Many of us are familiar with Jules Verne's work "Around the World in 80 Days," whether through the book or the film. In this story, the heroes sought to circumnavigate the globe using all available modes of transport, encountering amusing and sometimes tragic adventures along the way. A similar challenge befell the Russian traveler Onisim Pankratov in the early 20th century. At 20, Onisim worked as a firefighter in Harbin and was passionate about cycling, becoming the city champion. It was likely then that he conceived the idea of cycling from Harbin to St. Petersburg.

This risky journey began on July 10, 1911. Each stage of the trip was recorded in a special journal with notes from local elders to document his achievements. The path was not easy: Pankratov carried heavy bags, often rode on rough terrain, was plagued by insects, and was pelted with stones and chased by dogs by the residents of remote villages. Only at night could he ride on the Trans-Siberian Railway, where the traffic was safer (during the day, he was chased away by railway inspectors). By November 1911, he reached St. Petersburg, only to learn that a similar record had already been set. Then Onisim Petrovich decided to undertake something incredible, a round-the-world journey by bicycle!

He traveled across Europe, Turkey, Bulgaria, Austria-Hungary, Italy, France, Spain, and England. During this time, many things happened to him. In Turkey, he was beaten by gendarmes, in Italy he was accused of espionage, and only thanks to the Russian consul did he avoid prison. Then he was involved in an accident with a motorcyclist and spent a month in the hospital. He reached America by steamship, cycled from New York to San Francisco, then through Hawaii to Japan, and ultimately found himself back in Russia. The round-the-world journey concluded after two years. In the summer of 1913, Pankratov was ceremoniously welcomed home with an orchestra, a laurel wreath, and an honorary ribbon.