Wim Rekers writes a book about a trip across the United States: “the most famous and famous country there is”

WALTHERMUND – Two years ago, Wim Rickers from Walthermond took the trip of his life. For three months, he biked across one of the largest countries in the world: the United States. He has written a book, “No Man’s Land,” about his own experiences, which will be published soon.

He covered a distance of 6,300 kilometers in three months. And that's on your own, by bike. For some it seems like a complete nightmare, while others cannot wait to embark on such an adventure. Reckers performed the same way. The cycling trip fulfilled a long-cherished wish. “I've been fascinated by America for a long time,” says Renkers on RTV1 1 Op Vrijdag. “It is the most famous and at the same time the most unknown country ever.” On the one hand, we talk about it a lot, but on the other hand, it's an incredibly mysterious community. It really blows your mind.

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Discovery tour

Rikers' love for America was sparked during one of his previous trips to the country. For his work as editor-in-chief of the street newspaper “De Riepe”, Rekers traveled to a homeless shelter in New York. There, contrary to his expectations, he found a well-dressed man. The American had a carefully shaven face and wore an elegant suit. There was no indication in his appearance that he was homeless at the time. “When he told me he lost his rental property from one moment to the next, I was open,” Rikers says. “At that moment you just wonder how something like that could happen.”

Rikers was determined to learn more about the country that fascinated him so much. There was only one way to find out. “I'm going to have to travel slowly across the country,” Rikers says. The bike was the most logical choice for him. “I noticed on your bike that people approach you easily. Plus, because you're alone, you're also forced to come into contact with others. Also, walking was a bit slow for me,” he admits, laughing.

“You can make an omelette on my head.”

It has definitely been a journey of discovery. In addition to the inevitable culture shock, Rikers regularly encounters America's dominant car culture that leaves little room for cyclists. “Cars are not used to cyclists there,” he explains. He almost fell off his feet several times. “Everyone is in a hurry and would rather be at their destination yesterday than today. I quickly learned that I had to stop in time before cars cut me off. The weather also played a major role in Riker's adventures. For example, he was exposed to a heat wave in which The temperature has been above 40 degrees for more than a week. “You could make an omelette on my head.”

Storytellers

During his trip, Rikers met many Americans who were happy to talk to him. “Usually such a conversation would start with a chat about the weather or my bike, but after a few minutes we were already discussing serious political topics, like Trump or abortion. In the end, people poured out their entire hearts to me. In Riker’s experience, the stereotype of the superficial American falls very short.” “I have met many people who, so to speak, trust me with their PIN.”

Fly over the country

During her trip, Valthermonder biked from the East Coast to the West Coast and crossed the so-called “Fly Over Country.” The areas you actually fly over when you travel between the two most populated coastal areas in the east and west of the country. According to Rikers, the inhabitants of these coastal areas view the interior areas in a somewhat condescending manner. “I was told that there was nothing to be had in that ‘in-between zone’ and that you would just have to fly over it.” Complete nonsense according to Rickers. “The people who live there also have their own story and it seemed like they really wanted to tell that story to me.” He says while laughing. “It doesn't matter whether I'm in a bar or a supermarket, people come up to me straight away.”

Barren land

With more than 6,300 kilometers under his belt and countless poignant memories in his pocket, Rikers had more than enough material to fill a book at the end of his journey. And that's exactly what happened. “When I left in 2022, I had no intention of writing anything, but after having a lot of private conversations I thought: I have to do something with this, I have to write this.”

The stories Rikers discovered during his journey inspired him to write his book “No Man's Land,” a reference to the wilderness and complete emptiness he discovered in the middle of America. “By Dutch standards, this emptiness is unimaginable. Sometimes I found myself looking down and thinking, ‘I’m not making any progress at all.’ The scene around me remained the same. It was as if I was making no progress.”

It remains to be seen when “No Man's Land” will be released. Interested parties can contact Reckers to be put on a waiting list.