Sam Wood, an archaeologist with a passion for cycling, embarked on an extraordinary journey to bring Homer's Odyssey to life. In 2009, he and his two brothers set out to retrace the route of Odysseus, facing challenges that would test their endurance and historical knowledge. This modern-day odyssey began in southern Spain and took them through France and across the Alps into Italy, mirroring the path of the Carthaginian general Hannibal's famous elephant migration. Wood's background in Roman archaeology and his love for cycling led him to create a bike touring company, Bike Odyssey, with a strong historical focus. The company's logo, inspired by the faithful hound Argos, symbolizes the faithful companionship Odysseus experienced on his journey home.
However, bringing Homer's epic poem to life in a 27-day itinerary was no easy feat. The Odyssey blends physical geography and myth, making it difficult to pinpoint exact locations. Wood had to carefully select stops, combining places referenced in the text with other important archaeological sites. He chose Turkey and Greece, where he could find evidence of burning layers at Troy, relevant to the events of the Odyssey. The itinerary includes stops at Homeric locations like Lesbos and Mount Parnassus, as well as significant sites of antiquity such as Ephesus, Delphi, and Mycenae.
Wood's journey was not without its challenges. He faced cancelled flights, closed borders, and even a mad dash along empty highways during Covid lockdowns. But the greatest challenges often came from guests who kept vital information to themselves. Wood had to deal with inexperienced riders, including one who had no peripheral vision and almost fell off the road. However, most guests were well-prepared, and the riding was interspersed with opportunities to take in the scenery at a more relaxed pace.
One of the most memorable moments for Wood was sailing from island to island in the Dodecanese on a traditional wooden gulet. This allowed him to capture the atmosphere of the Odyssey, feeling like he was in the same environment that Odysseus would have experienced. The journey was not just about the physical challenges but also about the emotional rollercoaster Odysseus faced, with his life saved by the gods and then doomed by others.
Wood's journey attracted a diverse range of guests, including Penny Clowry, a 52-year-old Canberra resident who had never ridden a bike since she was five. Clowry was initially drawn to the itinerary for the scenic Mediterranean setting and the opportunity to learn about the history of the places she would be cycling through. She found the experience incredibly rewarding, with moments like passing through a tiny village and seeing a woman herding goats in traditional dress, feeling like she had stepped back in time.
The Odyssey has become a popular tour, with Wood's company offering a unique blend of history, adventure, and personal challenges. It has also inspired guests to take up cycling, with one 70-year-old guest who hadn't ridden a bike since she was five completing three other epic rides since her Odyssey experience. Wood believes that the Odyssey's themes of longing, perseverance, and the battle between fate and free will still resonate with people's lives today, making it a relevant and meaningful journey for all who embark on it.
