Luke Rimmer, an exchange student at XJTLU, sets off from Suzhou for Liverpool. [Photo/jsxc.gov.cn]

A bicycle, a backpack and a 150-day journey across 15 countries and regions — that is how University of Liverpool exchange student Luke Rimmer is making his way home from Suzhou.

On the morning of July 21, Rimmer set off from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), beginning a cycling adventure of more than 15,000 kilometers. His goal is to reach the University of Liverpool in time for his graduation ceremony in December.

The journey had a special send-off at XJTLU on July 8, when the university held a small departure ceremony for Rimmer. Xi Youmin, executive president of XJTLU, presented him with a bicycle that will accompany him throughout the journey.

Xi Youmin, executive president of XJTLU, presented Rimmer with a bicycle. [Photo/jsxc.gov.cn]

For Rimmer, however, the ride is about much more than getting home. He has always enjoyed pushing himself beyond his limits, but this time he also wants to experience the world firsthand and meet the people along the way.

Rimmer said that friends in the UK sometimes encounter negative stories about other parts of the world, some of which he believes may be exaggerated or distorted. He hopes his journey will offer a different perspective.

"I want to bring the stories I experience firsthand back to the UK and tell my friends in Liverpool that the real world is full of kindness," he said.

Rimmer has also taken extensive precautions for the long ride. His gear includes first-aid supplies, bicycle repair tools and spare inner tubes. He has even packed a solar panel to keep his electronic devices charged while crossing deserts.

Another item in his luggage has a more personal purpose: a large flag printed by XJTLU with the route of his journey. Luke plans to ask people he meets along the way to sign it, turning the flag into a record of the people and places that become part of his journey.