We went through cancer, and now we are going to its Tropic!
We will route the Rak’n’Roll Cycling Track: from Warsaw to the Tropic of Cancer in Western Sahara. We want it to be a symbol of our strength, energy and joy of life. We are going to cycle nearly 7,000 km to prove our power and share it with cancer patients. Our journey will leave a permanent trace on the maps and in the chronicles of global tourism —proof that everything is possible. We hope other teams will follow our route in the future. Let it be a dream and motivation to get back to health for every patient.
The cycling journey of cancer survivors to the Tropic of Cancer in Western Sahara will begin in September 2019 and last four months. 27 people who went through cancer and 19 support team members will take part in this twelve-stage relay race.
The Rak’n’Roll Foundation has been undertaking unconventional support activities for 10 years. We help go through cancer and show you can live a good and happy life despite the disease. The journey crowns the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Rak’n’Roll Foundation — an extraordinary year of summaries and bold plans: ten years done, more to go!
Rak'n'Roll Track
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The 7,000-km track from Poland, through 8 countries to the Tropic of Cancer in Western Sahara was routed with extreme accuracy with the intention to use as many sections of long-distance cycling routes as possible. The stages are very diverse and routed through interesting natural, historic and cultural spots. Each stage and each country we are going to travel is different, but one thing is certain: we can expect a fantastic adventure!
From the capital of Poland to the Tatra Mountains. One day, when the Vistula Cycling Route is created all along the Vistula River, it will be a wonderful journey. For the time being we can count on real cycling tracks only in the Lesser Poland region. On the remaining sections of our journey along the longest Polish river, we are going to use local roads and few local cycling routes. The sections are long and abundant with attractions and beautiful spots.
Distance: 605 km /Superiority: +3249 m / - 2497 m
Participants:
Marta Bajno
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A 39-year-old project manager working in the FMCG industry and a mountain lover. She has climbed Mount Kazbek, one of the five-thousanders of the Caucasus, and she’s planning to climb Mount Elbrus. She also competes in road and mountain running events and started triathlon training. She lives in Warsaw.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... she can, while 3 years ago she could only dream about such an adventure, because of its physical requirements and effort.
Artur Gronczewski
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A 45-year-old, who cannot live without physical activity. His first road race was a real test, but also an energy boost driving him to be active and take care of his wellness. Today, running is a part of his daily routine or even his addiction. He runs marathons and half-marathons. He also likes vanilla ice cream, sweets and good coffee (always from the coffee machine). He is a father to teenage twins. He was born in Warsaw and has lived there ever since.
He is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... he has been running for the Foundation for a long time and this is going to be yet another challenge. And Artur likes challenges.
Monika Dąbrowska
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A 44-year old involved in the Tropic of Cancer expedition project since its very beginning; a participant of the first expedition in 2012. An admirer of the Tatra Mountains and good books, a surfer. She lives near Warsaw with 4 kids, her husband and a dog named Lolek.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... not only is she the coordinator of the project representing the Foundation and cycles to the Tropic of Cancer for the second time, but she truly wants to take part in this special event. She knows that if she manages to stay on the bicycle saddle for three days straight, she can cycle anywhere.
Anna Rzepka
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Anna is a 40-year-old customer service employee of a printing company. Recently married, she takes care of four teenagers, as well as two dogs and two cats. She bakes, cooks, cultivates her garden, but also runs or cycles like crazy. She also started her adventure with triathlon. To wind down, she opens the piano to fill the house with music. Every day she walks her personal assistance dog — a Bernese mountain dog named Ramzes and his companion named Kiara. She lives in a picturesque village near Poznań.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... she wants to show both cancer patients and other people that cancer diagnosis is neither a death sentence nor a stigma. That you still can have plans and dreams. That you do not have to give up anything and you can reach the unreachable. She wants to show you do not need to be afraid and you just have to live — the best and the most beautiful way you can.
