Dep. Legal MA-74-2004 - ISSN 2488-1562
Costa del Sol I No. 2146 I 20 - 26 August 2026 I FREE Newspaper
Samuel cycles the world SAMUEL turns 12 just weeks before leaving Malaga on Sunday, November 15, on a remarkable journey. The young cyclist will pedal 20,235 kilometres across 20 countries over 594 days, visiting 56 animal shelters. At every stop, he will film a single dog and share its story online so donations flow directly to that shelter. No middlemen, no foundations, and nothing held back. For safety, his parents will ride every single kilometre with him. Dutch by nationality and born in Belgium, Samuel grew up around rescue animals with a simple family rule: a dog you find is a dog you keep. His deep compassion for abandoned pets transformed a broad childhood dream of cycling the world into a mission with heart. He knows these forgotten animals deserve better, and he wants to give them a voice.
Credit: SCtW FB
Expat lad prepares to visit 56 animal shelters
Samuel, ready to cycle the world for dogs in animal shelters.
The adventure replaces his traditional classroom with real world learning. Geography rolls under his wheels, while daily distance targets sharpen his maths skills.
Speaking Dutch, English, and Spanish fluently allows him to converse directly with dedicated shelter staff from Morocco all the way to Turkey. Although electric bikes ini-
tially seemed safer, flight restrictions on heavy batteries and difficult roadside repairs forced a switch to standard touring bikes. Samuel was initially disappointed, yet he
bravely resolved to complete the vast trek under his own physical power. This means tackling shorter daily rides of 50 kilometres, planning regular rest days, and avoiding high mountain passes. Leaving his school, his bedroom, and his best friend José behind will be tough. This is no simple holiday or publicity stunt; it requires waking up on cold mornings when riding feels impossible. Spain faces a devastating animal welfare crisis, with hundreds of thousands of abandoned pets entering rescue centres annually. Samuel’s personal films will channel vital funding straight to overwhelmed
staff and suffering animals. The expedition requires essential financial help for three touring bikes, durable camping equipment, camera gear, visas, and daily food. Training is currently underway on a bike he has not yet grown into. Supporters can contribute via PayPal at paypal.com/ paypalme/samuelcyclestheworld to keep the family moving forward. Samuel admits he expects to shed tears somewhere along the dusty, tiring roads ahead. Yet, driven by immense love for vulnerable shelter animals, he remains utterly determined to pedal forward anyway, one country at a time.