Contributor: Daniel Baines
Hello everyone, my name is Daniel Baines. I’m originally from Lincoln in the UK, and I’ve recently set out on a solo cycling adventure across Europe.
I’ve given myself the challenge of cycling through 14 countries in 3 months, which I’m calling #14in3. The idea came to me while I was in Valencia. Originally, I’d only planned to cover Spain, France, Italy, and then head home, but one night I woke up and thought: why not push myself further, create a real challenge, and try to see just how far I could go within the Schengen visa time limit.
So far, the journey has taken me from Bilbao to Madrid, across to Valencia, then up the coast through Barcelona, into Andorra, down through the Pyrenees to Montpellier, and today I’ve arrived in Marseille. That makes three countries so far, with plenty still ahead.
Most of the time, I’ve been camping or staying at hostels; however, tonight will actually be my very first stay with a Warmshowers host. I’ll be spending two 
nights here in Marseille, and I’m really looking forward to the experience. The chance to meet people through this community, share stories, and have a roof over my head for a couple of nights feels like something really special.
The cycling itself has been both challenging and rewarding. There have been hot nights in the tent and long climbs in the mountains, but also incredible highlights like swimming in the sea mid-ride along the Mediterranean, the ascent into Andorra, and a breathtaking 20-mile descent through the Pyrenees.
From Marseille, I’ll continue east along the coast toward Monaco and then into Italy, as I work my way toward the 14-country target.
I am particularly looking forward to tackling the Alps and ticking off a number of countries I have never previously visited. I am sure I will miss the coastline, but the adventure is filling me with immense joy.
This is my first time really bikepacking on this scale, and I think what makes it so meaningful is not just the riding, but the people you meet along the way. That’s why I’m so excited to now be connecting with the Warmshowers community, and I hope to share more stories as the journey continues.
Thanks to Warmshowers for giving me the opportunity to share this adventure, and here’s to many more connections as the journey continues.
My journey is just beginning. If you’d like to follow along, I’m sharing updates here:
The adventure continues….and my Warmshowers experience begins!
I just arrived in Marseille, about to stay with my very first Warmshowers host. At that point, I didn’t know how much the community would come to shape my journey. Since then, I’ve experienced the warmth and generosity of hosts across Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, and now Germany, and my appreciation for the network has grown immensely.
After Marseille, I rode along the French Riviera, calling into Monaco to ride the Formula 1 circuit before crossing into Italy. Nice was all about the beaches and the old town, while Genoa was soaked in rain, but still gave me a chance to explore its winding streets. From there, I pushed inland to Turin. I’ll never forget the feeling of standing in Turin, the Alps looming in the west, as if daring me to take them on.
From Turin, I stayed with Simone in Guarene, after riding through a thunderstorm and lightning. The storm was brutal, but the warmth of that evening — a hot shower and a roof over my head — made the effort worthwhile. Soon after, I stayed with Paolo and Martina and then Alessandra, who offered kindness as I threaded my way toward the Alps. On this leg, I also took time to take in the beauty of Lago Maggiore, Lago Varese, and the historic Santa Caterina del Sasso.
Crossing into Switzerland, I climbed the mighty Saint Gotthard Pass and camped at the top — one of the toughest but most rewarding days of the challenge so far. The next day, I descended into Lucerne, where Nico welcomed me into his home and gave me a place to rest. From there, I continued to Liechtenstein, where Stefan kindly let me camp in his garden, and then into Germany, where I stayed with Roman in Kammlach. Roman showed me a photo album of the many cyclists who had stayed with him before me, and I felt proud to now be part of that story.
This stretch has brought me through five new countries — Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, and Germany — bringing the total to ten so far. It hasn’t all been smooth: the weather has shifted, with several rides in heavy rain, and there have been long days in the saddle, including a seven-day push of more than 510 miles to reach Munich. But what has carried me through is the incredible scenery, from alpine passes to rolling lakes, and, more importantly, the amazing people I’ve met along the way.
Back in August, I was still waiting for my first Warmshowers experience. Now, just a few weeks later, I’ve been welcomed into the homes of strangers who’ve quickly become friends. The generosity of this community has reminded me that the heart of bike travel isn’t just the road or the scenery, but it’s the people who make the journey unforgettable.