Stage 2
Slovakia: Zakopane — Vienna
10-15.09.2019
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The route goes from Zakopane through Chochołów to Trstená along cycling tracks of the Cycling Route Around the Tatras and then along local roads with medium elevation gain through Terchová to Žilina. Next we are cycling through the valley of Váh along the oldest cycling route in Slovakia (over 200 km) through the regions of Trenčín and Trnava, where we change the direction near the town of Piešťany, cycle through small hills of the Little Carpathians, bypass Bratislava to reach the Danube in Austria and head for Vienna along the Eurovelo 6 cycling route.
Distance: 436 km /Superiority: +3019 m / - 3712 m
Participants:
Anna Zołocińska
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A 43-year-old English teacher, wife and mother of two sons. An enthusiast of good food, travelling, skiing and swimming in the sea. Interested in photography and art. She loves music.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... she wants to reset her mind and train her body. She wants to test her capabilities and show others that not only can you overcome the disease, but you can also live a much better life afterwards.
Stage 3
Austria: Vienna — Salzburg
16-20.09.2019
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This stage goes along one of the most popular cycling routes in the world — Eurovelo 6, routed from the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea. We are going to cycle along the coastline of the Danube on the 320-km section from Vienna to Passau, where we turn to the cycling route along the Inn and next along the Salzach to Salzburg — the city of Mozart. The entire route is slightly ascending, but the elevation gain is very slight and imperceptible. It is an easy section led along beautiful rivers and through many amazing regions, such as the Wachau valley famous for its numerous medieval sites and vineyards. There are many wonderful castles worth visiting over the river valleys — unfortunately, “over” typically means cycling up really steep hills.
Distance: 465 km /Superiority: +3128 m / - 2844 m
Participants:
Bogusia Ługowska
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A wife, a mother and a grandma. A woman who loves and knows how to enjoy life. Apart from tasting all aspects of life, she also likes to taste new food flavors. Her husband persuaded her to try cycling and now she is joining him on her bicycle. She lives in Warsaw.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... for her this journey is a return to her former strength and joy of life. She also hopes that when cycling through Austria, she will have a chance to visit many tasty places and discover some culinary gems.
Paweł Ługowski
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A 61-year-old great ball of fire. At work, he manages technical service facilities in chains of stores. He loves being close to nature, so whenever he can he leaves the city to his small plot of land in the countryside, to mow the lawn or read a book. Jogging, swimming, cycling — that’s what he does every day. Hungry for life and adventure, he is constantly trying to drag his wife away from the shopping mall for a walk in the woods. He likes long and short travels and meeting new people and places. To marry his wife, he fought the martial law in Poland and won this fight, so apparently there is nothing in the world that could stop him. She lives in Warsaw.
He is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... it is a great challenge, a test of his own capabilities and an opportunity to cross his boundaries. It is a chance to discover new places and meet new people. He also promised his small daughter to check if there are any cancer crabs in the Tropic of Cancer :)
Stage 4
Germany: Salzburg — Buchs
21-29.09. 2019
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After a short linking section from Salzburg, the entire route to Lake Constance goes along the “Bodensee-Königssee Radweg” cycling route through the entire Upper Bavaria and its numerous resorts, with breathtaking panoramic views of the Alps and beautiful mountain lakes. Near Lake Constance we turn to “Lakes Route” — one of the most picturesque cycling routes in Switzerland, heading for Buchs, where the next team takes over the baton. Cycling through the Alps means beautiful views, but also undulating terrain, so the participants must be prepared for quite a lot of cycling uphill. The route becomes fairly flat in Switzerland, near Lake Constance (the last 80 km).
Distance: 501 km /Superiority: +4656 m / -4647 m
Participants:
Wioletta Liberadzka
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A 39-year-old working in the hotel industry. A traveler, social activist, voluntary worker and foodie. She has travelled all over the world, tasting food and testing attractions (sometimes quite extreme). Apart from travelling, she likes experimenting in the kitchen and cooking original food. She is always ready to help others and is actively involved with children’s aid organizations or animal shelters. Born in Ostróda, she has moved and changed places many times, even from one continent to another. Currently she lives in Warsaw with her fiancé and an 8-year-old son.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... the route leads to Morocco — the place of her dreams, while cycling symbolizes for her strength and health. The Rak’n’Roll team are people who have been through the same ordeal as herself; cancer, as our relay race, is an experience you need support of other people to go through.
