We’ve all thought about it, right? Well, if you’re considering making that bike-packing fantasy a reality, Sean Conway is the man to speak to. A world-record-breaking endurance athlete, author and public speaker, Conway’s most recent excursion involved completing 105 consecutive Ironmans (yup, that’s three and a half months of running, biking and swimming). Here are his top tips for embarking on the adventure of a lifetime – the smart way.
In 2011 I sold my photography business for £1 to pursue a far-flung desire to cycle around the world. I was at a point where nothing excited me in life. I couldn’t carry on existing purely to make money. I felt like the dog chasing its tail.
In the perfect world, I’d have signed the papers, shouted ‘I’m outta here dickheads!’ and abseiled out the window to my awaiting bike, cycling off into the sunset never to be seen again. This is unrealistic. To take time off work for, let’s say, three to six months requires sacrifice and planning. You also need money.
Now, I quit my job cold turkey, but I mostly suggest you don’t. Use your regular income to save as much as possible. You could also get sponsored, like I did. My tip here is to work your circle of friends, and friends of friends. A cold call to Elon Musk is unlikely to result in him giving you £20,000 to pogo the length of Togo – which has never been done by the way (just saying). But you may get £500-1000 from many local companies near you.
Budget for the bare bones of the trip. What’s the minimum needed to cover costs while you’re away, as well as any ‘home costs’ you might need to cover, such as money for family or that pesky iCloud account that you can’t live without.
Also be honest with yourself why you actually want to have your adventure. Is it for charity? It is to get a cool pub story? It is to impress your future teenage kids? Although I’ve been reliable informed that this a waste of time. My kids are four and two, so I’ll report back in 2035 – when we might all be climbing Mt Everest in the Metaverse, anyway.
Tip 1: Take saving seriously. If you’ve got any desire to take time off work to travel, I suggest starting an ‘emergency adventure fund’ now. You’ll thank me in five years’ time.
Tip 2: Buy a paper map. Keep it next to your bed, or stick it on the ceiling. Draw on it, highlight bits, stick photos on it. It’s a great way to maintain excitement when things get tough in the lead-up.
Tip 3: Get fit. Even if your adventure isn’t that physically demanding. Being fitter will help you enjoy it more and reduce the risk of injury.
Tip 4: Take loads of photos. It’s my biggest regret from my round-the-world cycle. Many things I saw I thought weren’t that impressive but just the fact I was there and how different it was to my real life should have been enough for a photo.
Tip 5: Keep a voice note diary. I often don’t have time to hand write a diary. If you do have the time, then do that. If not, do voice notes each day while in bed. They’re great to listen back to.
Tip 6: Try and leave the rest of the world behind. Don’t check Instagram, TikTok, the news. Immerse yourself in where you are and the new and interesting people you are meeting.
Scarlett Wrench is the Senior Editor at Men’s Health UK.
With more than 12 years’ experience as a health and lifestyle editor, Scarlett has a keen interest in new science, emerging trends, mental well-being, and food and nutrition. For Men’s Health, she has carried out extensive research into areas such as wellness in the workplace, male body image, the paradoxes of modern masculinity, and mental health among school-age boys.
Her words have also appeared in Women’s Health, Runner’s World and The Sunday Times.