Garry McGivern Travelsonabike2

Garry McGivern, Travelsonabike2 from West Sussex in England, is a long-distance bicycle tourist who has cycled over 60,000 miles in 35 countries across five continents and still going.

In December 2007, I lost my wife to breast cancer, aged only 42. To say thank you to the local hospice that cared for her (St Wilfred’s) and to keep myself occupied. I decided to go on a charity bike ride from Spain to England. After completing this first cycle ride, I discovered that I had a real taste for long-distance cycling and cycle touring. Despite being middle-aged and overweight, I could ride my bike for miles without any practice or training. And have been cycling around different countries ever since.

A Slight Hiccup

Unfortunately, in July 2018, I had severe sepsis shock and was placed into an induced coma! (read what happened) As you can imagine, this left me unable to ride my bike. But after spending six weeks in the care of my local hospital. Where I also had a temporary hip fitted, I was allowed home. After another two months of recovery at home, with much physio and to-ing and fro-ing from the hospital. I was once again able to get back on my bike and ride.

Disappointingly, since contracting sepsis, I have spent a lot of time in and out of the hospital with various ailments. But in May 2023, I was diagnosed with Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM), which causes narrowing of the cervical spinal canal, leading to chronic spinal cord compression and resultant neurologic disability. I don’t know if it’s connected to my sepsis, and I don’t think the doctors know either. But despite this devastating news, I continue to ride my bike. And with work commitments, health and finances permitting, I hope to continue touring.

I have set up this website so people can follow my travels; please click on any of the links to find out more. I hope you enjoy the ride!!!

Where’s Garry Currently Cycling

Where’s Garry McGivern Travelsonabike2? Unfortunately, in May 2023, Garry was diagnosed with Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM). A serious condition that causes narrowing of the cervical spinal canal. Leading to chronic spinal cord compression and resultant neurologic disability. And as this is a degenerative condition, Garry has to have regular hospital check-ups. But despite his illness, he still hopes to get away. But the chances of travelling out of Europe are slim.

Eventually, Garry will have to have an operation, but the timing of any operation is unknown, hence Garry’s travel restrictions and regular check-ups. Despite his travel restrictions, Garry still hopes to go away on shorter trips over a few days or possibly weeks. And if anybody has any ideas for trips that Garry could do, bearing in mind his time restrictions. Please get in touch via social media or use the Contact Garry page.

Where’s Garry

You can find out where Garry is and how his Myelopathy affects him and his cycling by subscribing to his email updates or following Garry on social media: Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, X, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. Garry’s also on Flickr, where you’ll find pictures from all his tours, along with a monthly photo update that he publishes each month. Apart from following Garry on social media, you can see if he’s away by looking at the map below.

Page updated January 2025