Waldemar Żychowski
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This 52-year-old is a true admirer of life and a devoted husband, father and granddad. Although formally he is a pensioner, he cannot imagine spending the rest of his life in an armchair reading a paper. That’s why he plays table tennis or snooker whenever he can. He loves gardening and constantly works on making his garden a beautiful place. He loves taking his wife for walks around the woods or spend weekends cycling all around the area. He travels around Poland and abroad. He lives with his wife in Karniewo. He has two daughters and one granddaughter.
He is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... he wants to prove to himself and others suffering from this disease that even after difficult health problems you can still be active and face challenges requiring lots of effort and persistence.
Stage 5
Switzerland: Buchs — Geneva
30.09-8.10.2019
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“Lakes Route” is a cycling track along beautiful asphalt paths marked along the entire length of the stage, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. The route marked with its characteristic 9 number goes along 10 beautiful Alpine lakes, visiting such famous towns and cities as Lucerne or Rapperswil. This stage has a number of uphill sections linking the valleys and the coastlines of Alpine lakes. The route reaches Lake Geneva and goes through Lausanne along Route 1 — the main cycling route in Switzerland.
Distance: 557 km /Superiority: +7195 m / - 7241 m
Participants:
Małgorzata Dąbrowska
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A 53-year-old from Wrocław. She settles financial transactions for the Polish Post, while in her free time she likes meeting a friend or relaxing in a cozy armchair with a cup of good coffee. A happy wife after 32 years of marriage; together with her husband, she pursues their shared hobbies and passions, such as hiking in the mountains, swimming and discovering new places. A wife, a mother and a mother-in-law for her family.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... it will be the adventure of a lifetime and a battle with her own weaknesses. She also wants to prove to herself that she can cycle the entire stage of the relay race and achieve her goal, despite the disease.
Eliza Koniecko
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This 48-year-old works in the fields of HR, payroll and accounting, while at home she is a wife and a mother to her 17-year-old son. She is also an avid cyclist and jumps on her bicycle whenever she can. She lives with her family in Wrocław.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... cycling is her favorite sports activity, while Rolling2Tropic is a great challenge. She knows it is going to be the adventure of a lifetime, her personal success and an opportunity to meet cool people.
Małgorzata Szakowska-Sałbut
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An architect by profession, a cyclist with years of experience by heart. She has cycled to nearly every place in Poland with her family and friends. Today, her bicycle offers her a way to rest and relax. She loves and knows how to appreciate life. She bravely faces every challenge that life brings. She lives in Warsaw with her husband and a dog. She is a mom to an adult daughter.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... she wants to show it is never too late for challenges and making dreams come true. She still remembers a radio interview about the cycling expedition organized by the Rak’n’Roll Foundation in 2012. Listening to its participants, she felt she would really want to cycle there one day. Today she has a chance to fulfil this dream.
Stage 6
France: Geneva — Montpellier
9-20.10.2019
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If we were to give this stage a short name, it could be “Towards the sea”. We cycle from Lake Geneva to the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea along the EuroVelo 17 cycling route, known in France as ViaRhôna — a route along the Rhône. This 815-km route takes us through diverse landscapes, from the Alpine panoramic views, through the vineyards of Côtes du Rhône, the Southern parts of Provence, villages on the hills, lavender fields and olive groves to the Mediterranean beaches of Camargue. It is also a wonderful historic route presenting 2,000 years of cultural heritage, including three UNESCO World Heritage sites (in Lyon, Avignon and Arles). We have many kilometers to cycle, but we leave the Alps, so... we go mostly downhill.
