27 years old. Never been on a bike trip before. So Tizian Kuhlmann hops on his bike and sets his sights on all of Africa right off the bat. All the way around. It can be done. By now, he’s crossed deserts, survived malaria, and reached the Cape of Good Hope. And along the way, he’s discovered something that has very little to do with kilometers.
The OLLI Friends are people who get out there and just do their own thing. We tell their stories—about being on the road, about arriving, and about everything that happens in between.
"Life is colorful—don't take everything too seriously, have fun, and laugh at yourself every now and then."
Tell me, who are you?
Hey, I'm Tizian, 27, from Mainz, and I'm currently cycling all the way around Africa.
What are you passionate about?
Life. There’s so much to discover, learn, feel, and understand. To keep growing and evolving.
What does “One Life. Live It.” mean to you?
Set goals. Take risks. Step outside your comfort zone. Life is colorful—don’t take everything too seriously, have fun, and laugh at yourself every now and then. Make your dreams a reality. Be curious.
What moment in your life will you never forget?
The day I just set off on my bike. I took that first step and embarked on an adventure that would demand everything from me—and give me everything in return. Cycling around Africa. And that was my very first bike trip ever.
"Stop making big decisions—let life decide."
What else would you really like to do or experience?
Open a café, go on lots more adventures across different continents, start a family.
What was your best spontaneous decision?
I’ve made so many during my trip. Instead of overthinking and making big decisions myself, I let life decide. That’s how I get to know so many people. Trust.
What’s guaranteed to drive you up the wall?
Flat tires and my impatience.
"Life can be incredibly simple if you learn to practice mindfulness."
What would you do again in a heartbeat—and what would you never do again?
I really love making music, especially for others. Whether it’s around a campfire or on a big stage. I don’t need to go through malaria a second time.
What do others sometimes not understand about you or your outlook on life?
That I don’t need much to be happy. That I take life as it comes and enjoy it. That life can be incredibly simple if you learn to practice mindfulness. That I, too, am only human—I make mistakes, I’m constantly learning, and I have many interests.
How do you get around?
Right now, by bike and with sheer willpower. Riding a bike gives me flexibility, it’s affordable, and I can go slow sometimes and fast other times. It makes it easier for me to meet new people.
What are the three things you can never be without when you're on the go?
Curiosity, humor, and hope.
But a cell phone, wet wipes, and sunglasses can also be very important.
What’s your favorite meal when you’re on the go?
Peanut butter on bread and cookies.
Anyone who sets out to cycle across all of Africa on their very first bike trip has our utmost admiration. But what we like even more is Tizian’s outlook on life—his openness, his trust in people, and his joy in everything that happens along the way. It’s a pretty amazing combination. And hopefully, there’s always enough air in the tires.
Follow Tizian Kuhlmann—Friend of OLLI—on:
- Instagram: @tizian.kuhlmann
- Facebook:Tizian Kuhlmann
- Website:tiziankuhlmann.de
- Polarsteps
- TV segment
