Fort Kochi: The couple that has been travelling the world on a single cycle recently reached Kochi. The journey that began in France has so far completed 6,333 kilometres. They aim to cover 50,000 kilometres and 50 countries in 3 years. The couple, Bruno aged 32, heads an organization that takes care of the welfare of the disabled and his wife Ludwin Arnodin was in Kochi as part of their trip. It was on September 27th last year that they started the journey from France on a specially made bicycle built in Germany. The cycle on which two people can sit and ride at the same time has a seat in the front with a back rest. A disabled person could even sit comfortably with their legs stretched out in front. The front seat is equipped with a seat belt for safety reasons. Almost 7 bags can be hung at different places on the bike. The cycle weighs up to 28 kilo grams and it cost them around 5000 Euros. It was the Tour De France bicycle race that inspired them to set out on this journey. They charted out the program to travel across the world in 2013. According to Bruno, this is a dream that he has treasured since he was 8 years old. He had been saving for the trip as soon as he started working at the age of 16. Some co-operative agencies offered financial assistance too. From France, they crossed Italy, Greece and Turkey on the cycle before reaching India. Then from Turkey, they took a flight to get to Mumbai. From there, it was back to bicycling again across the country. They came to Kochi from Goa. In between this, they stayed at Udupi for 4 days and even visited schools for disabled children. They travel close to 80 to 100 kilometres daily and then alternates it with some rest. The terrible weather conditions in Maharashtra got them lost and they had the help of many strangers. When they were at villages without any lodging facilities, the village folk offered them food and shelter. According to Ludwin; Indians though overly inquisitive, are often ever ready to help. She especially loved Kerala for its greenery and beauty. Their favourite food in Kerala happens to be Puttu and Pazhampori. The next stop from Kochi is Pondicherry via train. From there they will head to Kolkata on the bicycle and then fly to Bangkok.
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