DELAYED BUT NEVER DEFEATED

Although the start date has been delayed by a year thanks to Coronavirus, my 6 continent adventure starts on 1st June 2021. 

Tackling Europe first, I plan to ride a motorbike 1,000 miles or more on every continent* before I’m 50 (*Except Antarctica because that’s really not feasible) and raise lots of money while I do it. That’s 3 years to complete the massive "South to North" Europe run and ride 1,000+ miles in each of Africa, Australia, South America, North America and Asia.

It’s a huge challenge, I realise that, but I truly believe that in this new world we are living in, those who can do something to help, should do something to help.

THE PLAN

Part 1 - Europe: 1st - 30th June 2021 

South to North, specifically Punta de Tarifa, the southernmost point of mainland Europe, to Nordkapp in the Arctic Circle, the northernmost point in mainland Europe. This is a 30 day ride, covering 8,540km across 10 countries.

Part 2 - Asia: January 2022

Asia is a huge continent and it was so hard to choose where to ride, but I have elected to tick off this continent by riding in Sri Lanka. Firstly I know the country, but secondly with its varied climate, amazing hospitality and truly breathtaking scenery, completing this on an old Royal Enfield would be an absolute delight

Part 3 - N.America: June 2022

Starting in Seattle and heading into Canada - from Vancouver, up into British Columbia taking in the extraordinary Provincial Parks - and the chosen machine? It's gotta be a Harley hasn't it?

Part 4 - Africa: Nov/Dec 2022

I have to be straight with you, this is the one I am a little nervous about doing solo but that's part of the reason this is such a challenge for me. Botswana is the chosen location and while there I plan to make the most of the incredible scenery, wildlife and culture. An epic journey awaits no doubt.

Part 5 -  Australia: Spring 2023

Queensland - starting in Brisbane and riding up along the Sunshine coast before turning inland and getting a taste of the red center of this incredible continent. To be honest, 1,000 miles seems paltry when you consider the size of Australia, but my aim is to get a taste for riding there with an aim to go back again one day and do a far longer trip.

Part 6 - S.America: June 2023

I don't remember a time in my life when I didn't dream of riding a motorbike in Argentina. Since reading The Motorcycle Diaries at far too young an age, I have dreamed of riding a motorbike through the Andes and down to Patagonia. The route is still to be decided, after all 1,000 miles isn't nearly far enough to experience it all, but rest assured I intend to fulfil a boyhood dream and follow in (some) of the footsteps of Che.

ABOUT ME

I started riding motorbikes in my late teens and having scared myself silly and crashed a few times I was “advised” by my family to hang up my leathers and get a car - I didn’t ride again for over 25 years. Two decades spent in the stress of the city working in Financial Services, Central Government and prior to that the Defence sector, I eventually did what many do and took myself to a point mentally where my nerves were frayed, my spirit was crushed and I could no longer see any point in living.

I attempted suicide in late 2017 and only stopped because of a siren I heard in the distance that made me think how much of a nuisance I would be to an ambulance crew who would have to pick up the pieces on the street below. That moment of clarity gave me a chance to reach out for help and since then I have been on a journey to better understand myself, make more of the world around me and above all, to live a simpler, gentler, kinder and more balanced life. 

Part of that journey has been re-discovering my love of biking – it gives me a sense of freedom and peace that is hard to describe. It therefore seemed logical for me to merge my re-found love of biking with my desire to give something back to the organisation that literally saved my life that night in 2017 – and “Up For Life!” was born as a result of this.

THE TARGET

I am planning on raising £10,000 before my 50th birthday on 4th August 2023 

THE CHARITY

Grassroots Suicide Prevention is an award-winning charity and UK leader in suicide prevention. They believe that suicide can be prevented through open and direct conversations. They call this “Real Talk” and I can speak from personal experience, it’s an incredible service. 

Grassroots provide people with the skills and confidence needed to save lives through their training, innovation and thought-provoking campaigns and surviving on donations alone, they need all the help they can get. It is a genuine honour to do this ride on their behalf and have the chance to support this extraordinary organisation. 

To find out more about Grassroots, please visit:
https://www.prevent-suicide.org.uk/

FOLLOW MY JOURNEY

You can follow my journey on Instagram by visiting:
https://www.instagram.com/UP._FOR._LIFE/

You can also get in touch with me on email:
ridethewrongwayup@gmail.com

DONATING

By the way - donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.