At 75, Lynn Salvo became the oldest woman to cycle across Europe, from the North Cape in Norway to Tarifa in Spain. In three months, the American cyclist covered 6,968 kilometers by bikepacking across 12 countries, braving bad weather, physical pain and logistical unforeseen events. A blend of resilience, determination and a love for adventure. Age is just a number.
Lynn Salvo, 75 years old and three records
Lynn Salvo's mantra is the quote attributed to Albert Einstein: “Life is like a bicycle“. It's even the title of his blog. You know the rest: “You have to move forward so as not to lose your balance“. A balance which the American cyclist is clearly not devoid of.
The one who discovered the travel bike late in life (2015 only) has since gone on to do a few long distances. She is even the holder of three Guinness records. Lynn Salvo and the oldest woman to cycle across Canada (2018) and the United States (north to south in 2021, then east to west in 2023). Age is just a number they tell you.
Lynn Salvo: 6,968 km to cross Europe at 75
Lynn Salvo's road to this feat was rocky before it even began. After two aborted attempts in 2020 and 2022 due to the pandemic, the septuagenarian had to deal with administrative and technical constraints. His trip to 2024 was almost derailed due to a faulty bike replaced at the last minute, but also the need to obtain Italian citizenship to extend his stay in Europe.
From Nordkapp to Tarifa en bikepacking
Departure given on June 19 in Nordkapp, the northernmost point of Europe (well not quite), in freezing rain and winds of 50 km/h. From the first kilometers, Lynn and her teammate, Callyn Worcester, tasted the challenges of a route along spectacular, but demanding, northern landscapes.
Despite solid preparation, Lynn had to deal with unforeseen events throughout her journey. His bike, a Cannondale Synapse in bikepacking configuration, proved reliable, but a shoe that was too tight caused a painful foot injury. The improvised adjustments allowed him to continue until the end. On the human side, team changes punctuated the trip. After Callyn left, other companions joined Lynn.
Europe by bike: 95 days of travel
If the EuroVelo-branded routes provided him with a global structure for his journey, Lynn often had to take local roads. Sometimes passages that are much less passable. On the other hand, she cites particularly memorable segments, such as the passage between Le Boulou (France) and La Jonquera (Spain) on the EuroVelo 8.
The last stage, in Spain, proved to be the most difficult: blocked roads, gravel paths and unforeseen detours. Lynn hates gravel, she tells us on her blog. But on September 22, after 95 days of travel, Lynn reached Tarifa, capping a journey as epic as it was inspiring. Lynn shared her European journey on the official EuroVelo website. You can also follow Lynn on her Instagram account.
Did you like this article? Do not hesitate to subscribe to our newsletter. You can also add us to favorites directly in Google News. And if you want to delve deeper into your cycling culture, we dissect the cycling news in this other newsletter, Weelz! Decrypt. A question, a comment? Contact us.
