Meet the Writer Who Cycled Europe & Fell in Love with Georgia

Exclusive Interview

A my Jones is a British woman who recently made Georgia her second home. Originally from a tiny town called Ledbury in Herefordshire, she studied French, German and Politics at the University of Bath before moving to Berlin to work in the startup scene. She then spent a year in Singapore before moving home. She arrived in Georgia last year somewhat unconventionally- by bike. We caught up with her to find out more.

What led you to decide to cycle Europe?

It was a very sporadic decision. I wasn’t a keen cyclist and used to be scared of cycling on roads, even on very quiet country lanes near where I’m from in the UK. I was living in Singapore and decided it would be amazing to return home over-land. After a lot of research, I came across people who had cycled. The idea of being so close to nature and having such a raw adventure caught me. I moved home, saved money, bought a bike, and left. I spent five months cycling through 15 countries from England to Georgia.

Tell us some highlights and low points of your trip

There were countless highlights. Every day was different and inspiring, even if for the wrong reasons! Highlights were being adopted by a village in Bosnia and painting a Tito memorial on 1st May; spending three days without seeing a car on stunning roads in Montenegro; exploring the ancient caves of Cappadocia in Turkey; and staying with so many interesting and different types of people.

I also loved border-crossing days. A few kilometers of roads separate different worlds. Crossing from Croatia to Bosnia, suddenly there were so many mosques and minarets. When I crossed from Montenegro to Albania, I was suddenly sharing the roads with horse and carts, and I saw a horse being ridden the wrong way down a dual carriage way. Cycling from Turkey to Georgia was like returning to Europe after Asia.

The low points were being chased by dogs in Greece in an area where a lady had been killed by dogs a few months earlier; losing the friendship of a good friend with whom I started the trip; unwanted attention from men; and the loneliness. Sometimes all you want is a hug from your Mum.

What did you do to prepare?

Physically, absolutely nothing. I went into the trip completely blind with no experience. The first day, when I was cycling in -10 and snow, I thought I couldn’t possibly reach France. I had never cycled further than 30km in my life. I didn’t even know how to fix a flat tire. When I had my first flat in Greece, I had to hitch a lift from a farmer who helped me.

What challenges did you face?

Overcoming certain fears, riding on busy roads with huge lorries hurtling past incredibly close, removing a spider from my tent, and wild camping by myself convinced that every noise in the night was a bear. Remaining motivated was also a challenge. Some days the last thing you want to do is cycle up a mountain, or cycle at all, but it was always worth it in the end.

What would you have done differently?

Very little. The trip shaped and pushed me in ways I never expected. I’m more self-assured, proactive and stronger than before. I don’t regret how unprepared I was for the trip as that also taught me unique lessons. I would have stayed in closer contact with my family who worried about me every day. I also would have changed a bike part that makes it easier to go up hills, and I would have written a diary. You think every memory is etched firmly into your brain, but they still fade with time.

What was your original plan and what made you stop in Georgia?

My original plan was to cycle to Singapore from my home in England. I stopped in Georgia because winter was approaching. I’d heard so many good things about Georgia and Tbilisi: the food, the people, the nature, the clubbing. Fast forward a few months and I am looking at staying here long-term. It lived up to my expectations and more.

What are your fondest memories of 2018 and what are you most looking forward to in 2019?

2018 was the year I went my own way, literally and metaphorically. By going against the advice of most of my friends and family and doing something slightly crazy, I had the best and most experience-filled year of my life. My trip, settling in Georgia, becoming a full-time writer, and also seeing my brother get married, have made 2018 a very special year. If 2019 is only half so full I will be happy. 2019 will bring some hard decisions: whether to continue to Singapore or stay in Georgia, go home or back to Berlin – but I hope it will be just as adventurous as 2018. I think I will cycle the Pamir Highway in central Asia for a few weeks next summer and then come back to Tbilisi and start a business, but who knows what the year will bring.

By Katie Ruth Davies