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.
