Former FIU Track standout Pablo Espita graduated with two degrees from FIU in 2017. Espita competed in multiple events - the decathlon, the 4x400, even the 1,500. After graduation, Espita served as a volunteer assistant coach for a year while working for Nike - yet found his situation perfect for a big adventure - traveling across the Atlantic to bike through Europe and Asia, raising money to support FIU students and their pursuit of education.

FIUSports.com caught up with Espita, on a brief break from the bike - his most recent stop in France, to chat about his journey, his goals, and more. You can support Espita's campaign for FIU students by visiting this link, and follow his journey through instagram @pabloespitia or using the #mileswithpablo.


 

What inspired you travel across the globe and start this ride? What was the inspiration for that? 

I have always had a passion for travel and adventure; for years I have planned different trips around the world but I never actually completed one. I graduated from FIU as a track and field athlete with two degrees: Geography and Sustainability and the environment. After graduating I landed a job with Nike at the Lincoln Road mall - after a year of being there I started thinking about moving up in my professional life, but there was always a thought in the back of my head about traveling. So I decided to plan yet another trip - but this time actually doing it.  I thought the time was perfect! I just finished school; I am not 100% committed to a job yet, no family, not too many compromises - I can definitely do a long trip like this one. And after doing some research, I found the awesome world of bicycle touring and decide to go for it, doing something not too many people have done and something that will definitely challenge me - cycling from Portugal to China. 

What has the timeline been so far? Where did you start, and how many days do you spend in a particular place before moving forward? 

Well planning and preparing for the trip took about 5 months, starting in August 2018. 

I flew into Lisbon, Portugal January 20th, where I stayed six days. From Lisbon, on January 26, I got on my bike and headed east for Spain. It only took about five days to cross Portugal and February 1st I arrived in Valencia de Alcantara, in Spain. I don't have a rule about how long I stay in each place; I determine how long depending on what there is to see and do in that particular place and how I feel physically (if I need to rest or not); in most towns, I only spend one night and then head out the next day, but in big cities like Lisbon (Portugal), Caceres, Madrid, Zaragoza (Spain) where there are lots of thing to see and do, I try to stay around five nights, it gives me a time to get to know the place, rest, recharge and catch up on any thing I have to do.

Any stories of interesting people met during this trip thus far? Notable experiences or interactions?

Not just one particular person - I have experienced incredible kindness from complete strangers ever since I left Lisbon. When I'm riding many people applaud me, cheer for me, honk, etc… many others stop me on the road where we talk about what I'm doing - they offer me water, drinks, food, help, advice, and some even take pictures. I do have to mention Gadi. As I was going to Andorra la Vella (Andorra's capital city) Gadi stopped me on the side of the road and started talking to me - he said he was really impressed to see what I was doing and even more after hearing what I wanted to accomplish. He advised me on a cheap place to stay and more about things to do and avoid in Andorra, and later offered to show me the city and even go to get a drink, which we did. Incredible kindness and hospitality shown to me (from complete strangers).

What has been the most difficult part a month plus in? 

There have been many challenges during this last month on the road. First of alI, I had to get used to being on the road learning a whole new way of life, from a sedentary life in Miami to practically a nomadic one on the road. Using my bicycle and my body as transportation is obviously a great physical challenge but the most difficult part so far is getting used to being by yourself most of the time, not seeing your family or friends. Yes, I talk and interact with people everywhere I go, but most of the time I am riding by myself - during these times I am completely alone, listening to music, talking to myself, coming up with ideas, having made up arguments - pretty much many of the things people do when they are in the shower (lol). Even when arriving to a place it is sometimes difficult talking to people - many don't speak any English or Spanish and its hard to communicate so interactions are very limited. Although this has been the most difficult part so far, it also has given me incredible freedom, I don't have to depend on any one else but me. I have 100% of control over what I want, and can and choose to do every day and it is also amazing how your mind works during these alone times.  

Do you have a fundraising or particular goal for the journey and how is that going so far? 

Yes, although this trip started as a personal journey and something that I wanted to do for personal gains, I decided to use this trip for something more than that. As I student athlete at FIU, I was fortunate enough to have different scholarships (whether athletic or academic) that allowed me to graduate with two degrees and be student debt free. After graduating I met many people that have to put school aside because of economic reasons and others that opt to take loans to be able to afford school. After contacting and speaking with FIU alumni association I decided use this trip to start a fundraising campaign to be able to create scholarships and new opportunities for FIU students. 

For anyone interested in donating to the campaign you can find my GoFundMe page here: https://www.gofundme.com/wvcu6d-mileswithpablo

You can also follow my journey through instagram @pabloespitia or using the #mileswithpablo.

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