Indiegogo is committed to accessibility. If you have difficulty using our site, please contact support@indiegogo.com for assistance or view our accessibility notice by clicking here

This campaign is closed

In the Footsteps of Alexander Csoma

An Adventure Book About Viktor Zichó's 8,500 Mile-Long Cycling Journey Across Europe and Asia!

Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed

In the Footsteps of Alexander Csoma

In the Footsteps of Alexander Csoma

In the Footsteps of Alexander Csoma

In the Footsteps of Alexander Csoma

In the Footsteps of Alexander Csoma

An Adventure Book About Viktor Zichó's 8,500 Mile-Long Cycling Journey Across Europe and Asia!

An Adventure Book About Viktor Zichó's 8,500 Mile-Long Cycling Journey Across Europe and Asia!

An Adventure Book About Viktor Zichó's 8,500 Mile-Long Cycling Journey Across Europe and Asia!

An Adventure Book About Viktor Zichó's 8,500 Mile-Long Cycling Journey Across Europe and Asia!

Merrick Chase
Merrick Chase
Merrick Chase
Merrick Chase
1 Campaign |
Budapest, Hungary
$3,570 USD 230 backers
25% of $14,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal

In the Footsteps of Alexander Csoma: An 8,500 Mile Cycling Odyssey From Hungary to East India

 

This campaign supports the telling of an incredible story of adventure, exploration, and a triumph of the human spirit and will pay for its publication as a book in two languages. It is the story of present day Hungarian adventurer, photographer and videographer Viktor Zichó’s 11 month, 8,500 mile bicycle expedition across Europe and Asia in the footsteps of the famed philologist Alexander Csoma de Kőrös, some 200 years before him.

 

Csoma de Kőrös, a Siculo-Hungarian countryman and fellow adventurer like Viktor, was fascinated with the discovery of the Hungarian roots and origins, so he decided to travel to Asia and learn about possible language similarities with Hungarian. He spent years in Ladakh and created the first English-Tibetan dictionary and grammar book. Viktor paid homage to Csoma de Kőrös recently by riding his recumbent bicycle from Hungary to East India, roughly along the route that the founder of Tibetology forged in the early part of the 18th century. Viktor cycled through 11 countries, crossing deserts, steppes and snow-capped mountain passes.

 

Along the way he was imprisoned for one month in Pakistan due to an immigration mistake, quarantined for two months in an Indian hospital because of COVID-19, and forced to complete his journey dressed in disguise due to post-lockdown residual regulations still in effect in India. 

 

This was a journey packed with real life drama and thrills, and while likely not as tough as his predecessor's journey, Viktor faced many hardships as well as encountered many joys along his way. From crossing illegally into Pakistan (thus the prison sentence) from Afghanistan over 3,000+ meter passes in deep snow, carrying his bicycle and gear on his back for four days, to feasting with locals and enjoying culturally rich hospitality from Iran to Tajikistan— and plenty of places on either side and in between, Viktor undertook the journey to celebrate Csoma de Kőrös’ bicentenary of when he created the first English-Tibetan dictionary and grammar book. 

 

We need your help

This campaign will generate the funds necessary to print a Hungarian language version of Viktor’s book and also to pay for professional translation into English and subsequent editing and publication of the English version! As a contributor you have the unique opportunity to become a part of the adventure and make these books into a reality! When you pre-order here you will receive a dedicated hardbound copy of the book in your chosen language. In addition to securing one of the first copies of the author’s incredible book you also have the opportunity to connect with this world class athlete directly through some fantastic perks/rewards that he’s offering like a photoshoot, an hour-long video chat, and a guided mountaineering trip with Viktor and a group of your closest friends!   

 

Breakdown of costs and possible outcomes: Our goal is to raise $14,000 USD which will cover the expenses of an initial print run of 1000  hardback copies of the Hungarian language version and 1000 hardback copies of the English language version of the book. This number also covers the cost of translation and editing. In the case that we do not reach our financial goal, the funds we have accumulated will be utilized to produce a more ‘stripped down’ and economical version of the book: a paperback edition printed entirely on offset paper and without any photographs. This version would cost $10,000. In the case that only $10,000 is raised, any perks/rewards that you have purchased will be honored and you will simply receive a paperback version of the book instead of a hardcover version. Finally, if our goal of $10,000 is not reached, you will still receive any perks/rewards that you’ve purchased and as long as we have achieved 50% of our funding goal ($7,000) you will still receive your copy of the book. There will simply be a delay of some months before you receive your copy as Viktor will require some time to generate the rest of the funds required of his own accord!

 

The Impact

Viktor’s book has been written to connect you with the direct experiences of his journey— the places, situations, remarkable people as well as perspective that he encountered on the road. It also introduces sustainability as a way of life through the eyes of an intelligent, well educated man who is a solar energy engineer by training and also an environmentalist.


“In June of 2018 I decided that I would make this expedition come true. I maintained my commitment and was able to complete it in spite of hundreds of obstacles blocking my way. I could have given up countless times but I held on; my will was too strong to stop or turn back. Now that I’ve written a book to share the story of my journey I must see it through to publication— and that’s where you can help!” —Viktor Zichó

 

Risks & Challenges

The project’s greatest challenge is simply realizing our financial goal through your support. Viktor is as solid as they come. He’s already completed a nearly yearlong expedition AND he’s written a kick-ass book about his experiences. He’s done his part. Now we’re counting on supporters like you and your interest in one man’s fantastic journey to make the project succeed. Thank you for your support!

