A Brit has set off on an epic 14,000 cycle across the world after training for it by working as a food delivery cyclist.
Simon Watts, 31, is pedalling to Sydney, Australia from his hometown of Sheffield, South Yorkshire, on his trusty steel-framed bike ‘Hendo’, named after his hometown delicacy, Henderson’s Relish.
The hospitality worker had signed up to delivery apps including Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat to train for the trip and had spent just €15 on accommodation in nine different countries.
After setting off on May 8, Simon reached Turkey after 30 days, where he is currently resting.
He said: “My first day was Sheffield to Manchester and my bike was so heavy the front wheel was uncontrollably wobbling.
“At my friend’s house I had a moment of panic and ditched everything that I deemed to not be essential.
“I think the cycling has been the easiest part, in reality. The biggest challenges were adapting to a different way of life.
“I’ve done a few bike tours before, but nothing of this scale where I’ve carried so much stuff.”
Simon has already powered through wet weather, strong headwinds, and a minor crash in Bulgaria – where he injured his knee.
A scary encounter with barking shepherd dogs in Romania led to one of Simon’s friends giving him a can of pepper spray to defend himself in the more remote regions.
