What first inspired you to get into extreme cycling, and what keeps you motivated to push boundaries?

After getting a sales job in London during the 1980’s, I sought out some ‘extra curricular’ activities. I joined London Scottish Rugby Club, HM Reserve Forces (Army) and I tried my cycling skills at Bicycle Polo. It’s like hockey on steroids! Being reasonably coordinated, a team player and stupidly fearless, I was eventually selected to Captain England. 

I am naturally curious, ambitious and energetic. I like to test myself, enjoy rising to a challenge and when possible try to push those boundaries!

Which Guinness World Record are you most proud of, and can you share the story behind achieving it?

I founded the Penny Farthing Club in 2013 because of those natural motivations previously mentioned and after ten years practicing, I became proficient in the art of hands-free riding. This is not easy because the PF bike is a direct drive machine and the wheel flicks right and left on each pedal stroke giving the rider the sensation of an immediate crash. Despite this I managed to ride a 56” diameter wheel PF bike 16 miles in one hour, with my hands behind my back, for a new Guinness World Record. 

What has been the most physically and mentally challenging cycling adventure you’ve undertaken, and how did you push through?

Since 2018, I had been planning and training for an attempt on the world’s highest bicycle ride, a record held by two German’s on a 24,000 ft mountain in China / Tibet. In October 2022, I led a 4 person team to Nepal and a tall mountain but we suffered two week long bad storm that scuppered our chances. I returned in September 2024 for a second attempt. It was one of the toughest assignments of my 40 year expedition career. I will share what happened at Platf9rm on Thursday 6th March 2025! 

Can you share one of your most memorable or unusual experiences while cycling?

I decided to ride 900 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats in 2019 on a Penny Farthing bicycle with good friend David Fox-Pitt. The day before driving to Lands End, I entered a PF bike race in Eastbourne. During the sprint finish, I crashed with another rider. He spent 6 weeks in hospital, but I turned up to meet David with bandages all over my body. Despite my injuries and my bike having solid rubber tyres, no gears or any suspension…we finished in 11 days and raised £30,000 for charity. 

What advice would you give to someone dreaming of pursuing extreme sports or breaking a record themselves?

Be careful! Try lots of different sports but always seek advise, training or tuition before leaping off that cliff. I know far too many people who took a short cut and paid a heavy price. Build up your experience and skill levels before taking on those records. My first Guinness World Record was presented to me aged 55. You have time!