Anna Crechishkina was born in Ukraine and at age 25, something happened which Anna says, she still cannot explain. "In hindsight, I was perhaps becoming bored with the 09:00 to 17:00 routine and everything it presented. I just had this irresistible urge to ride a motorcycle. I enrolled in a riding school, got my licence and bought my first bike - a Kawasaki Eliminator 125 which was later replaced by a Vulcan 900. Travelling in the Ukraine and then to neighbouring countries like Europe, Asia and the Middle East lit a fire for riding within me and the thought of travelling the world started to foster in my mind. A four-month trip to India followed and in 2012 I made a firm decision and started preparing for my world tour. Planning took 15 months - presented many doubts and eventually a sponsored bike from KTM. I was on my way."
Where does one start with a story that will eventually become a book or two - a film perhaps? Adventures like this are filled with colour, smells, sounds, landscapes, intense emotions, people, tastes and technical challenges, which have to be managed on a tight and sometimes non-existent budget. Anna started with $1000. "This lasted for about three months," she says. "So the fact that I am still travelling, is an indication that this trip, despite all the challenges, was meant to be."
She travels mostly on national roads and during the day. Planning is not too detailed and intense as she prefers to be flexible to allow for those many miracles and diversions within every moment and every kilometre. The intent is to be and find authenticity within every experience, however, fleeting it may be. The fact that she has no technical skills to repair or service the bike in an emergency is of course also a factor to consider. And "it seems the Universe knows this as I have not had any major mechanical challenges," she says. "Something always happens to make me aware of a possible problem which is then fixed before I continue with my journey."
Fear will prevent most people from tackling this type of adventure. "I am a loner and I travel light," says Anna. This does not distract from the fact that I want to set an example and motivate others to also follow their dreams. I am not a professional rider or traveller and I am certainly not fearless - I have to work at and manage my fear, loneliness and the urge to give up. Often it is the encouragement from my many Facebook friends and followers that motivate me not to give up. The Universe also has this uncanny knack for providing exactly what is needed when it is needed and well, I cannot argue or fail with such support - can I? Being grateful for everything and expressing it in my mind, has become the energy that drives my every intention and action."
Define yourself? "Today I am more confident and believe that everything will work out." What is my biggest life lesson this far? "Be and stay humble," she says. People are most amazing and supportive when I share my intentions and stories about my trip." As you will see from the map I have included with the pictures, Anna's trip has taken her to many interesting corners of the globe over the past three years and four months.
 |
| Bilene in Mozambique |
On the way, she visits schools and orphanages to convey a message of hope that will motivate kids to follow their dreams. "One of my goals is also to set a Guinness World record for the longest solo trip by a woman motorcyclist."
"Everything is possible - every idea that presents itself in your mind means something and one should pay attention. The most difficult part of this trip is to say goodbye. And I still have to see a lot of South Africa before I continue to the next country but since you insist - I think Chilli is my favourite country so far."
There is much more to tell and share about Anna - her dream and this trip. I concluded the interview with this question: "What is the first thing you will buy once this trip comes to an end? "A dog - a Labrador," she said. And that my dear reader came without hesitation and from her heart.
If you want to follow Anna visit her Facebook page or www.ihaveadreamtravel.com. Anna stayed with Rika de Bruyn (duh - who else) while she explored the Lowveld, Mozambique and Swaziland. Rika is one the most accomplished and respected female adventure riders in SA and the owner and organiser of the immensely successful Lowveld (LDBA) and Natal (NDBA) Dual Bike Challenges.
Written by Matthys Ferreira and first published in the Autodealer Lowveld.
