Across the Alps
BIKE: Tarek, what are you up to?
Tarek Rasouli: We’re cycling from Munich’s Olympic Park to Riva del Garda. It’s my very first time crossing the Alps.
BIKE: You, of all people, have never cycled across the Alps?
Rasouli: I used to be a freerider. We’d ride individual spots and bike parks, but we didn’t spend days on end travelling from A to B. When Karl Platt and the others set off for Lake Garda, I often thought: I’d love to do that too. Now I’m making up for lost time.
BIKE: What’s your route like?
Rasouli: Via Garmisch and Area 47 to Sölden, then over the Timmelsjoch to Merano. The route then continues via Paganella to Riva.
BIKE: Tent, camping stove, sleeping bag?
Rasouli: No, credit-card bikepacking. We’re staying in a hotel. I’ve got a great sense of adventure, but I’m not really keen on sleeping mats.
A hundred kilometres to get going
BIKE: How long are the stages?
Rasouli: It varies. On the first day, we’ve got more than 100 kilometres to cover straight away. To make sure we don’t arrive too early, we’ve already gone a bit off course during the first 30 kilometres.
BIKE: How fast can you go on your Bowhead handbike?
Rasouli: We can manage just under 30 kilometres per hour. On average, we’re currently doing about 20. But it’s not about setting records. I want to experience the route – and get out onto the trails along the way.
BIKE: Why is the tour possible right now?
Rasouli: My Bowhead is suitable for off-road riding and has a new Bosch motor. This means I can not only cover long distances, but also ride in the bike park. Without this bike, crossing the Alps would remain just a dream.
More of a road movie than a heroic saga
BIKE: What’s the motivation behind crossing the Alps – is it just for fun, or is there more to it?
Rasouli: The experience is what matters most. Of course, it’s also lovely to share the experience with others. That’s why we’re making a film about it.
BIKE: When and where can I see it?
Rasouli: As part of the EOFT Bike Film Tour 2027. The premiere will take place on 4 March 2027.
BIKE: What is the plot of the film?
Rasouli: Two friends are cycling across the Alps together: Danny MacAskill and me. We’d hardly ever cycled together before, which is why the film really thrives on our dynamic. It’s not meant to be a heroic epic, but a road movie full of sweat, breakdowns and, hopefully, plenty of fun and nonsense.
BIKE: Did you know beforehand that you’d get on well?
Rasouli: We carried out a trial run last year. Afterwards, it was clear that it worked. At least long enough to cross the Alps.
BIKE: What are the sporting highlights?
Rasouli: At the Sölden Bike Park and on the Paganella. We’ll be staying in Sölden for one day and in Trentino for three. There, we’ll have plenty of time to ride properly and film.
Friends along the way
BIKE: You’re not travelling alone.
Rasouli: No, we’ll be joined by friends along the way. Karin Eller will be joining us from Garmisch. In Sölden we’ll meet Greg Minnaar and Sam Pilgrim, and Kriss Kyle will join us later.
BIKE: Sounds like quite a high-profile group of travellers.
Rasouli: The names are big, but what really matters is something else: the people have to be a good fit for us and for the story. They’ve all been hand-picked. It’s not about having as many stars as possible on screen, but about creating meaningful connections.
BIKE: What would be the best moment at the end?
Rasouli: Arriving in Riva and thinking: Why didn’t I do this sooner? Although, after the first 100-kilometre stage, I might also think: It’s a good thing I waited this long.
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
