Dean and Nala: The Inspiring Journey of a Man and His Cat Across 18 Countries

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Dean Nicholson kneels beside his touring bike, gently holding Nala the cat on a quiet road, with scenic trees and mountains in the background.
I stumbled across a YouTube video that featured a man named Dean Nicholson cycling the world with a very unexpected travel companion: his cat, Nala. Their journey is one of the most heartwarming things I’ve seen in a long time — and it’s a story every cyclist and animal lover should know.

From Welder to World Traveler

Dean, a 31-year-old from Dunbar, Scotland, had long dreamed of traveling the world. In 2018, he quit his job as a welder, loaded up his bike, and began riding across Europe. His original goal? To make it all the way to Australia — then fly to Argentina and ride north to Canada.

But the trip took a surprising and beautiful turn in the hills of Bosnia.

A Meow That Changed Everything

While climbing a steep mountain pass in Bosnia, Dean heard a tiny meowing sound. Curious, he stopped, looked around, and found a stray kitten on the roadside. She was all alone, barely old enough to survive — and she walked straight up to him.

He named her Nala, and that was that. She rode in a little front-mounted basket, curled up and calm, and has been with him ever since.

Together, Dean and Nala have cycled over 20,000 kilometers through 18 countries, sharing meals, campsites, storms, breakdowns — and joy.

1Bike1World: The Internet Falls in Love

Dean started posting updates of their adventures under the name 1bike1world — and the internet couldn’t get enough. Today, their YouTube channel has more than 1 million subscribers, and their videos regularly go viral.

Whether it’s Nala snoozing in her basket, curiously watching the world go by, or the two of them sharing a quiet moment on a mountaintop, their story captures something special — a sense of connection, trust, and simple companionship.

It Hasn’t Always Been Easy

Dean and Nala have faced their share of challenges:

  • Storms and dangerous roads

  • Bike repairs in the middle of nowhere

  • Visa and border control headaches

  • The constant logistics of traveling with a pet

But through it all, Dean has stayed committed — not just to the journey, but to Nala. He takes extra time to keep her safe, comfortable, and healthy. Their bond is unmistakable.

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More Than a Travel Story — It’s a Message

Dean says his journey is about more than adventure. He wants to spread a simple message:

“Be kind.”

It’s something he’s experienced firsthand — in the kindness of strangers, the generosity of those who’ve helped him, and the unconditional love of a cat he never expected to meet.

In a world that often feels divided, Dean and Nala remind us that kindness matters. And that sometimes, the best travel companions come when we least expect them.

If you love Dean’s message, you might enjoy this shirt that says it all —
Be Kind Cats Earth Day Planet World Kindness Day T-Shirt
It’s a simple reminder that kindness matters — to people, animals, and the planet.
(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Final Thoughts

Dean and Nala's story inspires me to keep chasing the road — to keep pedaling, stay open to the unexpected, and never forget that a little kindness can go a long way.

🔗 Related Posts You Might Enjoy:

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Location: Lubbock, TX, USA

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