In typical English fashion the train was over thirty minutes late. My anxiety increased as it pulled slowly into the station, the doors opened and I struggled out with my bags and bike. Then came the tedious pace of the station lifts, and of course, the platform for my next train placed separately to its …
From The Peaks to Derby
At 4am I dragged myself out from shelter to stand beneath the dull light of dawn, wanting to be gone without trace before any early risers made their way past on a morning jaunt. I had the joy of packing away under the rising sun. The light blue sky began to emerge behind the clouds, …
Into The Peaks
The turning into The Peaks introduced one of the hardest physical and mental challenges I have faced cycle touring. As the hills continued, albeit none quite so steep as this first, I began to question everything. Why was I doing this? This is the Peak District, named as such for a reason. Why did I …
Lincolnshire Wolds on Wheels
Back on English ground, I took the opportunity to explore as I never have before. In the past I used a bike as transport within Leeds city, but generally took public transport for longer distances. This time, determined to see more of England and with a great desire to keep my legs moving, I made …
The Green Gathering Festival
After returning to England I spent some time with family before making my way to Wales for the Green Gathering festival. I had discovered the Green during some online searching, after my experiences at Woodford left me looking to find some festivals on this side of the world with a similar ethos. I’ve discovered one …
Quillan Volunteer Project
My time in Quillan at the ecobuild turned out to be much less eco or build than I’d originally thought. Much less eco due to the use of a large amount of cement in the base of the greenhouse we were building, much less build (for me) due to my ridiculously swollen ankle and the …
The Journey to Quillan
From the Alps I made my way south once more, this time towards the eastern edge of the Pyrenees mountain range nearing the north of Spain. I had agreed to be a volunteer helping to construct a greenhouse as an eco-build project and was looking forward to all I anticipated learning in the next few …
Embrun, The Alps
From Paris I made my way south east to the Alps. This had not originally been part of the plan, but having been invited by a friend currently working there as a rafting guide, I jumped at the chance. So instead of the plane to Toulouse I was taking a bus, a ride-share and a …
Paris
During the month of June I enjoyed a variety of what France had to offer. A French perspective of Paris, visiting a friend in the Alps and then moving south toward the Spanish border, to the edge of the Pyrenees for a volunteer project. I have not shared anything since I first stepped foot on …
From One Capital to Another
It’s a strange feeling, able once again to drink water from the tap, put toilet paper in the bin and stand in the rain without it burning my eyes. Hanoi leaves a lasting impression, encouraging you to take life less seriously, let things just happen, let irritations and challenges rebound from you instead of dragging …