Solo, Self-Supported Bicycle Touring Adventures Around The World
Welcome! My name is Garry McGivern, and this is Travelsonabike2—my personal blog documenting my long-distance bicycle touring and camping trips. My journeys are always solo and completely self-supported.
I’ve cycled around the world, through more than 30 countries across five continents, and I continue to ride! (Just about!)
Why I Started Cycling
My journey began in December 2007, shortly after I lost my wife to breast cancer, aged only 42. To say thank you to the local hospice (St Wilfred’s) that cared for her, and 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 bicycle touring. Despite being middle-aged and overweight, I found I could ride my bike for miles without any practice or training. And have been cycling around different countries ever since.
The Unexpected Detours: Sepsis & DCM
Unfortunately, in July 2018, I had severe sepsis shock and was placed into an induced coma!
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. (Read what happened.)
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.
Since contracting sepsis, I have spent a lot of time in and out of the hospital with various ailments. And 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.
Join Me on the Road!
Health, work commitments, and finances permitting, I hope to continue bicycle touring. I’ve set up this website so people can follow my travels and see how I manage these long-distance trips despite the challenges. And after thousands of miles on the road, I’ve condensed everything I’ve learned into one place. If you’re planning your own adventure, read my reality check on long-distance touring.
I hope you enjoy the ride! Please click on any of the links below to find out more.