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

-

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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.

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:

🚴 Gear I Personally Use and Recommend

I personally use all of these and swear by them. They’ve helped me stay healthy, ride longer, and recover smarter.

  • Renpho Smart Scale — I use this one and it gives me a tremendous amount of information that has been integral to my weight loss and healthy lifestyle.
    👉 Check it out on Amazon
  • Giro Fixture MIPS II Helmet — I wear mine every ride. It is comfortable and it protects me.
    👉 Check it out on Amazon
  • Outdoor Essentials Cooling Arm Sleeves — I wear these to protect my arms from the damaging sun as I have skin cancer issues.
    👉 Check it out on Amazon
  • Przewalski Bib Shorts — I have multiple pairs of these. They cost a lot less than the others and last me longer.
    👉 Check it out on Amazon
  • Premier Protein Shakes — I drink one after every ride. They are low sugar and packed with protein to give me what I need.
    👉 Check it out on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support helps keep this blog rolling.

Location: Lubbock, TX, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. We may receive a small commission if you buy through links on this site — at no extra cost to you.

Subscribe

Popular posts from this blog

Does Cycling Make Sciatica Worse? What Cyclists Need to Know

-
Image
REAL CYCLIST INSIGHT: I’ve logged over 150,000 miles in the saddle. While I’ve never personally suffered from sciatica, I’ve ridden with plenty of cyclists who have — and I’ve paid close attention to what helped them keep going. Here's what I've learned from the road. Sciatica is no joke. The sharp, radiating pain that travels from your lower back down your leg can make everyday activities tough—let alone riding a bike. If you're a cyclist dealing with sciatica, you might be asking yourself: Is cycling helping me or making things worse? Like many things in health and fitness, the answer is: It depends. Cycling can both aggravate and relieve sciatic pain, depending on your riding position, bike setup, and the underlying cause of your symptoms. 🚫 When Cycling Might Make Sciatica Worse Cycling can contribute to sciatic nerve irritation under certain conditions: Prolonged Sitting: Long hours in the saddle—especially with a hard, narrow seat—can put direct pr...
Read more

Boost Your Focus and Mental Clarity with Cycling

-
Image
  Cycling for Focus and Mental Clarity: How Two Wheels Can Clear Your Mind We all know cycling is great for physical health, but did you know it can also sharpen your mind and improve your ability to focus? Whether you’re struggling with concentration, battling anxiety, or just looking for a mental reset, hopping on a bike may be one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to boost your brainpower. 🚴 How Cycling Improves Mental Focus Cycling isn’t just exercise — it’s a cognitive workout. Here’s how: 1. Increases Blood Flow to the Brain When you cycle, your heart rate rises and blood flow improves — especially to your brain. This delivers more oxygen and nutrients, which can enhance memory, focus, and decision-making . 2. Puts You in a Meditative State Cycling forces you to pay attention: to your breathing, your cadence, the road ahead. This state of flow quiets distractions and trains your brain to focus on the present moment. 3. Reduces Stress and Anxiety Riding a b...
Read more

Is 30 Minutes of Cycling a Day Enough to Lose Weight?

-
Image
Updated July 25, 2025 Is 30 minutes of cycling a day enough to lose weight? Yes — if you ride consistently and manage your diet. Here's how cycling 30 minutes daily can help burn calories, build endurance, and support real fat loss. Cycling is a popular and effective way to lose weight—and for good reason. It burns calories, builds muscle, improves cardiovascular health, and is easy on the joints. But many beginners wonder: is 30 minutes of cycling a day enough to make a difference? From my own experience, I can tell you that when I first got back into cycling after years of being sedentary, 30 minutes felt like a serious workout. I was sweating, tired, and proud of myself. But as I got more consistent, something became clear: if I was still eating poorly, even 60 minutes a day on the bike wasn't going to move the scale much. That's when I learned that weight loss is a combination of exercise and nutrition —not just one or the other. How Weight Loss Works At i...
Read more