“The World I Saw Was Beautiful” – Cyclist’s Incredible Journey Connects Hearts Worldwide
By Andrew Mortensen for Outsports
Andrew Mortensen, a gay cyclist, set out on a life-changing 27,500-mile bike ride that took him across the globe. During his trip, he raised an impressive $20,000 for The Trevor Project, an LGBTQIA+ suicide prevention organization that holds a special place in his heart.
Mortensen’s experience started in 2020 during the covid pandemic. “I got cooped up during covid and did not have a lot going on in my life,” he shared with Outsports. Driven by the loss of two friends to suicide, he decided to cycle as a way to cope and raise funds for a cause he deeply believed in.
Kindness And Hospitality Across Continents
Throughout his 360-day trip, Mortensen encountered incredible kindness from strangers, even in places where he had to hide his sexuality for safety reasons. “I never had trouble finding a place to sleep, eat or take shelter,” he reveals. “When you’re cold, wet and tired, people are keen to help.”
From staying in strangers’ homes to sharing space with armed guards, Mortensen’s experiences were diverse and eye-opening. He found common ground with people from all walks of life who shared stories of loved ones struggling with suicidal thoughts or losing their lives to suicide.
Wearing his orange Trevor Project shirt, Mortensen sparked valuable conversations about mental health and LGBTQIA+ issues. “From Florida to Texas, I wore my orange Trevor Project shirt every day and that was the best two-week period,” he recalls. “It sparked so many valuable conversations and a lot of common ground.”
While Mortensen faced challenges like being hit by a truck, robbed at knifepoint, and dealing with physical ailments, the good far outweighed the bad. He was invited to birthday parties, weddings, and family reunions by complete strangers who welcomed him with open arms.
In the Middle East and Asia, Mortensen had to be more cautious about revealing his sexuality. However, even when people discovered his advocacy online, many still welcomed him, with some even confiding their own identities to him in private.
As one of the few cyclists to have ridden around the globe, Mortensen believes it’s important for the LGBTQIA+ community to know what’s possible. His journey not only raised funds for a crucial cause but also spread a message of hope, understanding, and the power of human connection.
Mortensen’s passion for cycling and advocacy continues, as he plans to take on a new challenge in the coming years: cycling across Australia to further spread his message of hope and raise awareness for LGBTQIA+ issues.
Follow Andrew Mortensen’s journey on Instagram: @andrew_mort
