Extra Mile For SEO

More than 3 000 kilometers ridden for SEO

45 kilos on Rebecca's bike for 1 000 kilometers
and 6 500 meters of climbing.

Useful foreword

Cycling to Brighton SEO is a project we dreamt about for several years. One day, Rebecca Berbel, Julien Deneuville, David Looses and Syphaïwong Bay gathered in a pub to talk about this journey. This was it, we were planning Extra Mile for SEO: riding to Brighton SEO with our bicycles and very light luggages. At least, no one forgot to bring additional inner tube.

The project was mainly supported by Oncrawl, ASSONANCE Agency and Databulle. Many people were involved such as Morgane Stampfer (now at Stampfercorp) who have ridden 200 km by herself to support the initiative. Augustin Delporte (Pragm) and Pierre Bousin also joined the adventure for the April 2023's edition.

All those people work in the SEO Industry.

Let's ride on an adventure

This Story is written by Syphaïwong Bay, the one who doesn't do cycling anymore but who hopes to sit again on the saddle very soon.

For now, Extra Mile for SEO has been held 4 times. There were people riding from France to Brighton SEO UK for the edition of: Spring 2022, Autumn 2022, Spring 2023, Autumn 2023.

The first edition of Extra Mile for SEO consisted of a one-day trip from Paris Montparnasse station to Dieppe (FR), over 200 km to reach the port from which the ferry leaves for Newhaven (UK). The initiative was also followed at a distance by Morgane Stampfer and Syphaïwong Bay, who rode around Rouen (FR) and Reims (FR) respectively to add kilometers. The day after, Rebecca Berbel, Julien Deneuville and David Looses took the ferry to reach Newhaven (UK). On arrival, a storm prevented the ferry from docking in good conditions. Unfortunately, they had to abandon on the way from Newhaven to Brighton (a distance of just 17 kilometers) for safety reasons.They finally made it to the Brighton Centre so Rebecca could give her talk at Brighton SEO. Rebecca is not the only one to speak at BrightonSEO after riding an Extra Mile for SEO; Julien has also given talks after cycling to the conference, proving that nothing can stop a good SEO talk.

Rebecca Berbel in Brighton with her Extra Mile for SEO cycling cap.

Rebecca Berbel in Brighton with her Extra Mile for SEO cycling cap.

The Brain

Rebecca is certainly the most impressive person on this project. She has created a real community around Extra Mile for referencing and finding cyclists willing to join the ride. In the spring of 2023, she set off from Bordeaux (France), where Oncrawl is headquartered, riding to Brighton with her panniers, camping stove, work computer, and tent.

It's morning, time to ride!

It's morning, time to ride!

Chantilly Castle in the fog. Can you see it? Neither did we.

Chantilly Castle in the fog. Can you see it? Neither did we.

What is bikepacking?

an explanation

You've probably seen people traveling long distances by bike. Bikepacking is all about traveling with a bike, but in the lightest possible way. Everything is optimized to carry everything you need for the trip. Of course, clothes and hygiene products come to mind... but there are more important things to pack. Preparing an event like Extra Mile for SEO requires more than just a change of clothes. You'll need:

Stamina in the saddle

Basic knowledge of bike mechanics

Tools and spare bike parts, from inner tubes, pumps and lubricants, to extra brake pads

Conference notes to rehearse along the way.

David is getting ready.

David is getting ready.

Safety message: do not read while cycling to Brighton SEO.

Safety message: do not read while cycling to Brighton SEO.

How far did they ride?

about 3 000 kilometers on the saddle

from France to Brighton, but you can also add the kilometers to ride back home...

Riding to a business event isn't simple. It required the approval of your employer, the support of your colleagues, the understanding of your family and friends. Getting all of the this at the same time might be the first challenge. Is it worth it?

Yes.

Oncrawl's team in Brighton SEO gathering around the 3 heroes of the day: Rebecca, Julien and David.

Oncrawl's team in Brighton SEO gathering around the 3 heroes of the day: Rebecca, Julien and David.

Why is it incredible and important

to ride to Brighton SEO UK?

An extra mile for SEO enables to prove that every pedal stroke can help you progress towards your goal.

We live in a time when everything wants to speed up. The advent of automation tools supported by artificial intelligence is a good illustration of this in our businesses.
Cycling is a good way of taking the time to reflect on what's at stake in our actions.

Cycling to a business event is also a militant commitment to more sensible consumption. Producing and consuming usefully and choosing sustainable growth.

Waiting for the ferry between Dieppe and Newhaven.

Waiting for the ferry between Dieppe and Newhaven.

The Dieppe <> Newhaven ferry.

The Dieppe <> Newhaven ferry.

Rebecca on the seafront.

Rebecca on the seafront.

An adventure strewn with obstacles

Of course this is a pretty story, but a story also needs twists and turns! Does anyone have an extra inner tube?

In the first edition, our heroes faced rain, gusting headwinds, and multiple tire punctures. As a major Atlantic storm buffeted the coastline at Brighton, Rebecca, Julien and David wisely chose to abandon the ride between Newhaven and Brighton. When you see a fellow cyclist being blown into traffic, and the storm makes even walking difficult, you find another solution.

Thank you very much to Gaëlle Judes who organized the rescue operation!

Further editions increased the count of flat tires, required a visit to a bike shop, and included riding after dark, in the rain, in single-digit temperatures, and in the fog. However, these pass as just anecdotes, and working together continues to bring everyone safely to Brighton in every edition.

Usually, the rain doesn't stop cyclists. But safety first!

Arriving at Brighton SEO

Yes!!
(Spoiler: the heroic cyclist need to go back home by bike as well).

Can you see a *big* seagull? THIS IS BRIGHTON!

Can you see a *big* seagull? THIS IS BRIGHTON!

Arriving at Brighton SEO and taking a picture of the bicycles in front of the Brighton Centre is the best reward.

Snapshots

Extra Mile for SEO: The journey you would like to join
But do you have what it takes?

Milestone between Beauvais and Dieppe.

A well-deserved break. Rebecca Berbel and Julien Deneuville with their loaded bikes.

Waiting for the ferry.

Brighton West Pier.

Not every bike are as luck as ours.

Brighton Centre during Brighton SEO.

Dépasser les bornes.

In French we say "ne pas dépasser les bornes" ("don't go overboard") to say that we want to remain moderate. But Extra Mile For SEO is far from being a timid project!

En garder sous la pédale.

In French, "en garder sous la pédale" is slang for saving your strength for later. It's optimization!

La vie appartient à ceux qui se lèvent tôt.

Another French expression for the fact that getting up early is often a sign of success. For the Extra Mile for SEO cyclists, it was especially useful for not missing the ferry departure.

Le Panache.

In cycling, winning with panache means being breathtaking. Arriving at your destination with panache means that you've overcome the obstacles and that the price of the effort is nothing compared to the reward.

Secure your bikes!

And most importantly, ride safely.

Join Brighton SEO

The next Brighton SEO event will take place on April 25 and 26, 2024. Don't miss it!

More info

Again: Safety first

Extra Mile for SEO is a sports initiative. Although it is supported by SEO professionals, it is above all the project of trained cyclists accustomed to riding long distances on their own. The stamina, skills and equipment required to complete such a trip demand a great deal of experience. You too can bikepack, but we advise you to prepare yourself in the best possible conditions. There's sure to be a cycling group or club near you - just ask!