Liverpool Man Embarks on 40,000 km Cycling Adventure

Josh Read, a 35-year-old from Old Swan, Liverpool, has embarked on an extraordinary journey to cycle around the world. Having quit his job as a tree surgeon, Read is on a mission to cover approximately 40,000 km (about 25,000 miles) over the next three years, a distance that equals the Earth’s circumference. His adventure began eight weeks ago when he took a ferry to the Netherlands and started a three-month cycling expedition to Istanbul.

In his own words, Read said, “I’m living my dream, inspiring people and making people smile.” His journey is not just about the physical challenge; it is also a personal exploration. He acknowledges that cycling is new to him, stating, “I’m not a cyclist – far from it. My f***ing bike’s brand new.” Yet, his adventurous spirit is not unfamiliar. Read has a military background, having served for ten years, including tours of Afghanistan.

Journey Across Continents

As he travels, Josh is documenting his experiences on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where he has attracted nearly 15,000 followers. His plan includes cycling through multiple countries. After reaching Istanbul, Read will continue to Jordan and cycle across the Middle East to Oman. From there, he plans to fly to Sri Lanka and cycle through India to Nepal. His journey will eventually take him through South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, California, and South America.

Read has already traversed several countries, including Germany, France, Italy, and Croatia. Among these, he was particularly surprised by Slovenia, calling it “amazing.” He emphasizes that he has meticulously researched his route for years, watching countless videos and preparing for the challenges ahead.

On average, Read cycles between 70 to 100 km daily, although he takes rest days as needed to avoid injuries and enjoy the journey. “It’s a personal challenge, it’s not a challenge where I need to be in a certain place every day,” he remarked during a recent interview with local media.

Inspiration and Support

The response to Read’s journey has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing admiration and support through social media. He has received numerous encouraging messages from followers who feel inspired by his undertaking. “I’m not fussed about the number of followers,” he said, “What has been nice is the amount of supportive messages I get on social media.”

Read believes his journey may encourage others to pursue their own dreams, regardless of their background. “I’m just a lad from Liverpool riding around on a bike,” he stated, reflecting on the impact of his adventure.

As he continues on this remarkable path, his story exemplifies the spirit of adventure and the power of following one’s dreams, showing that sometimes the most rewarding journeys begin with a single step—or in this case, a single pedal.