccaTaylor
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You have a beautiful soul and a drive to accomplish your visions. That is pretty amazing. I too was recently 'dumped'. I can only hope to do something as productive with my pain as you have!

    GalihRahmawati
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You really do something cool at the cool place. I know that feeling, keep fighting, don't lose your hope. I wish I can do something like you do, I'm stuck in my bored world and makes my energy turn in to fat.

    boglarkabalogh
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Amazing! Congratulations for your courage and self belief. Enjoy the beautiful journey inside and outside yourself..:)

    AriannaMocanu
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cum adica hai coae? O spui de parca ar face ceva neplacut...iti doresc sa traiesti si tu o astfel de aventura, sa te luminezi putin la minte si sa iti maresti orizontul pentru ca se pare ca acum traiesti in lumea ta limitata si demna de mila.

    Load More Replies...
    AndreiMihaiAlexandru
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Who gives a f**k ?why can't people just enjoy an experience for the sake of it and need to brag about it ? Another guy just posted the pictures of his baby minutes after he was born, once again, who gives a f**k ?if someone gives a f**k he'll be at the hospital ,if someone gives a f**k about you you would show the pictures at a dinner or home visit. This is lame.

    AndreiMihaiAlexandru
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    this came up harsh, but I feel that experience becomes more and more about showing that we are somewhere than actually being there. I understand that we live in the age of digital and such, but I think someone would feel so much special to discover the real you, the one which is the sum of all those experiences by actually meeting you, by talking and slowly uncovering layers of you that traveling among other factors help you build, instead all the world is presented with a shallow portrayal of a dude who went traveling because he was dumped. you are turning a harsh and hardly achieved feat of perseverance and will into mere trivial. I hope that the negative vibe of my message does not wholly mask my caring thought. none the less good luck with YOUR quest.

    Load More Replies...
    TracyMcMillian
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You remind me of Edward Abbey, author of "Desert Solitaire", who was in LOVE with Arches & Canyonlands Nat'l Park. He was strongly opposed to the idea of visiting the national parks by car - any motorized thing in fact- in fear of polluting and destroying them. Traveling on a bike, you must have been praised by Abbey. The book was published in 1968 and is still considered one of the most beautiful nature writings ever written. I am about to enter my 60's. Dumping and being dumped many times, I now know all the experiences with men has only enriched my life on earth. I hope you don't feel sad or disappointed, for you never know what's waiting for you during your life's journey. I truly admire your adventurous mind and your way of dealing with one of those heartbreaking moments nobody can avoid.

    Abby
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Truly inspirational man! And that's the way to handle a messy breakup :)

    ElizabethDaigle
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I liked reading it and seeing the pictures. So boom. The Internet would be empty if people didn't share. Why are you even on bored panda?

    BreezySally
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think saying someone dumped you makes them look and sound bad. She had her reasons for moving on and they might have been in your interest

    AdrianTiutiu
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Meserie, what you are doing is awesome, but believe me it doesnt compare with what romanians are doing in the construction field evry day in the us. If sll of them woul have a blog online abt their life your story would be a breeze comparing. So stop advertising, unless you walked the walk.

    bogbog
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You're an inspiration to us all. That is one epic trip :) Keep going, don't give up !

    ClintRichardson
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bike, Forrest, bike! Seriously though, please keep posting your progress. I think we all want to know that you are safe along the way. Please consider stopping before the Darien Gap in Panama so you can live to tell the tale again. It is nice here. Quite an accomplishment no matter how much further you get.

    VaesDothrak
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You should be very proud of yourself to gain the strength to achieve such a great life experience ...Everything happens for a reason ..;I know the feeling ...Take care

    DoruNuta
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Iulian Sabau. The first romanian who cycle around the world: http://picirelo.blogspot.rs/?m=1

    IrinaMacoviciuc
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a fellow Romanian, I am really glad I stumbled upon your article and read your story. I'm proud of you. Keep up the great work! I'm looking forward to following your travels on Facebook :)

