Justine Tibesar’s Epic Motorcycle Expedition
In March 1931, a 22-year-old woman made a decision that would cement her place in history. Standing in a motorcycle dealership in colonial Saigon, Justine Tibesar purchased a 350cc FN motorcycle and embarked on what would become one of the most remarkable solo journeys of the early 20th century—a 22,000-kilometer expedition that would take her through some of the world’s most challenging terrain.
An Unprecedented Adventure
What makes Justine’s journey extraordinary was not just the distance covered, but the conditions under which she traveled. In an era before satellite navigation, reliable maps of remote regions, modern motorcycling gear, or established tourist infrastructure, Justine navigated through Southeast Asia, across India, through the deserts of Persia, and finally across Europe to reach her homeland.
Perhaps most remarkably, she undertook this journey with almost no prior motorcycling experience. Having purchased her FN M70 motorcycle on March 10, 1931, she obtained her license just three days later and departed Saigon on March 16.(1) This lack of experience would be tested immediately as she faced hostile roads, mechanical challenges, extreme weather, illness, and isolation.
The Stages of an Epic Journey
Justine’s expedition can be divided into distinct segments, each presenting unique challenges:
Departure from Saigon
The journey began in French Indochina, where Justine learned to ride her motorcycle in just three days before setting out toward Cambodia and Thailand. These first days tested her novice riding skills and introduced her to the challenges of motorcycle maintenance in remote areas.
Southeast Asian Challenges
From a serious fall near Phnom Penh that forced a ten-day recovery to navigating river crossings and dealing with curious locals who tampered with her motorcycle, Southeast Asia presented Justine with a baptism by fire that prepared her for the greater challenges ahead.
Desert Crossings
Perhaps the most physically demanding segment of her journey, Justine’s crossing of three consecutive 1,000-kilometer desert stretches in Persia (modern Iran) pushed both rider and machine to their absolute limits. Extreme heat, navigation challenges, and a serious illness in Douzhab tested her survival skills and determination.
Persian Routes
Beyond the physical challenges of the desert, Justine’s time in Persia exposed her to an ancient civilization in transition under Reza Shah Pahlavi. As one of few Western women to travel these routes alone, she navigated not only difficult terrain but also complex cultural landscapes.
European Return
After reaching Constantinople (Istanbul), Justine’s journey through Europe offered relative comfort compared to the hardships of Asia. Her triumphant return through the Balkans, Italy, and France culminated in a celebratory reception at the FN motorcycle factory in Belgium before her final arrival in Arlon on January 22, 1932.
Timeline of Events
A chronological record of the key milestones and challenges during Justine’s 10-month journey from Saigon to Arlon.
A Testament to Human Spirit
What carried Justine through this extraordinary journey was not sophisticated equipment or technical expertise, but an indomitable spirit. Upon completing her expedition, she modestly stated that “she had no idea of the mechanics of motorcycles” and had “just trusted her intuition.”(2)
Her philosophy, borrowed from Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin, encapsulated her approach to seemingly impossible challenges: “Everything is possible, you just have to want it with all your heart, then it succeeds.”(2)
In an era when women’s mobility and independence were severely restricted, Justine Tibesar’s motorcycle journey across continents stands as a powerful demonstration of human determination that transcended gender barriers, technological limitations, and geographical obstacles.
Through these pages, we invite you to explore the remarkable segments of Justine’s journey—a story that deserves to be remembered as one of the great adventure narratives of the 20th century.
References:
(1) “Artikel Justine Tibesar englisch.pdf” – Report from the magazine “FN Sports” / October – November 1931 by Paul Destoc
(2) “La fabuleuse histoire de Justine TIBESAR.pdf” – Le fabuleux raid de 22.000 km, en 1931, de Marie Justine TIBESAR, à moto du Vietnam à Arlon by Jean-Marie Zimmerman
