Nils Reckemeier is a triathlete and native German who traveled to Paris to watch the 2024 Olympics. But unlike most spectators, he didn’t get here by car or airplane. Instead, he took his homemade “bike camper” and biked over 400 miles from Hameln, his hometown in Germany, to Paris.
Reckemeier said he frequently enjoys biking, and he wanted to find a way to make his dreams of camping alongside his bike while traveling the world a reality.
“It’s kind of a fun project I wanted to turn into reality,” he said. “Most people, when they set their goals, say they want to do it sometime, but I thought, ‘Okay, let’s just try it out.’”
Reckemeier’s aerodynamic bike trailer is attached to the axle of his rear wheel, and the trailer is just barely big enough to fit him. He built it three years ago, and it has served him well ever since.
“With only 15.4 kg total weight and being super aerodynamic, it's still 100% waterproof and durable,” he posted on Instagram. “I've put a mattress inside and did a 600 km test ride, including 265 km in one day. It's way more comfortable than sleeping in a tent!”
Reckemeier likes to occasionally change the colors and decorations of his camper. For the Olympics, he added the Olympic rings, a person running, stripes showing Germany’s colors and “The World’s Fastest Bike Camper” painted on.
Reckemier has been competing in track, swim, bike, and triathlon races for several years now. He enjoys being both a spectator and a competitor and is mostly interested in long-distance triathlons.
“That’s what I focus on, try to see what’s out there for me. I’m just going to be competing as an amateur, but I’m training and seeing what will happen,” he said.
Reckemeier is excited to be in Paris and watch more experienced athletes compete. He was able to watch two of the triathlon time trials. However, that’s not the only reason he’s here. He also enjoys making connections with random people and inspiring them to achieve their dreams.
His story caught the eye of a German news station, and the German magazine “Triathlon” wrote an article on him.
“I just enjoy biking and connecting with people. You should overcome your fears and leave your comfort zone. It’s worth it to confront yourself with the things that you’re scared of,” Reckemeier said.
Reckemeier mentioned a desire to compete in the Olympics someday, but he’s taking his dreams day-by-day and enjoying his life of travel and competition.