Distance: 681 km /Superiority: +2884 m / - 3289 m
Participants:
Anna Małek
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This 48-year-old is a genuine tornado of positive energy. She is all about sports and activities and has already finished road and mountain half-marathon races. As nutrition is vital for every runner, she launched a cooking blog. Her cuisine is based on herbs she collects. She likes long walks with Luna, her husky adopted from the shelter, and lounging with a good book in her armchair she redesigned herself. She was born and lives in Warsaw.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... she has never been there yet. Because it is yet another border to cross (and she does not mean a geographic boundary). Because she hopes to forget about what she has to face every day. Because it is an amazing adventure. Because she wants a dose of adrenaline, without which she just cannot live anymore after being diagnosed with cancer. Because she wants... Because she likes... Just because!
Izabela Skarbowska
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During 44 years of her life, she has been through a lot — regarding both her health and her personal life. However, sticking to every true warrior’s principle that “What doesn't kill you makes you stronger”, she moves on through her life, overcoming every encountered obstacle. Sometimes she dances salsa, sometimes she runs or cycles. She travels, discovers new places and meets new people. You can find her at the finish line of the Warsaw Marathon and Half-marathon, where you can always count on a hug after the race. At home, she is a mother of two daughters and owner of a rabbit with the soul of a dog.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... she wants to prove that even after a serious disease and despite many obstacles, you can still function as always, enjoy your life and what every day brings you, never look back and use all your potential to the fullest.
Anna Czerska - Buczkowska
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A 38-year-old professionally involved in the capital markets. Her previous experience as a volunteer involved numerous projects supporting babies, children and teenagers. A mother of two kids. She loves being close to nature. She likes good books and long and short travels. Her hobbies include ancient civilizations, but she is also familiar with the new technologies. She believes in people and their inner good — sometimes deeply hidden, but still being there. She lives in Warsaw with her husband, two kids and a terrier named Chilli.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... “you have to live here and now — yesterday has gone and tomorrow may never come...”
Stage 7
France and Spain: Montpellier — Girona
21-29.10.2019
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It is a very diverse stage, starting on the French coast of the Mediterranean Sea on the EuroVelo 8 route to go midland after 260 km and cross one of the great passes of the Pyrenees (1,517 metres asl) on the Pirinexus route — one of the most interesting Spanish-French “green roads”. After crossing the Spanish border, the participants of this stage will cycle mainly downhill. Pirinexus frequently leaves asphalt roads, reaching spots not accessible by car; it requires certain physical effort, but offers spectacular views and unique experience in return.
Distance: 468 km /Superiority: +4471 m / - 4367 m
Participants:
Marta Bajno
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A 39-year-old project manager working in the FMCG industry and a mountain lover. She has climbed Mount Kazbek, one of the five-thousanders of the Caucasus, and she’s planning to climb Mount Elbrus. She also competes in road and mountain running events and started triathlon training. She lives in Warsaw.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... she can, while 3 years ago she could only dream about such an adventure, because of its physical requirements and effort.
Hanna Fidusiewicz
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A graduate of the University of Physical Education in Warsaw, a pioneer of fitness in Poland. Her entire life revolves around sports; currently, she is a social activist in the Women in Sport Commission established by the Polish Olympic Committee. Any other things apart from sports? She loves movies, especially European classics, but she also likes works by Komasa, Almodovar or Woody Allen. An avid traveler, showing special affection for France. She lives in Warsaw with her husband. She has an adult son.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... Most importantly, it is a journey with wonderful and courageous people, who want to enjoy life and make the most out of it. There are going to be some difficult moments on the way, but she is confident she can make it and the memories will be unforgettable.
Michał Łuczak
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During 41 years of his life, he has been a restaurant manager, a carwash manager, a shop owner and now he is his own boss operating in the water dispenser business. Since he was a kid, he has been interested in cars and motorcycles. A biker, who craves adrenaline and the wind blowing his hair. He has finished a number of car races. He can repair nearly every car or at least have a great time dabbling with the engine. He lives an active life, runs, exercises and eats clean. An avid traveler, who have visited Bali, Mallorca, Italy and Greece during the last year only. A husband and father to a 12-year-old daughter. He lives near the Kampinos Forest.
