meet the family
Meet Clotaire
What once seemed like an unrealistic childhood dream gradually became a guiding principle: to build a life centered around owning little, wanting little, but dreaming boldly and far. A minimalist lifestyle, in his eyes, was the path to the greatest return: happiness.
Venturing alone from her home in north-western France Clotaire is a French long-term traveler, born in France and raised somewhere between Paris and Belgium. It’s far from the typical postcard image of the country, some might even describe the area as bleak. But he grew up surrounded by remarkable people and meaningful experiences.
At some point, however, books and documentaries were no longer enough. Living in such an environment, he felt a growing need to experience the world firsthand rather than simply read about it. As far back as he can remember, he had always wanted to travel. What once seemed like an unrealistic childhood dream gradually became a guiding principle: to build a life centered around owning little, wanting little, but dreaming boldly and far. A minimalist lifestyle, in his eyes, was the path to the greatest return: happiness.
He went on to study nursing and later settled in Grenoble, France, where he enjoyed the comfort and beauty of the region. Yet even there, beyond the mountains, he felt the pull of something greater - distant horizons waiting to be explored. He soon developed a rhythm: working, saving money, then leaving whenever the urge arose. He would spend everything on travel, return to work, and repeat the cycle for years. Eventually, he felt ready for a longer, more ambitious journey around the world
His initial plan was to explore Europe and Africa, but once he reached Cape Town, he realized he couldn’t imagine doing anything other than continuing to explore. From there, he flew to Asia and began cycling across the continent, later continuing through New Zealand and Australia. Afterward, he returned to Asia to keep the adventure going. When the time felt right, he flew to Alaska and began a journey from the very top of the Americas, cycling all the way down to Ushuaia, Chile.
This way of life has brought him to the present moment. It has now been nearly eight years, and he feels no desire to stop. His next plan is a symbolic one: a final ride from Japan to France, closing a chapter after ten years away from his home country.
And after that, who knows? Most likely, Clotaire will set off once again. After all, he still can’t imagine doing anything else.
Clotaire Mandel
Born: Montélimar, France
Year of birth: 1991
Where do you live: I use to live in Grenoble, capital of the French alps. Although I’ve been on the road for 8 years now, mainly living inside my little tent.
Bike: Beyond Adv+
Countries travelled: For the past 8 years I’ve been to France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Poland, Czech republic, Ukraine, Moldova, Transnistria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Iran, UAE, Oman, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, India, Nepal, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, USA (Alaska), Canada, USA, Mexico, Cuba, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil
Before that I’ve been as well to Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Liechtenstein, Vaticano, Italy, Slovenia, Kosovo, Sri Lanka, Austria, Bulgaria, Morocco, Tunisia.
I think that’s about it, and I’m surely about to see what’s missing.
Kilometers per year: More or less15.000. I’m pretty slow.
What is your profession: Former nurse, but haven’t practiced in a whiiiiiiile. Mostly unemployed, I try to write articles and sell photos. I worked in coffee industry and outdoor retail in the most recent years tho, in NZ and Australia
Favourite music: If you ask me today, largely classic music. Jazz and Baroque as well.
Supporters: Bombtrack Bicycle Co., Old Man Mountain, Merit gear, Offlap, Izipizi, Fjern, Vera cycling, Nonormal coffee
Favourite place/moment
“I guess I love camping at least as much as I love riding bikes. It goes together. The bike bring me to camp, camping help me resting to keep riding the following day. Day and night. Two faces of a same coin. My favourite moment is when camp is set. When I’m sitting on my mattress, appreciating consciously the preciousness of the moment. Feeling proud and satisfied. Looking at my bike, thanking it. Boiling water, brewing a coffee and reading a few chapters. Noticing the silence, as well as wind blowing and birds chirping. Somehow my favourite moment of my bikepacking life is when I stop cycling. The feeling of having enjoying every single second, of being at the right place at the right moment. The luxury of moving every day my home to choose a new spot.”