Fernweh in Gnoien: Thomas Schröder starts his last bike adventure

Fernweh in Gnoien: Thomas Schröder starts his last bike adventure

Thomas Schröder, an adventurous Gnoiener, is about to his next big chapter. Although he returned from a long trip 18 months ago, the wanderlust packed him again. The 40-year-old lives a life between the memories of impressive landscapes and exciting encounters that he made through Chile and other countries during his bicycle tours.

His last great adventure led him over 10,000 kilometers from Gnoien to Beijing, and now he has made the decision again to cancel his tents. Schröder terminated his job as an integration officer in the cultural exchange of the Warbelstadt and abandoned his apartment in Gnoien to prepare for a last big trip.

The adventure calls

"It's just time," he says with a smile, "at an age when you no longer want to take such strain." His anticipation is tangible; He plans to start his journey in October. But where exactly it goes, there is a secret that he still keeps to himself until he breaks out for his first stage. Schröder has already renewed his passport and is preparing his most important travel busil - his bike - for the upcoming challenges.

In addition to the practical preparation, he reveals that sharing his experiences with others is of great importance for him. On social networks such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, he will report on his adventures every day. "Especially in difficult moments, this gives me the necessary strength to continue," he explains and speaks of the support he receives through the interactions with his followers.

The return to Gnoien

During his time in Gnoien, Thomas Schröder worked as an integration officer where he helped refugees from different countries. He not only gained these experiences, but also incorporated into his work. Nevertheless, he feels that he has to move on to find his own way. "I have a lot of fun helping people, but wanderlust pulls me out into the world again," Schröder admits openly.

His return to a "normal" life, as he calls it, was short-lived. The memories of the infinite expanses and the beauty of nature do not let go. "I thought of the next adventures all the time," he says. In order to increase the anticipation, he plans his return to the Warbelstadt marketplace to say goodbye to his friends and acquaintances, who have followed many of his experiences.

His goal, which he protects very well from the curious questions, is only unveiled at a later date. At the moment he is busy preparing everything for the upcoming journey - from the choice of the route to the compilation of the required equipment. "I learned that preparation is the be -all and end -all. After all, I would like to enjoy every piece of my trip," he adds, and exudes optimism and determination.

Integration work and personal commitment

Integration work plays a central role in Germany, especially in times of increased immigration. Through his work as an integration officer, Thomas Schröder actively contributes to enabling refugees better integration into society. He not only dedicates his time to the everyday concerns of people, but also takes on the role of a bridge builder between different cultures. According to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), over 200,000 people applied for asylum in Germany in 2022, which underlines the importance of integration work.

In addition, Schröder has also been involved in non-profit projects that aim to reduce social and cultural barriers. Such initiatives are particularly valuable in smaller cities such as gnoien, where the exchange between locals and refugees is often limited. The exchange makes it possible to reduce prejudices and promote mutual understanding.

Bicycle trips as the form of travel

Bicycle trips have enjoyed growing popularity in recent years. This form of travel not only enables environmentally friendly locomotion, but also offers the opportunity to explore countries at an individual pace and to meet people directly. According to a survey by ADFC (General German Bicycle Club) from 2021, 60% of the cycling holidaymakers stated that they experienced a deeper connection to nature and the cultures visited during their travels. This is certainly also a reason for Schröder's preference for this type of travel.

The distances covered and the self-selected routes create unique experiences and open up new perspectives. It is estimated that during pandemic, interest in cycling, also in the context of travel, has increased significantly. The flexibility and independence that cycling offers have caused many to rethink their travel plans and choose alternative routes.