I've been many things in my life. A father, teacher, husband, climber, paraglider pilot, and a cyclist,to mention a few.
My adult life has been plagued with poor mental health, and when I broke down six years ago I was left in a wilderness of craters and debris.
The next three years saw the passing of my mother, father, and sister, adding to my despair.
With support from my doctor and therapist I survived each day and the emotional outbursts that ruled my life at that time.
After a chance meeting with some touring cyclists in Scotland I remembered how much I had enjoyed cycling in the past. On my return I purchased a cycle and, after a twenty year gap, began to ride again.
As I progressed, the idea of cycling around the UK coastline came to me. I wanted to talk openly about living with poor mental health, and I also wanted to do some fundraising for the UK charity Sustrans.
Since that small beginning, my life is slowly changing. I have now completed four long distance rides, raising awareness and reducing stigma of what it means to live with poor mental health. Riding2Recovery is a long term project that grows as I do.
I've always loved the outdoors, and now it's helping me to live a different lifestyle, a life that is more sustainable.
Where my adventures will lead me is unknown, but I do know that I will meet many interesting people on the way and continue to write about them and the places I visit.
I hope my writing helps you enjoy those places as well.
