Preparing For Adventure

24 Jul Preparing For Adventure

Posted at 12:34h in Blog by

When Will You Be “Ready”?

I am unsure whether cycling around the world is something you can ever prepare for 

June 2010, two weeks until departure. As a master of procrastination, I have, yet again, managed to stare through a computer monitor all day, sipped through gallons of tea and still don’t feel ready to leave. It’s my first ever bike tour but, in my defence, I am unsure whether cycling around the world is something you can ever prepare for. From the comfort of a suburban family home in central England it’s hard to imagine the November climate of Uzbekistan or barren landscapes of the Peruvian Andes, let alone know how to prepare for them. Beneath a giant map of the world upon which visa issues and rough dates of arrival are scrawled, my attempts to equip myself for the next few years lay scattered across the floor. A stove that burns anything from the cheapest diesel to jet fuel, a water filter that could purify a swamp and a tent so small and light I wouldn’t notice if I accidentally inhaled it. And can I use them? No. I am the man I have always avoided being; I have all the gear and no idea.

Coffee with a stranger, Vietnam

The First Step Is The Hardest

Although in having the equipment and still a couple of weeks before leaving, I at least have a fighting chance of survival. As with every aspect of this adventure so far, the learning curve plots a huge mountain to climb before even the first pedal stroke has been made. In the year that it has taken to get to this point, I have had to get a job, learn it and leave it, met amazing people and left them, I have learned how to write a website from scratch, publicise myself, coordinate media and raise sponsorship; none of which I would have imagined or could have achieved 12 months ago. Physical preparation is the easy part, essentially buying things and getting fit, however, if mental preparation exists, I don’t know if it is something I will ever completely grasp. A willingness to jump in at the deep end and the faith that it will work out doesn’t lead to a good night’s sleep. Whether mental preparation is a retrospective figment of imaginative storytelling I am yet to find out, but only by putting myself into the situation and learning through it will my mind be able to accommodate the preparation required.

Enjoy The Moment

As friends call and visit to check on my progress, we sit drinking tea and discuss the merits of burning Naphtha over Kerosene. Nodding along, we know that I have no idea what they are, where you get them or how you would make fire out of them in the rare instance that I was given some. But in sharing a brew and a laugh, in being human and counterproductive, we ease our minds and enjoy the moment. In the years to come I’m quietly confident that I will have much greater memories of cups of tea, shared with friends and strangers than I will of camping stove fuel.

I’m quietly confident that I will have much greater memories of cups of tea, shared with friends and strangers than I will of camping stove fuel

Tags:
,


  • It’s was a real honour to partner with Leigh, he’s such an inspirational person and a great business speaker. The aim of the session was for delegates to leave in a positive, can do frame of mind, feeling confident that they can use some of Leigh’s tips to bolster team spirit, harness potential and exceed expectations. This is something I’m confident the event achieved

    Mary Maguire, MD, Astute Recruitment

  • Leigh delivered a fantastic presentation during our Global Health and Wellbeing day. We had a lot of positive feedback from his inspirational talk which definitely raised the profile of mental health within our organisation. Leigh is an inspiration to everyone

    David Wilson, Global Head of Health and Wellbeing, Victrex

  • The young people of Kingsmead School are generally from disadvantaged backgrounds and have low aspirations for their future. Leigh held the attention of the young people superbly, he was entertaining and funny and the pupils engagement was not lost at all. I would heartily recommend Leigh and his inspirational story to anyone, it left pupils and staff inspired and awestruck.

    Huw Lloyd, Assistant Headteacher, Kingsmead School

  • Wow. Utterly, wow. Leigh certainly was inspirational and indeed such a breath of fresh air, he created such a buzz around the school. I was impressed by not only the attendance of staff and parents, but the volume of students who came along. Thank you – Leigh really has touched and motivated a lot of our students

    Roberta Keys, Deputy Headteacher, Malvern College

  • The TEDxRNCM audience were utterly captured through Leigh’s account. This wasn’t just an account however, but an experience. Eloquently delivered but with real personality, Leigh gave inspiration, insight, enjoyment and even humour - a talk I won’t be forgetting for a long time

    Hayley Parkes, TEDx Event Organiser

  • Leigh is a natural communicator, using humour and his modest personality, Leigh's account of his fascinating experiences was delivered in a completely natural way that immediately connected with both the students and the teachers.

    Claire Tresidder, Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School Ashbourne Academy

  • Leigh articulates his passion and learning so well that his enthusiasm and motivation transcends the world of sport and is relevant for physical, psychological and organisational wellness and performance. He is a truly phenomenal speaker and comes highly recommended

    Deputy Chief Constable, East Midlands Special Operations Unit

  • When we invited Leigh to present to our staff about his experiences in creating a support echo system and team to help him break a world record, we never imagined that it would have had such a positive impact on everyone who attended. Leigh influenced, motived and inspired our staff to be the better version of themselves and gave them guidance and the tools to achieve this individually and within a team environment

    Steve Reynolds, CEO, TBS Mobility

  • Leigh delivered one of the most professional and engaging talks at the festival this year. It was clear that Leigh had put a lot of thought into what he wanted to convey in his talk, carefully pulling out the key stories and themes from all his years on the road. Leigh's talk was engaging throughout and delivered with a real sense of humility.

    Laura Moss, Cycle Touring Festival Organiser


Join the Leigh Timmis mailing list