Australian archaeologist and cyclist Sam Wood has turned Homer's epic poem into a real-world cycling adventure, leading guests on a 27-day bike tour retracing Odysseus' journey from Troy to Ithaca. Inspired by his classical archaeology studies and work at the British Museum, Wood founded Bike Odyssey, named after the ancient tale that has become synonymous with epic journeys.
From Hannibal to Homer: A Cyclist's Historical Path
Wood's cycling ambitions began in 2009 when he proposed retracing Hannibal's route over the Alps with his brothers. That trip became a BBC documentary. Subsequently, he established a bike touring company focusing on historical routes, including Richard the Lionheart's Third Crusade and Alexander the Great's conquests. The Odyssey, however, remained a dream due to its iconic status.
“I studied the Odyssey back at university and loved it,” Wood says. “The very word is a theme that resonates with our journeys, so it was always a trip I wanted to do.” The company's logo features Argos, Odysseus' faithful dog.
Mapping Myth: Challenges of Recreating Odysseus' Route
Condensing Odysseus' decade-long voyage into 27 days required compromises. Scholars debate the exact locations of mythical sites like Circe's island Aeaea, with theories ranging from Sardinia to Georgia. Wood focused on Turkey and Greece, combining Homeric references with archaeological sites such as Ephesus, Delphi, and Mycenae.
“Troy and Ithaca are easy, but everywhere in between is up for grabs,” Wood explains. The itinerary includes sailing on traditional Turkish gulets between Dodecanese islands, enhancing the maritime atmosphere. “So much of the Odyssey is about the journey and the wine-dark sea, so being on a boat in the Med is a spectacular way to capture that atmosphere.”
Real-World Adventures: Guest Experiences and Challenges
Wood has faced logistical hurdles, from cancelled flights to Covid lockdowns. Guest preparedness varies: “We've had multiple people turn up with no bike experience after telling us otherwise,” he recalls. One guest lacked peripheral vision and veered off the road, but continued riding with close supervision.
Penny Clowry, a 52-year-old from Canberra, joined despite limited knowledge of the Odyssey. “I had no idea how big the mountains were in Greece before I had to bloody ride them,” she says. Yet the experience deepened her appreciation: “When you're cycling through this incredible landscape and these ruins appear, it adds so much to know how they fit into the history.”
Accessibility and Emotional Resonance
Daily rides range from 50km to 70km, with ebikes available. A 70-year-old guest who hadn't cycled since age five completed the tour and now leads ebike groups in Australia. Wood notes the Odyssey's themes of longing and perseverance resonate universally: “It's such a rollercoaster for Odysseus, who is saved by the gods then doomed by other gods. But going on a big journey like that always feels relevant to people's lives.”
