For the love of the world: a bicycle trip from Brittany to Teheran
Journey and encounters
During this adventure, which lasted almost 12 months and took her through 12 different countries, Isabel crossed mountains, deserts and cities, pedaling around 80 to 100 kilometers a day. She braved sometimes difficult weather conditions, impassable roads, and even situations of political tension. It's certainly a physical feat, but what makes Isabel's journey particularly inspiring is the way she has built bridges between cultures. Along the way, she met with locals, shared meals and listened to stories that gave her a unique insight into daily life in the regions she passed through. Isabel immersed herself in each culture, learning a few words of the local language and adopting new customs and traditions, always with a spirit of openness and respect.
One of the highlights of her trip was her crossing of Italy. On the Amalfi coast, Isabel was welcomed by a local family who offered her hospitality after an exhausting day of cycling under the summer sun. It was during this unexpected stay that she discovered the conviviality of sharing home-cooked Italian cuisine around a warm table. Such encounters were frequent throughout her journey, and reinforced her love for people: “I remember one evening in Turkey when a family invited me to share dinner. We didn't speak the same language, but the smiles and generosity were enough to create an unforgettable moment,” she recounts.
Arrival at destination
On her arrival in Iran, Isabel experienced hospitality that touched her deeply, but also moments of tension. While in Tabriz, she was briefly detained by local police, suspicious of a foreigner traveling alone in a region rarely visited by Western tourists. After a few hours of questioning and discussions with a local guide who pleaded on her behalf, Isabel was released. “It was an intimidating experience, but it helped me understand how important communication and cultural understanding are,” she recalls. Afterwards, Isabel was welcomed by a community of Iranian cyclists who congratulated her on her achievement, “When I arrived in Tehran, I felt immense pride. This trip has taught me so much about myself and the goodness of people around the world,” she concludes. Of course, her day ended with an invitation from a family in Iran who offered her room and board for the night. After all, as the old Persian saying goes, “a guest is a gift from God”.
Plouhéran, graphic novel of the journey
“Plouhéran” is the book Isabel Del Real wrote to share her incredible cycling adventure from Brittany to Teheran. Through its pages, she recounts in detail her 15,000-kilometer journey, revealing the challenges, joys and discoveries that marked her journey. More than just a travel story, “Plouhéran” is an ode to the human capacity to connect with different cultures and love them with sincerity. In “Plouhéran”, Isabel Del Real adopts a personal and immersive writing style, allowing readers to feel every pedal stroke, every difficult climb, and every moment of doubt and joy. She describes with great sensitivity her interactions with the people she met along the way, from farmers in France to bazaar merchants in Iran. She also recounts poignant moments, such as the time she was helped by a Turkish family after a fall, or the support she received from Iranian cyclists on her arrival in Tehran. This book is a must-read for anyone dreaming of freedom, adventure and human connection.
Her adventure is a reminder that, even in a world often marked by conflict and division, there is still place for hope, curiosity and sharing. For all of us, her story is an invitation to embrace the unknown and set out to discover the wonders the world and its people have to offer.
Sources :
https://www.kisskissbankbank.com/fr/projects/plouheran-a-velo-de-bretagne-a-teheran
