Intrepid Explorer, or: How I Threw Caution to the Wind and Came up with the Crazy Idea of Riding a Bicycle Around the World

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Over the years, I had been coming up with grandiose ideas of travelling the world for an extended period of time.

It started out with the idea of travelling by train from London to Hong Kong, which would include the Trans-Mongolian from Moscow to Beijing. The plan quickly expanded to taken in more of Europe and Asia. Eventually, it encompassed the whole world. However, as I had no intentions of working my way through my travels, I dumped it due to the enormous cost.

A year, or so, later, I resurrected that original Moscow to Hong Kong idea. Like before, it didn’t take long to escalate into another grand plan. This time, it would include Antarctica. I blame Michael Palin for inspiring my travel ideas. Again, I gave up on the idea due to the cost.

A few years ago, I again resurrected the Grand Plan, and vowed to pay off my debts and save as hard as I could. The idea was always to travel by train. Not always cheap, if you want to make spur of the moment decisions on where to go. So, I put together a plan to start paying off my debts and then start saving. The selling of my car is part of the plan.

And then I attended a travel expo, in November 2014, at the Sydney Town Hall.

I was casually strolling past the exhibitors’ stands, picking up the usual freebies, when one particular stand grabbed my attention. It was manned by a chap named Jeremy Scott. He had recently completed a journey, cycling from London to Auckland. Only a few weeks before, I had already decided to ride through Europe, but using the train for the long haul distances. Anyhow, back to Jeremy.

He had just put together a book, about his travels, titled ‘A Long Road From a Broken Heart‘. Jeremy, as a child, had a large hole in his aorta valve. It was operated on, quite successfully. Years later, after spending time in London, it was time to return back Down Under. He decided to ride the distance, instead of the more traditional modes of planes or trains. His book is full of stories, including a brush with the Iran Mafia, and fantastic photography. You can purchase a copy of his book, from his website: www.jeremyscott.com.au (website now retired and non-functional).

After spending a bit of time talking to him, and watching his presentations, I then began to think of riding around the world myself. If a guy, who originally had a hole in his heart, could do it, then so could I.

I started to find myself reading travel blogs of those who are, or had, pedalling around the world, such as Thomas’ Cycling the Globe, and Jin’s Cycling around the World – now my two favourite blogs.

So, in mid-May, 2022, I will be setting off on my own cycling trip around the world trip. However, it’s not going to be all about me.

I’ve decided that I will raise money for charity along the way. My chosen charity is:

• Fight MND – Fight MND is the public face of the Cure for MND Foundation. This Australian registered charity funds research in to MND – motor neurone disease (also known as ALS – amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). It is a silent killer. It is a beast. The foundation funds research into finding a cure. However, until a cure is found, they also provide care to those suffering this horrible disease, and raising awareness of it.

So, there you have it. My plan to ride a bike around the world. It may be the single biggest crazy idea I’ve ever had, but it’s going to be a blast.