From Norway to South Africa: A Bike‑Packing Adventure
Annabelle Golden and Alex Ohtea have been pedaling across continents for more than 300 days. Their goal? To ride from the frosty landscapes of Norway all the way to the sunny shores of Cape Town, South Africa. After months on the road, they finally crossed into South Africa on Saturday, July 11, and shared the exciting news with their TikTok followers a few days later.
Entering the Northern Cape
The couple arrived in South Africa through the Northern Cape province, after finishing the Namibian leg of their trek. Golden’s first reaction was pure excitement:
“First full day in SOUTH AFRICAAAAA!!!! Can you believe it???? I can’t.”
In a TikTok video, you can see them cycling through the wide, rugged scenery of the Northern Cape, pushing onward toward their final destination.
Winter Brings New Challenges
Traveling south during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter means shorter days, later sunrises, and strong headwinds. Golden explained:
“Because we’re heading south and because it’s winter, the days are getting shorter and the sun is rising later… The dwindling daylight, coupled with some headwinds, meant we were in for a tough morning and a tough day, but we had to persevere because we have no time to waste.”
Despite the tough conditions, the duo kept their spirits high.
A Simple Treat on the Road
After reaching their first town in the Northern Cape, they rewarded themselves with a classic meal—fish and chips—before hopping back on their bikes. Small pleasures like this help keep morale high on long journeys.
The Road Still Ahead
Even though they’ve made it to South Africa, the adventure isn’t over yet. Hundreds of kilometers still lie between them and Cape Town, where this leg of their epic journey will end.
How the Journey Began
Annabelle’s dream of cycling around the world started in 2024. A major milestone came in January 2025 when she and Alex rode from Spain into Africa. Since then they’ve crossed:
- Morocco
- Mauritania
- Senegal
- Gambia
- Guinea‑Bissau
- Ghana
- Nigeria
- Sierra Leone
- Angola
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Namibia
- South Africa (current)
Golden’s love for bikepacking traces back to 2018, shortly after finishing her studies in Amsterdam. Inspired by Alex, their first joint ride was a two‑week winter tour through Austria, following parts of the EuroVelo 6 route.
Why This Story Matters to Teens
Annabelle and Alex’s trek shows that big goals are possible with preparation, perseverance, and a sense of fun. Their regular TikTok updates let followers see the real‑life ups and downs of long‑distance cycling—from breathtaking landscapes to challenging weather. For teens dreaming of their own adventures, the couple’s journey is a reminder that:
- Planning and flexibility go hand‑in‑hand.
- Small rewards (like fish and chips) keep motivation alive.
- Sharing your story can inspire others and build a supportive community.
Conclusion
Annabelle Golden and Alex Ohtea have already covered an incredible distance, and their arrival in South Africa marks a major checkpoint on the way to Cape Town. With winter testing their endurance, they continue to push forward, fueled by excitement, simple treats, and the encouragement of thousands of online fans. As they pedal toward the finish line, their story stands as a testament to what curiosity, courage, and a bike can achieve.