He is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because...
it is a perfect challenge and every participant of this wonderful relay race will beat cancer! He wants to do it for everyone struggling with this serious and unpredictable disease!
Magda Wills
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She likes to plan her leisure time actively. A runner: she takes part in mountain running events in Szczawnica every year and has finished the 12th Warsaw Half-Marathon. A DIY enthusiast: she likes interior design and furniture renovation, giving old things their second life. Her most recent passion is Latino dance. A mother to three wonderful kids.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... the expedition to the Tropic of Cancer is a great challenge and adventure. She has never cycled such a huge distance!!! It is going to be hard, but she believes she can do it. She is going to prove once again that limits only exist in your mind.
Stage 8
Spain: Girona — Valencia
30.10-8.11.2019
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Navigation along this section could be summarized as follows: “keep the sea on your left and move forward”. Kilometers of sandy beaches and seaside towns, though slightly more peaceful and not so crowded than the ones in the South, make the roads along the coastline more busy and the infrastructure dense and complex. The Eurovelo along this section is still being designed or developed, so cycling along the coastline we choose local roads through the seaside towns, seeking contact with nature, peace and quiet.
Distance: 547 km /Superiority: +3596 m / - 3698 m
Participants:
Marta Bednarek
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She was born 32 years ago on the first day of spring. She has been professionally involved in the Rak’n’Roll Foundation for 6 years. Water is her natural environment: she feels profoundly happy when relaxing in a bubble bath or swimming in the ocean surrounded by a shoal of colorful fish. She used to be a master in avoiding any sports activities, but today she just cannot imagine her life without diving, running and climbing mountain peaks. She lives in Warsaw.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... it is yet another bar to jump over, yet another item to check on the list of things giving her a feeling she is living her life to the fullest.
Aneta Siwiec
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A 40-year-old travelling and photography enthusiast. Professionally an accountant in her favorite blue jeans. She needs three things in life: people, air and nature. She cannot stay longer in a single place and is always on the run.
When she is not participating some event, she is running to a meeting with her friends. She is never bored and always has something to do: a true sociable vagabond. Born and raised in Łuków, she settled in Warsaw for good after her university graduation.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... taking part in the expedition to the Tropic of Cancer is for her a declaration of victory over cancer and a way to prove to herself that she can do it, just like she managed to beat cancer.
Wiola Witak
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A 42-year-old professionally involved in the automotive industry (in all its aspects). However, her main fuel is physical activity. She runs, jumps, swims and even ice swims in winter. It gives her loads of energy that she shares with others. She is never bored. There is always something happening in her life: new challenges, new people to meet. At home, she is a devoted wife and mother to an adult son. She lives in Warsaw.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... she has never been there yet; it is also a good opportunity to “fuel up”.
Stage 9
Spain: Valencia — Morron de la Frontera
9-20.11.2019
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In Valencia, running away from the crowded tourist spots, we cycle uphill to the Spanish midlands to discover the cycling kingdom of “green roads”. Hundreds of kilometers of old railway tracks with bridges and tunnels were turned into picturesque traffic-free cycling routes. We are going to travel about 200 km of such routes from Albacete to Puente Genil. This stage will definitely be difficult due to the elevation gain, but will also offer the participants an opportunity to discover more quiet and rarely visited regions of Spain.
Distance: 680 km /Superiority: +8403 m / - 8161 m
Participants:
Elżbieta Bielska
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A 56-year-old living in Mielec and working in school. Her job is her greatest passion at the same time. She likes working with children and teenagers, so she couldn’t find a better profession than a teacher and educator. She likes relaxing with a cup of tea, some sweet treat and a good book. Nature, soothing sound of the sea and mountain views infuse her with energy; to keep close contact with those wonders of nature, she puts her whole heart into cultivating her rock garden. She lives in Warsaw with her beloved husband. She has two sons and a daughter.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... it means a challenge, an opportunity to overcome her weaknesses, an adventure, unique landscapes and long talks with wonderful people. She wants to show that no matter if you are sick or healthy, you have to fight, get up and move on.