    DeannaSt
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Radu Paltineanu, don't be upset because of that girl, even if you loved her a lot, plenty more fish in the sea. You'll love another one again soon, the first 9-10 months are very painful and then you'll be healed. And a bit bitter and a bit more suspicious and more cautious next time, but in the end, when a door closes, a window opens. And your window is worth every penny. Tale care. I will follow you along the road, from now on. I am Australian since 1987 but I was born in Romania. Mult noroc și cat mai multe vai și cat mai puține dealuri/munți/pante LOL. Bafta! Take care in Mexico, it's full of crooks always ready to steal a bicycle. :) You'll feel like home there ;)

    DeannaSt
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Radu Paltineanu, don't be upset because of that girl, even if you loved her a lot, plenty more fish in the sea. You'll love another one again soon, the first 9-10 months are very painful and then you'll be healed. And a bit bitter and a bit more suspicious and more cautious next time, but in the end, when a door closes, a window opens. And your window is worth every penny. Tale care. I will follow you along the road, from now on. I am Australian since 1987 but I was born in Romania. Mult noroc și cat mai multe vai și cat mai puține dealuri/munți/pante inclinate LOL. Bafta! Take care in Mexico, it's full of crooks always ready to steal a bicycle. :) You'll feel like home there ;)

    IuliaPoenariu
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cred că intimitatea proprie, a mea ca individ, are de-a face și cu motivele unor decizii, respectiv cu tăria cu care îmi înfrunt propriile dezamăgiri. Și cred că unele lucruri ar trebui să rămână ascunse, nu pentru că sunt urâte, ci pentru că putem trăi la fel de împliniți dacă suferința nu ne e complet mediatizată. So .. instead of the title, for the sake of the beautiful photos you shared.. "I was unhappy after a break-up, so I needed to see other beautiful sides of this planet, to see the world". No nationality needed. No unnecessary details. Otherwise, I would think that the whole reason of the trip was to win her back. Îți doresc multă liniște în suflet și înțelepciune.

    TimoteiRad
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    E puțin mai complex de atât. Au făcut ședință foto și a "inginerit" întreaga poveste: www.autostopmagellan.ro/radu-paltineanu-aka-pacala-explorator-in-americi-de-timotei-rad/ Pe finalul articolului e discutat și acest post de pe BoredPanda

    Load More Replies...
    AmilaDilanka
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nicely done man, Now this is a better way to get away from old memories. damn i wanna do this too.

    RebeccaTaylor
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You have a beautiful soul and a drive to accomplish your visions. That is pretty amazing. I too was recently 'dumped'. I can only hope to do something as productive with my pain as you have!

    GalihRahmawati
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You really do something cool at the cool place. I know that feeling, keep fighting, don't lose your hope. I wish I can do something like you do, I'm stuck in my bored world and makes my energy turn in to fat.

    boglarkabalogh
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Amazing! Congratulations for your courage and self belief. Enjoy the beautiful journey inside and outside yourself..:)

    AriannaMocanu
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cum adica hai coae? O spui de parca ar face ceva neplacut...iti doresc sa traiesti si tu o astfel de aventura, sa te luminezi putin la minte si sa iti maresti orizontul pentru ca se pare ca acum traiesti in lumea ta limitata si demna de mila.

    Load More Replies...
    AndreiMihaiAlexandru
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Who gives a f**k ?why can't people just enjoy an experience for the sake of it and need to brag about it ? Another guy just posted the pictures of his baby minutes after he was born, once again, who gives a f**k ?if someone gives a f**k he'll be at the hospital ,if someone gives a f**k about you you would show the pictures at a dinner or home visit. This is lame.

    AndreiMihaiAlexandru
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    this came up harsh, but I feel that experience becomes more and more about showing that we are somewhere than actually being there. I understand that we live in the age of digital and such, but I think someone would feel so much special to discover the real you, the one which is the sum of all those experiences by actually meeting you, by talking and slowly uncovering layers of you that traveling among other factors help you build, instead all the world is presented with a shallow portrayal of a dude who went traveling because he was dumped. you are turning a harsh and hardly achieved feat of perseverance and will into mere trivial. I hope that the negative vibe of my message does not wholly mask my caring thought. none the less good luck with YOUR quest.

    Load More Replies...
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