“In February 2020, I spent a month cycling accross frozen lake Baikal. The cold, the ice and the snow drew me there. I can’t explain precisely why I enjoy being in these landscapes so much but I feel comfortable in these wintery places – despite the cold, the harshness and the solitude. I love the silence, the muffled sounds, the light, the seeming steadiness that I find very soothing.
Lake Baikal is the largest freshwater lake in the world. It’s about 650 kilometres long and 70 kilometres wide and is located in Siberia (Russia), North of Mongolia. It also is the deepest lake worldwide and hosts an incredible biodiversity. During three weeks, I cycled from the North end to Irkutsk, the largest city around it.
Cycling in a cold environment implies many adaptations but the essence of bike-touring/riding/packing stays the same: discovering places, cultures, people. While I was alone most of the time, I also met some wonderful people who brought a lot of happy memories and warmth. How to depict these very emotional encounters when I barely have a photo of them ? How to transcribe the intensity of a smile after being on your own for several days ? We’re social beings and spending some time alone is, to me, a great reminder of how precious these interactions are.”
(Gaëlle Bojko)
Cycled, filmed & produced by Gaëlle Bojko
Additional audio mixing by Marvin Beranek
Soundtrack used with friendly permission:
Christian Löffler “The Great White Open”. Christian Löffler appears courtesy of Ki Records. “The Great White Open“ is taken from his longplayer “Mare” (2016). For more great music and information visit
Micronaut “Archery”. Micronaut appears courtesy of Ki Records. “Archery“ is taken from the longplayer “Olympia” (2020). For more great music and information visit
Christian Löffler “Young Alaska”. Christian Löffler appears courtesy of Ki Records. “ Young Alaska“ is taken from his longplayer “Young Alaska” (2014). For more great music and information visit
Xuqutopi “Corazon De La Tierra”. Xuqutopi appears courtesy of Numa / Ki Records. “ Corazon De La Tierra“ is taken from the longplayer “Portal Solar” (2019). For more great music and information visit
Sean Pineiro “Rope & Ruins”. Sean Pineiro appears courtesy of Ki Records. “Rope & Ruins“ is taken from the longplayer “Saved Once Twice” (2014). For more great music and information visit
Bombtrack Bicycle Co. is a division of WE MAKE THINGS GmbH, Cologne / Germany.
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