follow me to kyiv!

cycling across continents to support ukraine’s fight for freedom

Follow me to kyiv.

Hello! My name is Jack. Beginning on June 1st, I will be traveling over 10,000 miles through 30 countries to support Ukraine. I will be cycling across two continents, starting from Los Angeles and ending in Kyiv. While I am not Ukrainian, I am human, and I am cycling to bring awareness and raise donations for a grave humanitarian crisis. When Russia invaded Crimea in 2014, and especially in 2022, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion seeking to destroy the Ukrainian nation and its people, I began thinking of ways I could help. I conceived of this project as a way to raise awareness every mile, and speak with many people across a variety of nations to ask what peace looks like to them. I ask you to support me and the people of Ukraine in this journey to bring peace to the nation, halt Russian aggression, and ensure Ukraine’s lasting freedom.

who am i?

My name is Jack. I was born and raised in the USA, but have lived in four other countries as well: Spain, China, The United Arab Emirates, and Mexico. I love learning languages, I speak Spanish, some Chinese and French, and I am most recently learning Ukrainian. I strongly believe that meeting and talking with people from other cultures is the best way to expand one’s horizons and live a fuller life. In the past, I worked as an attorney for victims of domestic violence and violent crimes, ensuring their voices were heard and that they received the protection and justice they deserved. I have since left that position in order to embark on this journey. 

why am i riding?

I am riding over 10,000 miles across two continents as I could not sit idly by while innocent people are killed and their livelihoods destroyed. As an American, I am blessed to live in a free nation that sought its independence many years ago. I feel a strong sense of camaraderie with Ukrainians’ defense of their liberty and independence in the face of an imperialist aggressor. I am combining my love of cycling and endurance sports as my way of helping combat tyranny and ensure the people of the world do not forget Ukraine’s continuous fight for freedom.

How far is the ride?

Every mile matters. The entire ride will be over 10,000 miles (16,000km). Approximately 4,000 miles will be in the USA, and around 6,000 miles will be in Europe. I plan for the ride to take 5-6 months. I will ride through the USA, Portugal, Spain, Andorra, France, England, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy, Vatican City, San Marino, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, Albania, Greece, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Austria, Czechia, Poland, Slovakia, and Ukraine.

liberty ukraine

I have partnered with the Liberty Ukraine Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation based in Austin, TX (EIN: 88-1688760). Liberty Ukraine fundraises for Ukrainian residents, servicemen and women, first-aid workers, medical facilities, and victims of the war in Ukraine.

​Join us in providing critical support to those fighting for Ukraine, aid to those suffering in Ukraine, and bringing hope to those displaced by war. Our fundraising efforts cover a wide range of causes, from purchasing life-saving protective gear and evacuation equipment for rescue workers, to providing crucial physical and mental therapy for wounded civilians, servicemen, and children. Your donation can make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by the ongoing war. Please donate today and help us make a difference.

other ways to support

I will be stopping in many cities along the way, and would love to have company for a day or two or more! I will be posting ride details on Strava and Social Media. Please wear yellow and blue to show support!

Join the ride!

Talk to your neighbor, your children, your coworkers or simply a stranger about Ukraine, to ensure the world does not forget.

Post on Social Media!

Follow my account: _jacktracks and libertyukraine to keep up to date with my journey, and feel free to repost! Or make your own post on what peace means to you, or how you may be connected to Ukraine or the Ukrainian cause. The more people we can reach the better. Be sure to use the hashtag #followmetokyiv

Spread Awareness!

Host me along my journey!

If you or someone you know lives along my route, even if a little out of the way, I would be grateful to camp in your yard or sleep in an extra bedroom. You will become part of my journey and story, and this way I can keep costs low.

Send me information!

I am visiting many countries for the first time, and if you live in one of these countries or have visited it would be great to have local tips.

Support my journey to kyiv

Covers gear, food, and shelter. I will be doing my best to keep costs low by camping and cooking many of my own meals, but for this multi-month project I appreciate any and all support so I can finish this mission and deliver this message in person.

3% Cover the Fee

This donation to support my ride expenses is not tax deductible.

join the ride!

join the ride!

I will be stopping in many cities along the way, and would love to have company for a day or two or more! I will be posting ride details here, as well as on Strava and Social Media. Please wear yellow and blue to show support! 

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”

route map

Follow me to Kyiv!

Detailed route through the USA and Europe coming soon!

 

Contact me.

_jacktracks