The Random Way Home

Like all my great ideas, dreams & adventures, they start over a drink with a friend. This time, no alcohol touched my lips, oh no, this time the vice was coffee. and the friend in question – Lisa or as I know her @lisahollowood. She was planning a trip to either climb Kilimanjaro or go hiking in the Himalayas. Having myself just got back from a months long trip in Alaska and getting all excited from all the wanderlust talk, it was just to much for me to take, and right then and there, as I was sipping my Latte, I had outlined a plan in my head, that in 2012 I would quit my job and travel again. But this time I would do something different, even more random than the backpacking trip of 2007/2008. This time I would try and cycle around the world, The Random Way Home.

What is the Random Way Home?
It is a long distance cycling adventure across America, and hopefully across the world – depending on how long it takes and how much money I use. I will start on the east coast (New York City) and cycle across to the west coast (Seattle). From there I shall cycle south till I hit Mexico, Central and finally South America, where I hope to end in Punta Arenas, Chile. I don’t like to plan far in advance as these kinds of trips never plan out quite how you imagine them to be. Ideally I would like to carry on to Asia, and then cycle all the way home.

Why are you doing this adventure?
Well, we have one shot at life, and I hate the idea of growing old and being on my death bed thinking that I haven’t accomplished anything with my life or seen the world. I like to follow out my dreams, my adventures, however random they are. I’d also like to carry on with my hobby, photography and learn new skills in video editing and travel vlogging.

When do you start?
4th of May, or to all you sci-fi geeks. May the 4th be with you.

Where do you start?
New York. Concrete jungle where dreams are made of…… apparently.

Do you know your route?
This is the rough plan through America.

When I get to California I shall plan the route through Mexico and Central America.

Which areas/countries are you looking forward to the most?
I don’t know why, but I’m really looking forward to riding through Pennsylvania and Kentucky. Two national parks I’ve always wanted to visit are Glacier & Yellow Stone, so I’m hoping I can ride through them as well. New York is always fun and will be great to see the crew again.
Country wise, I fell in love with Mexico and Guatemala so I’m looking forward to going back there. I’m also excited to see the Andes as I’m a big sucker for mountains. There are so many places I’m looking forward to seeing I couldn’t possibly list them all on here.

Aren’t you scared?
I would be lying if I said I wasn’t.

Are you fit?
Ha, I’m no Mark Beaumont, but the idea is just to take my time, take in my surroundings. Yes, I have been training for it, and yes, I’m fitter than I’ve been in a long time, but I’m a long way off from an athletic standard. I’ve still got 3 more months to train.

Are you doing this for Charity?
I sure am, I have picked Dyslexia Action as the main charity, followed by Cancer Research U.K and CURE childhood cancer. To find out more and donate, go to my charity page.

You must be rich?
Nope. Just some hard saving and a little luck.

What bicycle are you using?
Koga Randonneur Signature.

Are you doing this solo?
Yes, but I’m sure I won’t be travelling by myself all the time. I shall no doubt meet other cyclists along the route, and i’m hoping that some of my friends from America and the U.K will join me for parts of the adventure.

Why are you travelling by bicycle?
I think it’s the perfect way to travel, It gives me a great opportunity to see a totally different side of the country I’m visiting. As I passed small villages and towns on buses or trains I often imagine what kind of hidden treasures, people I would have met and delicious food I would have consumed. I like the fact with everyday I cycle I’ll be getting fitter and healthier, it’s a cheap and zero carbon emission way of travelling. The plan is to leave behind a very low carbon footprint on this adventure. It’s as much an adventure as it is to promote the bicycle as a fantastic mode of transport that we all can enjoy.

You said you were leaving in 2012, why are you leaving so soon?
My job came to an end at the beginning of January 2011, so it made perfect sense to bring the trip forward a year. The only downside is that I’ve had far less time to sort everything out and had to train harder in a shorter space of time.

Can we track your progress?
You can, on my maps page. It will have up to date GPS data on it. You can also follow the #tag – #TRWH on Twitter.

You sound completely random, how can I get involved?
You can follow me on my Twitter and Facebook pages. You can also help by spreading the word and donating to the charities.