Perhaps it's a plan that got out of hand, but here I am! On 9 April, I'm setting off to cycle the next leg of a journey that I hope will eventually take me all the way around the world. This leg is a big one - spanning the breadth of Central Asia. I'm starting at the same spot on the same bridge in Trabzon (Turkey) where my last leg ended in November. During 44 days in the saddle, I'll be riding across Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan - getting close to the Chinese border before heading up to the 'finish' line in Almaty via the eastern shore of the vast Issyk Kul (warm lake). I'll cover an estimated 5,285 kilometres (3,284 miles) and climb the equivalent of four Mount Everests!

For most of this ride, I will be far outside my comfort zone, riding alone and unsupported, and wild camping in some of the most remote regions on Earth. If you’d like to follow my exploits, you can do so on my world bike ride site - https://tinyurl.com/2hm4fs9h, where my live progress will be tracked. On the site, you’ll also be able to read my blog posts and see my photographs and videos.

I'm raising money for Alzheimer’s Society, which is working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. It gives help to those living with the syndrome today, and provides hope for the future.

My dad died - far too young - with dementia. It's a tough thing to see in someone you love. I'd be hugely grateful for any support you can give in his memory.