Somerset Man embarks on Round the World Cycle Trip

A man from Fitzhead is taking his love of cycling and the great outdoors to new levels as he sets off for a round the world trip on two wheels.

Ken Roberts will travel solo across Europe, Asia, Australia, the Americas and Africa by bicycle. He sets off on Wednesday 2 September for a journey expected to cover in excess of 45,000 miles over the next 4 years.

Only 10 years ago, Ken was starting to cycle again as an adult, using his bike for the daily journey to work - now he is taking on a trip which will fulfil a long-held dream to cycle solo around the world.  

Inspired by his own experiences with The Outward Bound Trust back in 1985, Ken is a long-standing supporter of The Trust’s work with young people. He’s doing the trip to raise awareness of, and funds for, The Trust, and to inspire others to explore their potential through discovery and adventure.

Ken has been busy preparing for his trip, and with just a week to go before he departs, Moving Forward caught up with Ken to ask him a few questions…

What inspired you to do this round-the-world trip on a bike rather than by another mode of travel?

"Just as boots leave only footprints, bikes leave only tyre tracks - minimal impact on the environment. And unlike, say, a gas guzzling 4x4, bikes are a great leveller - in many countries they are the main form of transport for poorer members of society - making it much easier to engage with the people you encounter."

Where does your journey take you?

"From Fitzhead, near Wiveliscombe, to Plymouth and on to Roscoff in Brittany.  From there, across France into Germany to meet up with the River Danube, following it across Europe before branching off across Northern Turkey, into Georgia and Azerbajian in time for Christmas by the Caspian Sea.

"The New Year sees me venturing into the various 'Stans' - not Afghanistan of course - before reaching China and Tibet.  From there it's down into South East Asia - via Vietnam and Singapore, eventually reaching North Australia.  After following the Eastern side of Australia it's off to Anchorage, Alaska and then all the way south down through North and South America. 

"The homeward run is back up through Africa, from Cape Town in the south to the Straits of Gibraltar in the north, before the final push across Europe, into Plymouth and then, 4 years on, returning to Fitzhead.

"I am planning is wherever possible or practicable to sail between continents rather than fly."

How much of a role does cycling play in your everyday life back at home?

"At the moment quite a bit as I continue to refine both the bike and all the kit I carry - and getting out on the road always provides welcome relief from some of the less exciting, but nevertheless important, aspects of organising a major expedition.  I got back into cycling as an adult about 10 years ago when I was 30, originally as an all year round cycle commuter, later branching out into touring in my spare time."

What do you like most about cycling in Somerset?

"Sheer variety - from family friendly riding along the quiet lanes of the Somerset Levels to the more challenging hills to the West, and lots in between."

What do you think your biggest challenge on the trip will be?

"I'm most fascinated about how I will deal with the psychological aspects - especially loneliness - because whilst much of the time I will be amongst people, there will be significant chunks when I will be all alone in my tent, usually in very remote areas."

Ken has a dedicated website, Across Continents, where you can find out more information about his trip and how to sponsor him. He will be updating an online blog throughout his trip.