 

Other Ways You Can Help

Some of you may not be able afford to contribute financially (and that’s completely alright), but that doesn't mean you can't help! You can support the campaign by sharing it on any social media channels that you use. Please share this project with the tools on this page to make more people aware and get more people involved who might be able to help!

 

Looking for more information? Check the project FAQ
Need more information
Let us know if you think this campaign contains prohibited content.

Choose your Perk

01  Expdtn Images Wallpaper

01 Expdtn Images Wallpaper

$7 USD
A set of wallpaper sized digital images from the author's expedition for your mobile [device] or computer.
Included Items
  • Expedition Images - Wallpaper
Estimated Shipping
January 2021
1 claimed
04 The Hungarian H2H

04 The Hungarian H2H

$13 USD
This is a hand signed/autographed book for Hungarians who are planning to receive their copy of the book in person 'hand to hand,' either at one of Viktor's presentations or through friends and family.
Included Items
  • Hungarian Book
Estimated Shipping
February 2021
91 claimed
05 The Hungarian

05 The Hungarian

$13 USD
One hand signed/autographed copy of the Hungarian version of the book for any/all postal addresses
Included Items
  • Hungarian Book
Estimated Shipping
February 2021
86 claimed
Ships worldwide.
06 The English Early Bird

06 The English Early Bird

$15 USD $19 USD (21% off)
One discounted, hand signed/autographed copy of the English version of the book for early purchasers. Ships to any/all postal addresses
Included Items
  • English book
Estimated Shipping
June 2021
4 out of 40 of claimed
Ships worldwide.
07 The English

07 The English

$19 USD
One hand signed/autographed copy of the English version of the book for any/all postal addresses
Included Items
  • English book
Estimated Shipping
June 2021
0 claimed
Ships worldwide.
06-2 The English Early in Pair

06-2 The English Early in Pair

$30 USD
Two hand signed/autographed copies of the English version of the book for any/all postal addresses (single postal address)
Included Items
  • English book (2)
Estimated Shipping
June 2021
0 out of 5 of claimed
Ships worldwide.
07-2 The English in Pairs

07-2 The English in Pairs

$37 USD
Two hand signed/autographed copies of the English version of the book for any/all postal addresses (single postal address)
Included Items
  • English book (2)
Estimated Shipping
June 2021
0 claimed
Ships worldwide.
08 Video Chat With the Author

08 Video Chat With the Author

$50 USD
One hand signed/autographed copy of your choice of language versions (English or Hungarian) of the book for any/all postal addresses One-on-one video chat with the author.
Included Items
  • English OR Hungarian book
Estimated Shipping
February 2021
1 claimed
Ships worldwide.
09 The Creative Hungarian

09 The Creative Hungarian

$60 USD
One hand signed/autographed copy of the Hungarian version of the book for any/all postal addresses. One 20 page custom photo book featuring a collection of images from the expedition by the author.
Included Items
  • Hungarian Book
  • Photo book
Estimated Shipping
February 2021
2 claimed
Ships worldwide.
10 The Creative English

10 The Creative English

$80 USD
One hand signed/autographed copy of the English version of the book for any/all postal addresses. One 20 page custom photo book featuring a collection of images from the expedition by the author.
Included Items
  • English book
  • Photo book
Estimated Shipping
June 2021
0 claimed
Ships worldwide.
11 Meet the Author

11 Meet the Author

$100 USD
One hand signed/autographed copy of your choice of language versions (En or Hu) of the book, picked up in person with 'hand to hand' delivery. One 20 page custom photo book featuring a collection of images from the expedition by the author. Meet the author in person at a Hungarian (or nearby) location for a drink and thoughtful conversation.
Included Items
  • English OR Hungarian book
  • Photo book
Estimated Shipping
February 2021
0 claimed
12 Photo Session

12 Photo Session

$210 USD
Two hand signed/autographed copies of your choice of language versions of the book, picked up in person with 'hand to hand' delivery. 3 hour photo session specialized for hikers, climbers, mountaineers, ski alpinists, cyclists, etc. (your chosen discipline). Exact location as well as potential travel and additional costs to be discussed/decided
Included Items
  • English OR Hungarian book (2)
  • 3 hour-long Photo Session
Estimated Shipping
February 2021
0 claimed
13 Guided Mountaineering Trip

13 Guided Mountaineering Trip

$900 USD
Three autographed copies of your choice of language versions (En or Hu) of the book, picked up in person with 'hand to hand' delivery. A 4 day-long guided mountaineering trip to the Alps and Carpatian Mountains in Europe for a maximum of 3 persons (and a max of 2 if rock or ice climbing is involved). Travel and accommodation costs not included.
Included Items
  • English OR Hungarian book (3)
  • Guided Mountaineering trip
Estimated Shipping
February 2021
0 claimed
02 The Hungarian H2H Early
sold out

02 The Hungarian H2H Early

$10 USD $13 USD (23% off)
Estimated Shipping
February 2021
25 out of 25 of claimed
03 The Hungarian Early
sold out

03 The Hungarian Early

$10 USD $13 USD (23% off)
Estimated Shipping
February 2021
20 out of 20 of claimed
Ships worldwide.
Up Caret