A biochemistry student who felt disconnected from his roots after moving from Ethiopia has completed an extraordinary journey, cycling the entire length of the United Kingdom on a homemade wooden bicycle.
From Isolation to Adventure on Two Wheels
Kidus Tesera, who came to England eight years ago, found himself stuck in a monotonous routine while studying at Imperial College London. Missing the family-centred lifestyle of his home in Ethiopia, he decided to take a year out and moved to Leeds. It was there he discovered cycling, a skill he never learned as a child.
After acquiring a second-hand bike, he joined a community workshop called Hackspace. With guidance from the director, Mark, Kidus embarked on an ambitious project: building a functional bicycle almost entirely from recycled wood and materials, even using an old flip-flop for part of the brake mechanism.
It was Mark who planted the seed of an epic adventure. "He suggested I go to John o'Groats and cycle all the way down to the south," Kidus recalled. "At first, I thought that was ridiculous, but then I reconsidered." With no detailed plans and scepticism from friends and family who doubted he'd last a mile, he set off from Scotland's northernmost point.
A Journey Powered by Community Kindness
The first few days were a harsh introduction to life on the road. With only a tarpaulin for shelter, one cotton shirt, and little food or money, Kidus faced relentless wind and rain. His lack of preparation forced him to rely on the generosity of strangers, often elderly individuals in remote areas who were eager to help.
This profound experience inspired him to turn his personal challenge into a force for good. He began fundraising for two causes: Age UK and Mekedonia, an Ethiopian charity supporting vulnerable people.
His unique wooden bicycle became a beacon, attracting attention wherever he went. "It caused a stir wherever I went," he said. Locals would gather to hear his story, take pictures, and donate to his fundraiser. Over the two and a half month journey, kindness continually paved his way:
- A DJ who saw his TikTok videos sent money for hotel stays.
- Builders in the Scottish village of Tomatin offered him shelter, and he spent a day bricklaying in return.
- During Storm Floris, a couple in Dalwhinnie took him in, provided hot food and a safe place to sleep.
- When his chain broke near Newcastle, fellow cyclists helped him get it fixed for free.
- A man in Haynes, Bedfordshire, replaced his front wheel with one from his daughter's bike and offered his van to sleep in.
Finding Belonging and Crossing the Finish Line
Kidus also connected with the Ethiopian diaspora across Britain, who followed his progress online and offered him hospitality in cities with large Ethiopian communities. This, along with the overwhelming kindness from people of all backgrounds, helped dispel his fears about facing racism during the trip.
The final push to Dover was emotionally taxing, but support never wavered. An Ethiopian supporter who had seen his social media posts booked him a hotel room in Canterbury. Finally, on reaching the white cliffs of Dover, he was greeted by a celebratory party of ten Ethiopians who had travelled from London with food, music, and a special trophy: a small bike engraved with his name.
Reflecting on the epic ride, Kidus identified the true engine of his success. It wasn't money or sheer resilience, but the consistent kindness of strangers that carried him over 1,000 miles. "I had previously felt the absence of community in my life," he concluded. "Doing this adventure made the world feel bigger. The community helped me finish my journey."
