Gerhard Czerner: Mountain Biking Down Kilimanjaro & Crossing Glaciers of the Karakoram

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Gerhard Czerner: Biking Down Kilimanjaro and Across the Glaciers of the Karakoram

In this extraordinary episode of Adventure Diaries, we meet Gerhard Czerner—mountain biker, climber, and master of taking two wheels where no trail exists. Gerhard has redefined what’s possible in adventure travel, combining a childhood love for biking with a fearless passion for mountaineering. From the icy peaks of the Karakoram to the volcanic slopes of Kilimanjaro, he carries not just his gear—but powerful stories of human connection, resilience, and the wild joy of doing something no one else has dared to try.

Gerhard shares the inside story of his expedition to Pakistan’s legendary Karakoram range, where he carried his mountain bike across shifting glaciers, icy scree, and towering passes with over 22 kilograms on his back. The terrain was brutal, unpredictable, and often completely unrideable. But what he found—aside from a few precious ice highways to ride—was something far greater: deep friendships with local porters, cultural exchange, and surreal moments like fixing a jeep’s broken brakes with cow milk.

We also dive into the incredible tale of Gerhard’s descent of Mount Kilimanjaro—after securing the first-ever official permit to ride down Africa’s highest peak. Alongside biking legends Hans Rey and Danny MacAskill, Gerhard pushed through sleepless nights, high-altitude training (including a tent in his bedroom!), and a 1,000-meter gravel climb to the summit. What followed was one of the most exhilarating descents on Earth—5,000 vertical meters from glacier to jungle.

But these stories go far beyond terrain and altitude. Gerhard’s adventures are driven by a belief that bikes are bridges—connecting people across language and culture, bringing joy to remote communities, and leaving lasting impacts. Whether it’s teaching porters in Pakistan how to ride, or helping a local agency launch bike tourism in Tanzania, Gerhard’s legacy is one of storytelling, generosity, and bold curiosity.

This episode is a celebration of what happens when you follow your passion, carry your bike into the unknown, and embrace the adventure waiting on the other side.

Watch, listen, and be inspired to carry your own adventure forward.

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Chapters

1. Mountain Biking Misadventures (00:00:00)

2. Welcome to the Adventure Diaries (00:01:08)

3. Meet Gerhard Czerner (00:01:28)

4. Early Life and Passion for Biking (00:03:20)

5. Combining Biking and Mountaineering (00:05:20)

6. Breakthrough Adventure in Morocco (00:08:55)

7. Facing K2: The Karakoram Challenge (00:09:59)

8. Planning and Preparation for Karakoram (00:14:00)

9. The Team and Local Guides (00:17:24)

10. Cultural Exchange and Local Challenges (00:20:35)

11. Safety Concerns and Unexpected Solutions (00:28:59)

12. Dodgy Vehicles and Worrisome Journeys (00:31:35)

13. Plans to Return to Pakistan (00:32:00)

14. Switching Lanes to Africa (00:32:33)

15. Mountain Biking on Kilimanjaro (00:33:17)

16. Acclimatization and Training (00:34:42)

17. Climatic Challenges on Kilimanjaro (00:37:32)

18. Summit Success and the Ride Down (00:41:09)

19. Reflections on the Adventure (00:44:08)

20. Future Biking Adventures (00:46:48)

21. Cultural Connections and Giving Back (00:48:36)

22. Call to Adventure and Final Thoughts (00:52:40)