SAMAYA x TANGUY DONNARS

 

 

Tanguy, an industrial design student, is exploring the planning, preparation, and retrospective phases of a journey for his thesis—moments of excitement and introspection that are truly defining. He set off on a two-month bicycle trip to the Balkans to investigate the rise of bikepacking, its impact on the daily life of a city dweller, and the simplicity it inspires.

 

“At the beginning, I had planned for six months of travel. However, after reflection and discussion, I realized that setting a duration could create expectations for myself, and therefore unnecessary pressure. This journey was focused on my research rather than my personal experience. Leaving without a specific date offers a welcome sense of freedom and lightness. That’s why I left alone and without a precise schedule: to be able to adapt to events, connect with people, and live in the moment without extra baggage. I wasn’t driven by performance. I was watching the world go by around me, which became a way of conducting my research.

 

To give my trip a minimum of direction, I headed toward a mountain bike race in Greece, the Hellenic Mountain Race. This race is very interesting because of the journey to get there, but above all because I wanted to interview one of the participants, Marin de Saint-Exupéry. I built my trip around reaching that destination.

 

I needed to meet people on the ground, so I varied my ways of traveling. For example, I really like taking mountain bike trails, but that doesn't really allow for meeting other travelers. So, I turned toward the EuroVelo, those large international bike routes. Most of the time, when I met someone on the road, I would soak up their habits and join their journey. My trip was built through theirs and through each person I met. In this way, I experienced customs I surely would never have tried otherwise.

 

What is wonderful about travel is chance. I was staying in a cyclists' hostel, an association where travelers are hosted by other enthusiasts. It’s a great mutual exchange, a place where paths naturally cross. And I happened to cross paths with Marin, the one who was guiding my journey. I was like a kid, completely excited. I started talking to him, letting him know we had a lot to share. He was going to volunteer for the first edition of a mountain bike race in the Balkans, the Accursed Race. And, by an incredible stroke of luck, he happened to be looking for a volunteer, and the start was only three kilometers from where we were. Not only was I fed and housed, but all of this happened by pure chance, while working alongside someone I admire. It was simply incredible.

 

Throughout my trip, my tent was the ideal place to spend the night. After a full day of exercise, with the cool air settling in, I would slide inside and listen to the surrounding sounds. That was the feeling of well-being I wanted. It was big enough for my gear and me, which gave me a sense of luxury. It was my refuge, especially when I needed to settle down, write, and gain some perspective.

 

Until then, I felt comfortable with solitude; it didn't scare me, even the idea of setting off alone. I tried not to have too many expectations and to let the journey carry me. Then, in Croatia, I felt exhausted. There were too many people, and I could no longer find the essence of my trip. I had lost that curiosity, that sensitivity. I could no longer find what had pushed me to leave. The journey had changed. It was no longer a quiet exploration, but rather a quest for physical performance. It was strange; I felt disconnected. Rather than forcing it, I decided to take a few days to see if it would pass. It was the right time to go home.”