Category: Personal Updates

Last weekend I participated in a triathlon up in the mountains at Lake Sevan, which was organised for the second year running by staff at the US Embassy. Events like this are few and far between in Armenia, as the idea of sport for general health and fitness has not yet gained widespread public acceptance. I’ve learnt to ignore the sniggering loons I encounter every time I go out for a ride or a run. I wanted to be part of the race primarily to have fun and meet some new people. Most of the other foreigners I knew here last… Continue reading →

Maybe you’ve been enjoying reading about my escapades in far-flung lands. And maybe you’re not particularly enthralled by the idea of reading up on my random musings, preparations and escapades as I remain relatively static for the next few months. If so, look no further, as I have a few suggestions that may just keep you ticking over! Continue reading →

It’s a couple of weeks into January, so it’s likely you’re thinking about getting round buying yourself a calendar for 2009. If you like your calendars to be visually appealing, you could do far worse than stumping up £12.95 for our Ride Earth charity calendar. Produced and delivered by Red Bubble, all of the profit we make on the sales of these calendars will go to our supported charity The Wilderness Foundation UK. The calendar features 12 of the most evocative photos we’ve taken on the road over the last 18 months. It’s a celebration of the beauty of wild nature… Continue reading →

To ride my planned route with renewed purpose and enthusiasm, using the knowledge that Tenny, my girlfriend, is awaiting my return to guide me when the going gets tough. To return to Iran with less doubt, more experience, and a fresh outlook on the world and my future, friends and family. To live every day like it’s my last, fighting complacency, ignorance and the denial of responsibility. To question every day my reasons for living the life I’ve chosen — and if the answers don’t make sense any more, to do something about it. To use and spread my passions in a… Continue reading →

Good evening. I’m writing from the opulent luxury of my parents’ home! But the luxury doesn’t come from central heating, a hot shower, or a well-stocked fridge (although these things are most enticing). No, the true luxury is the feeling of having a permanent base to come back to, something I haven’t had for almost 18 months. Travel is often a compromise — it takes time to settle into the flow of constant movement, from one set of surroundings and people to another, the same daily routine of goodbyes and hellos in return for a constantly varied cultural experience. Now,… Continue reading →

As you might have guessed from the title of this post, Tenny and I caused something of a stir when we turned up unannounced at my parents’ front door last Sunday night! Continue reading →

In case you’re wondering why I seem to have disappeared for the last few weeks, I am finally able to bring you news of my predicament. Continue reading →

Looking back, we English chaps have a colourful history of exploration — epic journeys into the unknown, breaking new ground, new methods, new records. One of the current generation following in the footsteps of Livingstone, Shackleton, Fiennes et al is a young Yorkshire lad called Alastair Humphreys, who I first heard about when I was preparing for this trip back in 2006. Alastair spent over four years travelling by bicycle, racking up a massive 46,000 total miles, or over 10,000 miles a year, making my current total of 5000 miles in one year look a little puny in comparison. (OK,… Continue reading →

I might be a little way round the globe, but I’ve taken a little time to write to my local Member of Parliament in England. I’m writing from an area of the world where the wishes (and votes) of the citizens are routinely undermined by powerful, corrupt politicians. Living in a democracy where your voice can still make a difference is a luxury you may take for granted. Continue reading →