Alongside the kindness of Warmshowers, I’m also hugely grateful for the support I’ve received from people following my journey. The encouragement and donations through BuyMeACoffee have helped keep me going, both practically and emotionally. My gear has also played its part: the Giant bike I set off from home with has proven itself time and again; my Sea to Summit sleeping mat has made nights under canvas comfortable; the Jetboil stove has fueled me with hot meals at the end of long days; and my MSR Hubba Hubba tent has been effortless to set up and take down, even after the toughest rides. The Danish Endurance bib shorts have given me the comfort needed to spend so many hours in the saddle. Every piece of kit has mattered — each has made this challenge just that little bit more achievable.
I can’t wait to continue eastward and to share more stories as #14in3 continues. Thank you to every host who has opened their doors so far — you’ve made this challenge more than just a ride.
The journey comes full circle….
As I write this, the journey has come full circle. From Bilbao to Rotterdam, 17 countries, countless climbs, and thousands of miles later — my three-month European bikepacking challenge is complete. What began as a personal goal to explore Europe on two wheels has grown into something much deeper, thanks to the incredible people I’ve met through the WarmShowers community.
When I last wrote, I had just reached Munich. From there, I crossed into Austria and rode to Salzburg, where I was warmly hosted by a family who made me feel right at home. Continuing east, I passed through Vienna and briefly into Hungary (country 11) before settling in Bratislava, Slovakia (country 12). A few aches and pains in my legs gave me the perfect excuse to stop for a few days’ rest. It enabled me to take in the old town, a beautiful, relaxed city that gave me a chance to recharge both body and mind.
From Bratislava, I rode north into the Czech Republic, staying with Warmshowers hosts in Brno and Hradec Králové. Their kindness once again reminded me of the power of simple hospitality — a warm meal, good conversation, and a place to rest after a long day in the saddle. I then crossed into Poland, staying in Wrocław (my 14th country), where I finally got the chance to do something I’d been hoping for… take part in a parkrun abroad! Swapping cycling shoes for running trainers for a morning was a welcome change of pace and a fun way to meet locals.
The ride across Poland was a scenic but tough leg, with two nights of camping. The first night in Nowa Sól was arranged through a Warmshowers host, who previously lived in Peterborough, not far from my home in Lincoln. Although I didn’t stay with him, he kindly organised a place for me to camp at the local kayak club. That evening, a local man took me out on his kayak, which was an unexpected but unforgettable experience! Another night under canvas followed before reaching Berlin, where I spent 
four days exploring the city’s history, culture, and participating in my trip’s second parkrun.
From Berlin, I made a slight change and I took the train to Brussels in order to meet a friend who was flying over to watch Newcastle. Belgium became country 15, and it was a great opportunity to catch up, watch some football, and reflect on how far I’d come. After saying goodbye, I continued south through Belgium to Arlon, then on to Luxembourg City (country 16), and finally north towards Rotterdam in the Netherlands, my 17th and final country.
Those last days were some of the hardest, with three or four consecutive days of rain and wind, combined with aching legs and a touch of flu. But reaching Rotterdam made it all worthwhile. I took the overnight ferry to Hull, and from there, cycled the final 65 miles back home to my parents and officially completing my European tour.
Looking back, this journey has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. There have been highs and lows — long climbs, cold rains, and moments of exhaustion — but they’ve all been outweighed by the incredible scenery, exhilarating descents, and, most of all, the people.
The Warmshowers community has truly been the heart of this adventure. From Austria to Poland, from Italy to Germany, the generosity and kindness of hosts have turned this challenge into something unforgettable. Finishing a long day’s ride with a warm meal, great conversation, and genuine hospitality is something I’ll always cherish.
Before I set off, I didn’t know anything about Warmshowers. Now, it’s one of the biggest takeaways from my journey. An amazing network of people united by a love of cycling and adventure. I hope that in the future, I can host riders myself and continue to share in this incredible community spirit.
This challenge might be over, but I know it’s only the beginning of many more adventures to come. 🚴♂️✨
Follow my journey…
