Even though he was born in Belgium, Bilal Ghomraoui has a strong connection to the United Arab Emirates. Ghomraoui lived in Dubai for 13 years growing up, and refers to it as the closest thing he has to home.

The 24-year-old triathlete, who is obsessed with bicycles, had an idea in the back of his mind about how to honor the two most important places in his life. On Oct. 15, Ghomraoui began a 7,000-kilometer unsupported cycling journey from Brussels to Dubai, finishing on Dec. 4.

“I always told myself I would do a trip like this after my studies,” said Ghomraoui, who recently graduated with a master’s degree in electromechanical engineering and moved back to Belgium. “I have yet to realize the trip is over. I guess I need a few more days for it to sink in.”

Not to say the trek wasn’t physically demanding, but Ghomraoui was certainly prepared for it. As a triathlete, he has spent an average of 10 hours every week training for the past two years. Ghomraoui completed IRONMAN Barcelona—finishing eighth in his age group—two weeks prior to starting his journey. The most challenging part, he said, was staying focused and mentally strong.

“On a bike you can’t cover huge distances so it takes some time to get somewhere,” he said. “Not only are you far physically from friends and family but you also know that it’ll be a while before you can see a familiar face again. Thankfully, throughout the trip I was connected with my friends and family. If it wasn’t for that, I wouldn’t have made it to Dubai.”

Ghomraoui plans to spend a month with his parents in Dubai before returning to Belgium to find a job. Needless to say, he probably won’t be cycling back there.

NOTE: First appeared on Culture Trip