THIS man is in top gear – cycling solo round the world.
Andy Sangster, 51, from Grimsby, set off on his epic journey on Monday and will travel through 20 countries, including Germany, Romania, Iran, Turkmenistan and Australia – and you can follow his incredible challenge at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk.
The retired crew manager at Peaks Lane Fire Station even plans a family reunion as part of the charity tour in aid of the NSPCC.
He said: "I had seen other people do it so I thought I would just do it. I have just retired from the fire service after 27 years and it seemed like a good idea.
"I have cycled around the UK and in Europe before but I just wanted something more of a challenge.
Andy, who was ranked the world number two over-50s indoor rower last year, is setting his sights on some less well-travelled regions of the world.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing Iran and countries like Uzbekistan as not many people get the chance to. I've heard they are all really nice countries.
"Iran really interests me. I want to see what the country is really like. It will be tough, however, as it's expected to be very hot and you have to be covered up, so no shorts or T-shirts.
"It will be great to see all the different cultures as I travel through Europe to the Baltics and on to Asia before heading to Australia via Indonesia."
To prepare for his journey, Andy trained hard on his bike.
"I took my time building up the miles in training. I'm going solo so I'm going to be carrying everything I need with me on my bike such as my tent and supplies.
"I have been practising loading and unloading the bike to make sure it stays balanced otherwise it will be unrideable.
"There is so much more to it than just jumping on a bike. You have to get all your immunisations and sort out all your visas. Some countries are very strict, like Iran, which does a full background check on you."
Andy is making plans to meet up with his son.
"My oldest son lives in Australia, so hopefully I will be able to meet him. I'm going through more than 20 countries and I'm hoping people will sponsor me £1 for each one."
Andy is hoping to make use of a cycling website called Warm Shower.
"People from all over the world sign up to find places and offer places for cyclists to have a warm shower and bed to sleep in.
"I have sent emails out and I'm hoping to use the site to find somewhere to stay as I travel across the world in between camping.
"I'm staying in contact with my family and friends will spur me on. I have a solar charger which should keep my phone charged."
Andy has already received a lot of support from his family and friends.
"My wife is being very understanding and I will miss my family," he said. "It will be a long journey. I expect to reach Australia by the end of the year and from there I will travel to south America to complete my journey.
"I'm going to miss the usual everyday things, like my memory foam mattress and a nice shower.
"P&O Ferries have been really helpful and have given me a free one-way ticket to Zeebrugge, for which I am very thankful.
"The only thing that can stop me now is if the visas don't work out but I have a back-up route if that happens."
Andy also received a donation of specialist clothing from Grimsby shop Paris Clothing in Abbeygate, including wet weather jackets.
Andy said: "There's no backing out now."
Andy's wife, Mel, says she is really excited for him.
"I will really miss Andy while he is away, we spend a lot of time together. However, I really want him to take part in this challenge while he is still fortunate enough to be fit and well enough to do so.
"I have no concerns about him completing the trip, visas permitting! I am looking forward to my own challenges while he is away, like sorting the car MOT and servicing out, and basically doing the jobs that Andy would normally do!"
Andy's son Murray is looking forward to seeing him.
"Not only is it a trip of a lifetime for him, but it's also a fantastic opportunity to raise money for charity along the way.
"There will definitely be a few ice cold beers waiting for him in Fremantle."
You can support Andy by donating at www.justgiving.com/andysangster1
Read Andy's first blog entry here