Małgorzata Ciszewska - Korona
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As a psycho-oncologist, she helps others go through a disease she suffered herself. A Special Agent with a License to Kill... Cancer. A woman aware of her power, femininity and determination, with courage to face new challenges. She dreams of driving an Aston Martin, so we might expect to spot her somewhere on the streets of Warsaw (where she lives with her family) in a James Bond’s car, as she tends to make her dreams come true. As for now, you can meet her on cycling tracks, training hard before the Tropic of Cancer expedition.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... she wants to prove to herself, her family, the whole world and — most importantly — people suffering from cancer that cancer is not a death sentence, but a challenge. Life is hard, but it is also very interesting as a result. She has a huge lust for life and loves it with her whole heart.
Agata Szajna
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A 55-year-old graduate of the University of Physical Education living in Bydgoszcz. She used to teach physical education in school and promote physical activity among adults as a fitness club manager. The club operated in the 1990s, so you could say she was fit before it even got any trendy. Currently, she works in school as a deputy headmistress, but physical activity is still her top priority. She swims, she cycles, she competes in running and triathlon events. She collaborates with foundations and companies, organizing voluntary participation of teenagers in sports events. She likes travelling with her family; recently they visited Chicago and New York. She lives in Józefosław with her husband and her teenage son.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... she likes new challenges, adventures and travelling. She is not afraid of fatigue or physical effort. She is looking forward to meeting new people and joining a group of friends met during the “I po raku” program.
Anna Zalewska
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Anna is a 54-year-old bank clerk, wife and mother. She often goes to the mountains, typically the Tatra Mountains, preferably every year, to charge her batteries. When she’s at home, she spends most time in the kitchen cooking and baking delicious cakes. She loves sewing clothes both for herself and for her daughters. She lives in Warsaw with her husband and three daughters.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... it will be an adventure she has never experienced. It is a challenge she wants to face. She feels the power to reach the finish line and show you can still do much more. She wants to show other cancer patients that they have great power inside and never know how much they are able to endure. Most importantly, she wants to support her cousin Anna struggling with cancer.
Stage 10
Spain and Morocco: Morron de la Frontera — Tarifa — Tanger — Casablanca
21-30.11.2019
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From the foot of the Sierra de Grazalema mountains, through the Andalusian towns with their white houses to Tarifa — a popular surfing spot. Next a ferry to Africa, to the legendary Tangiers, along the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, through Rabat — the peaceful capital city of Morocco, to Casablanca, the place where the Western world melts with the Islamic culture. This stage is extremely diverse, with lots of picturesque spots and cultural, historic and religious sites.
Distance: 566 km /Superiority: +4761 m / - 4933 m
Participants:
Małgorzata Idzikowska–Trzeciak
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She is 37 years old and she quit her job for a large company to pursue her career as a garden designer. It is no surprise, as she is a true flora and fauna admirer. She loves flowers, birds and insects. She owns a swarm of bees and two senior dogs. She can always find the time for a nap or relax during the day and an evening chat with her husband. She lives in Wrocław with her husband and daughter.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... she wants it — that’s enough of a reason :)
Kamila Kowalska
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A 30-year-old customer service professional and cuisine enthusiast. She cooks for her family and friends and never lets anyone leave her house hungry or thirsty. Cooking is what she enjoys most. Her specialty are cream cakes and cheesecakes. A fan of food tourism, which combines her two greatest hobbies: travelling and cooking. She has already visited three continents and still wants more. Born and raised in Koszalin, she followed her broken heart and moved to Warsaw.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... she wants to prove that you actually can live a normal life after cancer, i.e. make your dreams come true, stay active and overcome your weaknesses. She loves travelling and meeting new people, while the disease has made her lust for life even stronger!
