7,576 kilometers by bicycle — so much travel on Belarusian and Ukrainian roads, Zelva native Kirill Sennikov

Once the guy traveled around the Zelven Reservoir on the Stork, but today he makes a video blog about his hobby and builds routes through Europe.

Kirill, tell us about yourself.

— I graduated from school in Zelva — school number 3. Then he received a degree in engineering economics at the College of Technology in Grodno. In 2009, he returned to Zelva to start his career. He spent two years working as an economist in the culture department of the district executive committee. In addition, moonlighting as a DJ. And in 2012, having waited for the summer season, he left to conquer the capital. But I come to Zelva periodically: a godson grows here.

— How did you come up with the idea of ​​traveling exactly on a bicycle?

— I began to travel relatively recently. It all started with the usual cycling around the city. When he traveled all over Minsk, he began to practice with his friends cyclists the so-called LDPE — a weekend trip. Our route could begin both in the capital and in any other chosen city, which we reached by train. So I visited Zaslavl, Dzerzhinsk, Molodechno, Ostrovets, Smorgon.

Then it all grew into the idea of ​​cycling from Minsk to Zelva. What we did with brother Maxim in 2017. I fix every trip with the Strava tracker. I can say for sure how many kilometers have already traveled — 7,576.1 km.

Traveling helps not only to open new horizons, recharge with emotions, distract from worries and relieve stress, but also test yourself for the ability to solve difficulties on the way.

Most of all I like to throw a tent after a trip, and then fall asleep in it, listening to crickets. In Belarus, it seems to me, it can be put almost anywhere — this makes our country attractive and comfortable for Belarusian and foreign cycling travelers.

Traveling helps not only to open new horizons, recharge with emotions, distract from worries and relieve stress, but also test yourself for the ability to solve difficulties on the way.

Most of all I like to throw a tent after a trip, and then fall asleep in it, listening to crickets. In Belarus, it seems to me, it can be put almost anywhere — this makes our country attractive and comfortable for Belarusian and foreign cycling travelers.

— Did you feel like dropping everything and taking the train during the bike ride?

— Not. And besides, most trains, with the exception of the Stadlers, are not equipped with bicycle holders. Inconveniently. Better, though from my last strength, I’ll finish it myself.

— How to prepare for a bike trip? What recommendations do you give to beginners?

— The most important advice: just start cycling around the city — to work, to the store, for any other business. And no matter how cool your bike is equipped. Even if the old Stork is lost in the garage, get it! About 15 years ago, my friends and I traveled on the Storks to the entire Zelvenskoye Reservoir — for us it was another trip! Start with something like this. It doesn’t matter if the infrastructure in your community is well or poorly developed. You can start the development of cycling in your area.

Recommendations? If this is a day trip, it is enough to take with you more water, carbohydrates in the form of bars, halva, dark chocolate, which will help restore strength. Also take care of the basic kit: pump, spare cycle camera or glue and patches. Do not forget about the first-aid kit, in which there should be a bandage, cotton wool, adhesive, hydrogen peroxide, activated carbon and antibiotics in case a tick bites. Longer travels are planned in detail. It is important to take into account the nuances of the route, study the weather forecast, and distribute the budget. On a long trip you will need a trunk, a tent, a sleeping bag and other equipment that will improve travel comfort. But it is worth remembering that no matter how well the trip is planned, with a probability of 100% something will go wrong; you will have to make adjustments.

— Do you bring souvenirs home?

— Not. Now I stand on the path to minimalism. Therefore, souvenirs and magnets are not mine.

— Where do you dream to go? And why?

— Not used to dreaming. I plan right away. In the summer of 2020 I will go on the route «Poland (Krakow) — Slovakia — Hungary — Austria — Czech Republic (Prague).» The trip is planned so that you can see as many countries as possible along the route: compare people’s living standards, infrastructure. As for the long term, I would like to ride in Japan. This country has long been attractive for its nature. And also with progressive urbanism in the cities and original culture in the province.

Kristina Soloduho