Géry & Baudouin

We, Baudouin de Hemptinne (lawyer, representative of the Walloon government in London) and Géry Gevers (engineer, member of the management of a company building medical devices for the treatment of cancer), both fathers of three children, are convinced that it is possible to build a better world, more just for humanity and more sustainable for the planet… The Sun Trip adventure  across continents is a natural extension of this commitment and a great way to resonate.

The great belgian duo of Sun Trip Europe 2021 is back, with new bikes ! They were the 6th fastest on the 2021 adventure, in 61 days.

1. Tell us about your bikes, how do they feel?

Géry : The balance of the two engines gives a sensation of suppleness and crazy power. The price to pay (always 😉 is a fairly high consumption if you don’t pay attention. The bike is full-suspension on all three wheels, for smooth passage over cobblestones. The seat is super-comfortable, and the panels are easily adjusted with the arms. In the event of strong winds, the suspension lines lock the panels in a horizontal position, so that the bike doesn’t turn into a flat delta. The only downside is that, at 77 kg in weight, we feel it’s a bit limited for hubs, spokes and chains, and we’ll have to take it easy on the frame if we’re to hold out for 8,000km. We’ll be warming up by riding down the 800km from Brussels to Lyon.

Baudouin: We upgrade our bikes every time we go on a long trip. What we have here is a trike that’s rather well-built, but whose riding comfort is more akin to a limousine than a bike. Sustained back, sensitive, fine assistance, magnificent. All credit to Gery.

2. After the ST 2021, were you thinking of taking part in a major Sun Trip one day?

Géry: We’re still very happy with the previous Sun Trip(s), and have a dream of one day going round the world on a solar bike.

Baudouin: Yes, as far as I’m concerned, I’m a natural utopian. I dream of a Sun Trip around the world: the apotheosis!

3 – Would you like to be in the top 10, top 5 or on the podium?

Géry: I’m still modest about the rankings. Baudouin has more of a taste for competition than I do, so it’s going to be exciting in any case. But we’re sticking to our priorities: first, get there alive, then get to the finish, then finish well if possible… all the while having fun (“one laugh a day”). We’re aiming for the first place for belgians participants 🙂

Baudouin: This year’s mantra: “Never faster than full speed !!!!”.

4. What has changed in your lives since 2021?

Baudouin: Confirmation and validation that we are too often prisoners of our mental barriers. You have to do it, and the energy follows. Happiness means thinking of others first. A laugh a day changes your life. Géry is a wonderful man…

5. What do you think of the 2024 route?

Géry: We know some of the route (France, Spain and Portugal). Portugal is very mountainous, so in April, the challenge will be the weather in Spain and Portugal (it can rain a lot), then Morocco, the heat, the differences in altitude, the possible sandstorms, the breakage without spare equipment… it’s all going to be an adventure! The scenery looks magnificent and the people have a reputation for being extremely welcoming. The decisive points, I think, will be the climb back up through the interior of Morocco.

Baudouin: The route is well thought out. It includes a number of difficulties. It doesn’t look like a walk in the park. What’s more complex, however, is the date. It’s a huge effort for me to stop at such a busy time of year. On the other hand, it forces me to be modest: I’m not irreplaceable.

6. What do you think of the group of participants?

Géry: The group seems really cool, and we’re looking forward to getting to know them. Some of them have come from far away and are already on their way, so we’re already projected into the world of the Sun Trip ;-). I think it’s the friendship, the mutual aid, the sharing and the taste for adventure that unites us.

Baudouin: I can’t wait to discover them. The spirit of the Sun Trip is exceptional, and goes far beyond the race. The spirit of mutual aid, sharing and knowledge is formidable.

7. A word about the cause you want to defend?

Géry: There’s a lot to say about our cause: demonstrating that it’s possible to travel with a very low carbon footprint, showing that it’s possible to embark on such an adventure, encouraging people to take up challenges for a better world, raising funds for an institution that houses mentally handicapped people (including my brother).

Baudouin: The cause is twofold: – Soft mobility is possible, easy, recommendable and joyful. It’s a playful approach to transition! – We support people with disabilities who will never be as lucky as we are. In this way, we share a little of our happiness.

While waiting for his buddy, Géry participated brilliantly in the Sun Trip France 2020, to the point of winning the special Jury Prize!

Some photos and vidéos :