Published in the Norwegian newspaper "GD"

September 1, 2023

Crossing the shopping street in downtown Lillehammer, I am approached by Kristin ROSET, a journalist for the regional newspaper "GD" (Gudbrandsdølen Dagningen).

She learned of my presence from one of the shopkeepers on the street and came directly to see me. We go to the town hall square and I invite her inside Pierrette to do the interview.

Here is the article which appeared in print and online.

Travel 3,600 kilometers by bike to work in Otta

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- Now, I'll be there soon, said Michael Dupont in his homemade four-wheeler. Photo: Kristin Roset

He started his cycling journey in his homemade quadricycle in Nantes, France, almost six months ago. In a few days, Michael Dupont will finally be in Otta.

It was a special sight that appeared on the pedestrian street of Lillehammer. A homemade four-wheeler with accommodation had taken a well-deserved break under the blazing sun. Inside the rack is Michael Dupont, 31, with a big smile.

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- I have made a lot of new acquaintances along the way since March, says the 31-year-old Frenchman. Photo: Kristin Roset

I miss Otta

The Frenchman began the journey in March this year. From his hometown of Nantes in France, he cycled through several countries and met nice people. He built the quadricycle himself and named it “Pierrette”. It has solar cells on the roof and in the trunk it has made room for sleeping and cooking.

- I am a carpenter by trade and run my own business. In recent years I have traveled to various places on missions, but I especially miss Norway and Otta. It's been ten years since I last went there, he said.

Nord-Gudbrandsdal's desire was so strong that he contacted his former boss to see if there was a job for him. That was it.

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- I have reserved an apartment and plan to work there for the next six to seven months. I love nature and the mountains and I look forward to meeting old acquaintances again, he says.

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- I posted trip updates on Facebook and Instagram. This is a stop between Münster and Telgte, explains Michael. Photo: Private

It was difficult to pedal

The journey of almost 3,600 kilometers exceeded all expectations, apart from a few wheel mishaps. He settled that in Oslo. He documented his journey on Instagram under the name le_book_de_michael.

- I can't reach top speed, and when the power wasn't working at some point, it became difficult to pedal. Then I had some issues with pain in the back of my thigh. Fortunately, it didn't last long and I was able to continue riding, he says with a laugh.

Michael is now on his way to Otta and hopes to finally get there in three to four days. Maybe you see him with Pierrette?