I'm new to blogging, but I figured it would be a neat way for my fan base to share and enjoy my journey through Europe!
So let me give a quick insight into the trip: Me and fellow adventurer Sam Barron set off in just over a week for a journey that will take us through the heart of Western Europe (Holland, Belgium, Switzerland), then into France where we will travel from the South of France back up to the North following the West Coastline. Its a route over 2,000 miles in length that we will be doing on our trusty touring bikes. Once in France, we plan on working at farms along the South and Western Coastline associated with WWOOF, (world wide opportunities in organic farming). We think/hope the trip will take around 4 to 6 months, depending on how the farming goes. I'll further discuss WWOOF later as I believe its a scheme that needs to be shared and promoted to as many people as possible.
The way this trip has come around has been a struggle; long distance touring is something I've been passionate about doing for longer than my young age might suggest. Last summer I proposed cycling from the North of France to the South to a few of my friends - a fairly simple trip both in route, and the physical and financial demands, but it seemed like no one really had the balls to take that leap of faith and really go for it. Reluctantly, I put the trip to the back of my mind and knew if I was patient enough and retained my love for cycling that it would one day happen.
Then in September I traveled to Arizona on my own for 3 months and began working for a scheme called American Conservation Experience; on this trip I was lucky enough to meet like minded travelers and adventurers from all around the world, it was such a positive and fresh attitude to seeing our big wide world.
So with a new found passion for traveling, the outdoors and meeting new people, I set out to organize my desired cycling trip. It wasn't long before a good friend of mine who I met in America wanted to come along for the ride. We were both keen to get going as soon as possible, but we decided to wait out the winter and head off at the start of March. Now the time is almost upon us and after months of preparation it seems, we're just a week away.
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This is the setup as it stands, a Dawes Galaxy touring bike with Ortlieb panniers. Its such a good setup and the miles just fly by. Most of the other gear has been accumulated over the last couple of years so in terms of finance this trip hasn't been too much of a burden. I've been training on and off for the last 2 months, the weather obviously restricts me at times, but I've been going on rides around 50 miles which has been okay, even in the dull and agriculturally dominated landscapes of East Yorkshire.
The final preparations have also included sending countless emails to french farms, albeit a copy and paste job, but still. The scheme we will be working with is called WWOOF. Now WWOOF is an organisation that they say 'links volunteers with organic farmers, and help people share more sustainable ways of living'. All good in theory, now people who worry too much about money will say: "What, so you do all that work for no money?". Yes, we do. You have to do 4-6 hours of work for 4 days a week in exchange for accommodation and food. That's the basics of it anyway, what motivates me is the chance to share another lifestyle and absorb a different culture. Priceless.
I've already had emails back offering us a log cabin for 6 weeks, a car to 'go explore the south of france' and countless more exciting offers to come and enjoy their lifestyles for a few weeks. We aim to try and work at a few farms along the Western and Southern coastline of France, but most farmers like you there for at least 2 weeks so you can learn their trade.
One final thought has to go to Mark Beaumont. If you're not aware of this man then make yourself aware. He finished university, just like me, and decided to go on a big adventure. His idea was to be the fastest man to cycle around the globe completely on his own. His route was 18,297 miles and he did it in just 197 days. He set himself a target of 100 miles a day and stuck to it. The sheer motivation and mental strength it must take to just keep on going is astounding. I read his book which I would strongly recommend, and that gave me the belief that in terms of cycling, anything is possible. My parents for example think this trip is mad, but I really don't think its too strenuous at all, I've adopted the mindset that if Mark can do 100 miles a day through the heat and tough terrain in Iraq and Pakistan, we can cycle 60 miles a day through the flat and temperate lands of the Netherlands.
I think that's enough for now, the following posts will hopefully be made using my new Amazon Kindle 3g. This will allow me to be accessible through email at all times, and I'll try and stick to doing a daily post.
Much more to follow.
