He has been kidnapped 38 times in Mexico and Russia and nearly died after he was bitten by a snake in India. And yet these incidents failed to unfaze this 75-year-old Italian retiree from achieving his quest to bike around the world in 16 years or when he reaches 80 years old.
After visiting 140 countries since he started his biking quest 11 years ago, Janusz River is set to hit the roads of Cebu, where he plans to start his tour in the Philippines, the 141st country on his list.
River has since logged 148,000 kilometers pedaling his bike in these 140 countries.
River arrived in Cebu last Friday through a direct flight from Seoul, South Korea. He is expected to start his Philippine adventure today.
“I was always sure that I will go to the Philippines. The people are nice, have strong faith and they accept you well,” the lively cyclist told reporters in an
interview at the St. Alphonsus Collegiate Formation House in the Redemptorist Seminary yesterday, where he is currently staying.
River said that he used to work as an international sports manager and talent scout for 50 years in Italy and he was 64 years old when he decided to hit the road and complete his tour around the world with his bike by 80.
DECISION
He recalled the decision to bike around the world as “a spontaneous moment” while he stayed at his Italian house last Dec. 30, 1999.
“I just thought to myself, what are you doing with all these money?” Rivers recalled. Then he saw a newspaper clipping of a man who toured around Europe with his bike. So he decided to travel the world on a bike.
When asked why he decided to embark on his adventure, River said that being a bachelor, he just do what he does.
“For me, I go because I’m old. And I told myself that I will never be dead at home, in the hospital or in front of the television. I will die on the road. I can be dead there anytime,” he said.
CEBU
River said that he chose Cebu as his first stop because of his affinity for the late Blessed Pope John Paul II, who visited Cebu in the 1990s with his statue built on the grounds of the Archbishop’s residence in Jakosalem Street, in Cebu City.
River said that he met with Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma on Monday morning and told him about his adventures.
“After our meeting, he signed a letter and told me to show it to the church and congregations in Cebu and they would welcome me as their guest,” River said.
The Italian cyclist then told Palma of his plan to pedal around Cebu province, visit Luzon and Mindanao.
“I’ve always wanted to visit Mindanao because many people say that it’s dangerous,” said a laughing River.
PERSUADED
Archbishop Palma, however, persuaded River to change his route and not go to Mindanao because of an ongoing civilian conflict in the area.
River will instead ride his bike to Luzon after touring Cebu, Leyte and Dinagat Island.
“I’m a citizen of the world. My citizenship is on the country where I stayed,” he said. He said he would also speak the language of the country where he would stay.
River speaks 20 languages and is currently studying Cebuano.
Today, he will start to pedal in Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu cities. Tomorrow, he will head north and back.
He is set to complete his cycling adventures in the Visayas by Dec. 14.
Bryan and Shiela Sacro, who are active in Cebu’s local music industry, will help River go around the province.
STAY WITH LOCALS
When visiting a new place, River said that he would prefer to immerse himself with the village life of the locals and stay on low-key places that the locals prefer.
Since he started out 11 years ago, River is only armed with his bike, three drybags with sleeping mat, a few clothes and mosquito net.
He said that the Germans provided him with specially made tires that could only be cut by a knife.
He also arranged for his lawyer to send in money from his account, where he spends $3 daily for food or fare.
KIDNAPPED
River said that among the challenging setbacks he experienced in his journey was the 38 times he was kidnapped in Mexico and in Russia.
He said that when kidnappers would know who he is with the newspaper clippings he carried around, they would enjoy his stories and would be fascinated with his journey.
He said one group who attempted to kidnapped him eventually gave his money and provided him with shelter and food.
SNAKE BITE
River also said that he was almost killed after he was twice bitten by a snake in India.
When he dies, River said that he already set his property for donation to various orphans he met worldwide.
To maintain his healthy physique, River said he would only eat fish and vegetables and fruits and would bike from 30 kilometers to 50 kilometers daily.
When travelling, he prefers to stay outdoors and sleep in the grass with his sleeping mat.
With this simple living, River claimed that he had never been admitted to the hospital for sickness.
He hopes to end his quest in Brazil, where he was invited to the opening of the 2016 Olympic Games there. He will turn 80 then.
He said his biggest fear is not knowing what to do after he finished his world tour at the age of 80.
“My biggest problem is what I’ll do after I’m 80. I would definitely be one stupid man,” River joked.