FAQs

So you’re cycling to the ashes, what’s the thought behind it? 

Beyond the 3 aims of the expedition below, Cycling To The Ashes is my attempt to see the world and it’s people on their terms, test myself and see what kind of sunburnt ginger mess comes out the other side, spread the gospel according to cricket, have fun and see England thrash the Aussies in their own back yard in 2010/11. Hmm, I hope I’m not asking for too much. 

1. Beginning on 10 October 2009, to cycle approximately 25,000km solo and unsupported from Lord's Cricket Ground, London to Brisbane Cricket Ground ("The Gabba") in time to see England play Australia in the first Ashes Test Match of the 2010/11 series, in November 2010.

2. To play, promote and teach cricket in schools and clubs in up to 28 countries that I cycle through on my route.

3. To raise £100,000 for my two chosen charities.

What charities are you doing it for?

I’m hoping to raise £100,000 for The Lord’s Taverners and the British Neurological Research Trust. The former are a charity founded in cricket who do all sorts of charity work, largely helping disabled kids play sport. The BNRT leads pioneering research into spinal injuries. An old friend of mine had a freak diving accident about 5 years ago and is now completely paralysed from the chest down. The hope is that BNRT research will cure all sorts of injuries, including spinal cord injuries like his, but also birth injuries, strokes, head injuries, multiple sclerosis and degenerative conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. It really is ground-breaking research that will one day improve the quality of millions of people’s lives. 

Have you done much cycling before?

I’d be lying if I said I was a seasoned cyclist, but I’ve always liked mountain biking, and I cycled to Paris recently. My sports have always been cricket, golf and racket sports so I’ve never found the time to do as much cycling as I would have liked. For the next year and a bit, cycling takes!

How far will you cycle?

Too far. I’ll cycle about 25,000km in something like 420 days. Plenty of “rest” days will be spent playing cricket too. I’ve worked it out on the basis of 100km per day, 5 days a week. That should see me rolling in to Brisbane on about 20 November 2010 in time for the first Ashes Test Match.

How have you been preparing for the expedition, and for how long?

I spend most of my time trying to secure sponsorship at the moment. A long old process with the economy as it is, and corporate belts securely tightened. Other than that I pore over maps, and make sure I’m not going to cycle past any wonders of the world without knowing. I decided on a long distance cycle ride about a year ago (September 2008), but it only turned into Cycling To The Ashes in about May 2009.

What did you do before you decided to cycle to Australia?

I worked as a Chartered Surveyor at Knight Frank in London from 2004 until 2 weeks ago. Before that I studied French and Spanish at Durham University. I liked the people at Knight Frank, made some great mates and it was a good job. But I knew I needed a change of direction a while ago. I used to dream a lot about doing a trip like this and saw that I was going to miss the boat if I didn’t dive in and chase it. Since finishing work in August, my energy levels have gone through the roof as I get my teeth stuck into this project. That tells me I made the right decision!

What luxury item are you going to take with you?

If a luxury item is defined as something I don’t really need, but something I’m glad I’m taking, then I suppose it’s got to be a hip flask. A great friend gave it to me for my birthday recently. It’s got a map of the world on it, absolutely no use because of the scale, but it’s a nice touch, and I’ll fill it up with brandy to send me off to sleep occasionally at the end of a long day in the saddle.

What will you miss the most?

Maybe easy conversation? In my mind, there’s nothing better than going out for a pint or a meal with your best mates or family and just talking about nothing in particular. I don’t suppose I’ll have much of that since I’ll be meeting new people all the time. Maybe it’ll do me some good.... 

Friends and family – that’s the obvious answer, and it’s true!

Is there anything you are scared or apprehensive about?

I’m apprehensive about the whole thing, but excited and determined in the same breath. It’s going to be a great adventure and a huge opportunity to meet the world's people. Being realistic, I suppose I’ll be scared on the journey at certain points, maybe when Ethiopian kids are chucking rocks at me as I cycle through their villages - but I’m not scared yet. Ask me in a few months!

What kind of bike are you using?

A steel framed 26" wheel, baby blue Santos Travelmaster. It was made and assembled in Holland and transported to Lancing where it was fine-tuned by MSG Bikes. The steel frame allows for a comfortable ride, steel being more flexible than aluminium. 26" wheels mean greater strength than your average touring bike. If you're thinking of doing a similar trip, I urge you to take a look at the Santos website before all others.

Have you got tickets for all the Ashes Tests in Australia?

Yes I have! Dave Roberts Physiotherapy (Dave Roberts is Andrew Flintoff's physio) have very kindly offered to give me 2 tickets to the Brisbane Test Match, and fingers crossed the same for Sydney and Melbourne - so I might find myself cycling on from Brisbane by the sounds of it.....

What happens if your bike gets stolen?

Good question. Not sure. I swim?

Isn't cricket really boring?

Er, no. Come off it, really? Cricket is man's greatest invention. I only ever get asked this question by Americans, or by people who haven't seen David Gower bat.

Do you think England will win the Ashes down under?

I'm not cycling 25,000km to watch us get beaten 5-0 like last time. I think we've got a much better chance this time around. Yes, I think we will sneak it 2-1 again.

More questions to come when I have time to consider them on the road!

If you have a question you'd like answered, let me know!