Day three and four of the trip from London to Paris. Vernon to Paris.

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Day two and three of the trip from London to Paris. Newhaven to Rouen.

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Day one of the trip from London to Paris. London to Newhaven.

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Where: London

Over the last almost two months I have been fairly busy organising next years trip and speaking to as many people as I can find to join in on the trip and help make a difference. Lately I have been going to my local gym most days to join in the spin classes. Exhausting work let me tell you :). This gives me an opportunity to chat with the people at the end and ask them to perhaps use the trip to Paris as a physical goal and a life approach goal.

The other day while I was reading on the internet I stumbled across an amazing website that is promoting for people to give one days wages to help extreme poverty in this world. I think its a brilliant idea. Take a look at this story

An awesome concept I think. So much can be done to make this world a better place. 

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If there was one song to sum up all that I learnt or could take away from the trip it would have to be. U2 One. We get to carry each other.

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Where: London

Since the end of the adventure I have had a mixture of emotions. Being alone for so long confirmed my belief that there is much more to life than seeing spectacular places, being wild and facing new challenges. Being alone means you are completely reliant on yourself for motivation. Nobody is checking up on you, nobody praises you if you ride an extra long day, nobody cares if you take the easy road or raises an eyebrow if you spend frivolously or if you avoid a challenge that frightens you. I realise more than ever the importance of self belief for how happy you feel.

I believe we underestimate our capabilities. Too often we strive for and achieve only what we believe we can achieve. We should aim higher. Aim for the stars-you may not hit them but you'll get close. We settle for too few accomplishments and we are not satisfied with what we have. I know on my ride I sometimes found myself wishing for what "would of, could of and should have been".

I think the greatest barrier to success and happiness is the fear of failure.

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Where: Akropolis Athens

A video of me getting excited before the arrival into Athens. Abit stupid but hay. :) You will just have to imagine the arrival into the Akropolis.

All smiles. :). Time to celebrate.

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Where: 100 km from Athens

The last few hours have been surreal. As the suns soft rays slowly fade over the blue ocean. In the distance I can see the smog of Athens. The rest of my journey is flat and I am tracing the ocean all the way into the Akropolis. Its hard for days to get better than this.

“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.” Edmund Hillary

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Where: Yacht (Paleros) Greece

Two days ago I was cycling along the road singing to myself when two other cyclists rode up next to me and startled me. Both Sebastian and Grant are cycling from the top of Scotland to South Africa. A journey of 25,000 km. It makes my ride look tiny. You can check out their site at http://www.cyclenorthsouth.co.za/

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Where: Corfu Greece

Sorry about the video not sure why I said I am on the island of Crete :). I am on the island of Corfu. Camera shy I guess.

Corfu is a Greek island at the entrance to the Adriatic sea. It is a mountainous island with thick vegetation and long sandy beaches. I found out that they even have small waves.

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Where: Serenda Albania

Sometimes the difference between breaking and making it is a simple as a light breeze on your face.

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Where: Vlore Albania

Albania is a crazy place. I have only cycled about 30 km and I have already been high fived twice. I have been cheered by kids and nearly killed by mad drivers.

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Where: Montenegro border

The coast of Montenegro is like an enchanting picture book. On this journey so often I found that pictures and videos just don't capture the dramatic views. Sadly I cannot lend you my eyes as much as I wish that I could.

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Where: Dubrovnik

After a week relaxing on the Island of Korcula with my Aunties family I feel refreshed and certainly a lot fatter than I arrived. Most of life in the village of Blato revolves around food. Every opportunity is ceased for some celebrations. To eat, tell stories and jokes are a central part of life. It is certainly a great way to live.

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Where: Croatian Coast Sailing

For the next 8 days I have joined a sailing boat which is hoping from island to island. I am travelling from Split down as far as Dubrovnik then back upto Korcula and finally arriving back in Split.

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Where: Rijeka

It was a 11.15 and I had been on the road since 8.30. The steep rugged hills of Croatia were already taking their toll. The relentless sun and the jagged mountains dropping into the deep blue of the sea made for a spectacular backdrop.

I had just arrived by ferry from the island of Cres and was making my way to Rijeka.

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Where: Pula to Cres
Distance 1,900 km

The first day cycling on my own started off early. I headed into the town centre of Pula to check out the Roman arena and book my ferry across to a near by island. My plan was to ferry hop my way down to Split.

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Where: Venice
Distance: 1,850 km

On the last day Trent and I each wore the 25000spins jersey. It was a great feeling of achievement to know that Trent and I had cycled from Trafalgar square in London to Venice Italy. From tree lined boulevards to rolling sun kissed meadows to mountains that stretched out to touch the clouds. Today also had touches of sadness as riding as a team had finished. From tomorrow when I face a strong wind or ride up a mountain or see a stunning view I will face these battles and joys alone.

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Where: Trento
Distance: 1,700km

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Where: St Moritz
Distance: 1,600 km

After a lovely cycle past sparkling lakes we arrived in Chur. That night we stayed at Trent’s relatives place. They live high in the mountains accessible by a white knuckle ride by car. That night we slept in the hay which was an experience! Other than the field mice running around my head it was a very peaceful night’s sleep.

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Where: Luzern
Distance: 1,320 km

Luzern is a beautiful city nestled between mountains, with a lovely lake lapping on its shores. About seven years earlier I had visited the town with my brother and was looking forward to re-acquainting myself with it.

Luzern Part 1

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Where: Luzern
Distance: 1,320 km

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Where: Interlaken Switzerland
Distance: 1,210 km

The first 20 km out of Genève was an architect’s delight with each mansion competing with the next for more grand entrance ways and longer tree lined paths up to a stately manor overlooking the lake. Trent and I were starting to feel a little jealous by the end of it but we soon got back to enjoying the stunning Swiss scenery. As we neared the town of Vevey our stop for the night the hills got even stepper as they rose out of the lake. Running up the side of the mountain were ancient stone terraced vineyards.
The view was stunning. I did feel sorry though for the poor people who had to work the vineyards.

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