Anna Rzepka
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40-letnia Anna zawodowo spełnia się w dziale obsługi klienta firmy poligraficznej. Świeżo upieczona mężatka, sprawuje opiekę nad czwórką nastolatków. Pod jej czujnym okiem znajdują się także dwa psy i dwa koty. Piecze, gotuje, uprawia przydomowe grządki, ale też aktywnie biega, wsiada na rower, by gnać przed siebie. Rozpoczęła również swoją przygodę z triathlonem. W chwilach spokoju zasiada do pianina, by wypełnić dom jego dźwiękami. Codziennie spaceruje ze swoim osobistym psim rehabilitantem berneńczykiem o królewskim imieniu Ramzes i jego towarzyszką Kiarą. Mieszka w urokliwej wsi pod Poznaniem.
Jedzie na Zwrotnik Raka, ponieważ... chce pokazać wszystkim, zarówno osobom chorym jak i zdrowym, że diagnoza: „rak" to nie wyrok ani stygmat. Że można mieć plany i marzenia. Że nie trzeba z niczego rezygnować, że można sięgać po nieosiągalne. Chce pokazać, że nie trzeba się bać, ale trzeba po prostu żyć - najlepiej i najpiękniej jak się umie.
Weronika Przychodzień
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Weronika is a 26-year-old professional organizer of international youth internship and training courses. In her free time, she organizes mountain hiking trips. When she is not in the Tatra Mountains, you can most probably find here somewhere in the mountain regions of Europe and Asia or on one of the climbing walls in Warsaw. One of her dreams is to set her foot on the highest summits of each continent and she has already started working on making it come true. Driving up and down mountain roads, you can also spot her unique white van, which she built with her partner. This avid mountain climber is also a fan of long cycling trips. She was born and raised in Warsaw.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... she thinks of her bicycle as of a vehicle that enables her to leave all worries and concerns far behind. She wants to leave cancer behind too, but that will required a looooonger distance and team effort! She knows the journey to the Tropic of Cancer will let her run far, far away from cancer.
Stage 11
Maroko: Casablanca - Agadir
1-9.12.2019
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In Morocco, the road options are quite limited and there are no “cycling routes” as we know them in Europe, so we have to be prepared for cycling in the road traffic and along the main roads. Travelling through Africa guarantees, however, more interesting and intense emotions and experience. The second part of this stage is routed through the Atlas Mountains, so the participants can count on numerous uphill and downhill sections. The section to Agadir can be referred to as a route of colonial fortresses guarding the coastline. It is not Sahara yet, but the climate gets more and more rough with each and every kilometer.
Distance: 560 km /Superiority: +5181 m / - 5195 m
Participants:
Magdalena Wills
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She likes to plan her leisure time actively. A runner: she takes part in mountain running events in Szczawnica every year and has finished the 12th Warsaw Half-Marathon. A DIY enthusiast: she likes interior design and furniture renovation, giving old things their second life. Her most recent passion is Latino dance. A mother to three wonderful kids.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because...strong> physical effort is a form of therapy for her. After a few difficult months, she is going to Tropic to sort out some things in her mind. It is going to be hard, but she believes she can do it. She is going to prove once again that limits only exist in your mind.
Sylwia Michałek
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A fulfilled woman. An independent Mom of almost-adult Zuzanna and seven-year-old Julian. Effective, task-oriented, courageous. An admirer of life, travelling and changes. A last resort for many in critical situations, always ready to give a helping hand. She thinks outside the box and walks her own paths, often against the crowd. Professionally involved in the fields of finance and accounting. She lives in Piaseczno.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... when you want something really hard, nothing is impossible!
Sylwia Richter - Biegała
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A 45-year-old perfectionist. She loves travelling and shares this passion with her husband. Together they discover new places and seek new challenges. You can spot them driving a green Żuk van, heading for a new adventure. They have already travelled around Africa and Asia this way. They also take part in international charity rallies. She is a mother to an adult daughter. She spent half of her life in Warsaw, but have settled in Piotrków Trybunalski, where she lives with her husband and two cats.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... this project has become a symbolic milestone in the entire process of treatment and recovery of body and mind, so she just has to be a part of it. Is a cycling a problem? Not at all, cycling will do ;-) Will she make it? Sure she will!
