I am on an unaided solo cycle ride from London to Morocco carrying all I need on my panniers - clothes, tools, tent, sleeping bag etc. (heavy I can tell you!) and of course my mobile phone Satnav!

Just over 2 weeks ago I bought a bike (for £80!) and spent a frantic 48 hours on Amazon and at Halfords and Sports Direct making purchases in order to "Be prepared" which is our Motto in Scouts (see further down...) and left Kingston on 19th September.

I'm not a frequent cyclist, in fact I'm not even particularly fit (10-15kg overweight) however I do have a sense of adventure and the perseverance to reach Morocco.

I'm not in a race to get to there - I'll be cycling approximately 50-60 miles per day over a one month period, with diversions and the odd day off to see some sights along the way.

I left Kingston upon Thames cycling to Portsmouth for the overnight ferry to St Malo. Since then I've cycled down the western side of France reaching the border with Spain at the weekend. I will be cycling on until I reach southern Spain from where I will catch a ferry to Tangier, Morocco in mid/late October when I'll be able to say "I've cycled to Africa!" - a journey of almost 1500 miles! I have to say damn those Spanish hills - I'll also have climbed (and descended) the equivalent of Everest 1.5 times

I hope to raise funds for a number of charities:
CRISIS - helping the homeless (who I've supported with a fundraising challenge and as a volunteer in the past)
ACTIONAID - working in developing countries with a focus in particular on supporting girls and women
2ND MORTLAKE SCOUT GROUP - I've been a leader with the Group for the past 6 years. We are based in Richmond, Surrey providing activities and experiences to approximately 150 young people. Leaders are unpaid and all activities are subsidised by the Group

Thank you in advance for your donation. Please keep in touch to follow my progress.