It was exactly four years ago to the day today. On Saturday 29th October 2011 I locked the front door to my house. Said goodbye to my family and friends and set off on the adventure of a lifetime. Cycling 22,000 miles around the world!
I cycled across four continents and twenty-two different countries. Got knocked off my bike in America. Slept in storm drains in Kazakhstan. Was taken away in a police car in Australia. Received second-degree burns in Australia. Camped in the jungles of Indonesia and nearly froze to death camping in China. Cycled in daytime temperatures ranging from +45°c to -10°c. But despite all that. I had the time of my life. And was met with nothing but kindness and friendship wherever I went!
In the process raised over £13,000 pounds for cancer charities both here in England and in Australia! Which was the main aim of my ride.
A few photographs from my departure. From the Fox Inn Felpham.
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I remember all the batches of Rocky Road I made and sold at work so I could donate to your cause, Garry…haven’t made any since but I do still occasionally have people ask when I’m making another batch! When you arrived in Brisbane, it was the first time I’d seen you since migrating to Australia when you were not quite a year old and I had just turned nine!!!
PS it was great to catch up with you in Bognor Regis a couple of months back!
I bet that seems such a long time ago now!
I remember them also as I’d never even heard of them until you spoke about them! Thankfully you’d made some for me, which were waiting for me at the finish line in Brisbane (or rather my first finish line!)
Happy anniversary Spike. Lots of memories and so brave. I loved reading your daily diary as I am sure many did and thank you for that. Wishing you lots more happy trips x
Thank you for your kind words.
All cyclists are happy with you. Keep on cycling!
András
a 66 year old cyclist from Hungary
Thank you András I remember cycling with you in Georgia and we spent the night that in guest house with the two Russian landlady’s and one of them kept smacking me on the bum! Hope your keeping well.
What an anniversary and amazing memories.. happy to be one of them!
Thank you for being one of them.
Good on yer, mate.