Anna Rutkowska
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A 39-year-old physiotherapist and massage instructor, who loves saving memories and recollections in photographs, reflecting a whole range of emotions, desires and, most importantly, truth. A wine, coffee and sun enthusiast. She loves challenges; in 2012, she climbed the Crown of Polish Mountains and competes in mountain races and road runs. Joining the Rolling2Tropic crew will be her second expedition to the Tropic of Cancer with the Rak’n’Roll Foundation. She lives near Toruń.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... she wants to prove again that everything is possible — with or without cancer. This is also the second time she has to fight cancer. She wants people suffering from cancer to know you actually can still live with and after cancer.
Stage 12
Maroko i Sahara Zachodnia: Agadir – Zwrotnik Raka
10-19.12.2019
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When we leave the Atlas behind, we are going to see the dunes in Tan-Tan on the horizon and experience the harsh weather of the Western Sahara till the very end of our journey. The sections are long, interrupted by few road signs and military posts. It is a difficult stage for experienced cyclists.
Distance: 1300 km /Superiority: +4561 m / - 4592 m
Participants:
Magda Hueckel
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Magda is a renowned and talented visual artist, a theatre photographer, a scenographer and traveler. She is an author of photographic albums, while her exhibitions attract audience in Poland and all over the world. A blogger and a founder of the foundation helping people with CHS (Ondine's curse). Together with her husband, she makes movies acclaimed and awarded on international festivals. Their documentary titled “Our Curse” was even nominated for the Academy Award. Whenever it is possible, she travels around Africa and Asia. She grew up in Sopot and today she lives in Warsaw with her husband and two sons.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer because... she loves Africa. She loves Sahara. Cycling there is one of her dreams. This journey has also a deep symbolic meaning for her, as a final victory (although she does not like this term) over cancer.
Agnieszka Filipczak
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A 29-year-old woman from Warmia. A graduate of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn and the University of Gdańsk. An admirer of nature, a big fan of rails and trails. She swims, she cycles. She fulfills her professional ambitions in the logistics industry. She lives in the UK, but her dream is moving to Australia.
She is cycling to the Tropic of Cancer, because... she wants to test her abilities and prove that despite adversities you can achieve a lot with a will to fight and hard work. It’s an adventure of a lifetime and an opportunity to meet amazing people.
Hard as it may be to believe, this is the last video from our Rolling2Zwrotnik trip. The final stage was full of amazing views of the desert and the “Saharan climate”. With the support of Agnieszka, Dawid and Krzysiek, our female duo (Magda and Agnieszka) conquered the Tropic of Cancer in a beautiful style.What does […]
Surrounded by exquisite nature, among dromedaries 🐪🌴☀️, in puddles and on dry land 😃 the 11th stage of the Rolling2Zwrotnik expedition has bravely come to an end. What does the traditional “Slavic crouch” look like? 🤔 How do you get to Agadir? 🙂 What did our participants discover under the tajine cover? Curious? Watch 👀
Mud, wind 💨 and rain 🌧… yes, this is the Spanish stage, which the participants of the 9th stage of the Rolling2Zwrotnik relay competed. It was not easy, but our Rolling people faced such obstacles. What secret did Piotr reveal? 🤫 Who rode the bike and who carried it? 🚲 Who saw their strength and […]
The eighth stage of the relay race will be forever remembered by our participants. Spanish atmosphere, unforgettable views, fiesta and siesta. Though the last one may not be for them, they had a mission above all. And how was its implementation?
25.11.2019
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We did it once before!
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2012 pioneer expedition
We did it once before! At 4:55 pm on 31 December 2012, after 110 days of cycling 8,000 km through 8 countries, our relay of cancer survivors reached their finish line — the Tropic of Cancer in Western Sahara. Read more on our blog.
