This month’s guest blog comes from Fearghal of the Revolution Cycle team, the first Irish circumnavigation of the globe by bicycle. His post provides an interesting juxtaposition to Ed’s post last month about the dark side of two-man expeditions.
But first, I asked a few questions to get a quick insight into what makes Fearghal tick.
– What expedition or journey has inspired you the most?
Rob Gauntlett and James Hooper’s 180 degrees expedition. To see those guys achieve so much so young is an inspiration. The tragedy of Rob’s early death only encourages us more to make the most of our days.– What’s your favourite travel or adventure book?
Wind Sand and Stars by St Exupery for Adventure and A Cook’s Tour by Anthony Bourdain for Travel– What’s your emergency iPod song when the mojo is failing you?
When the batteries are low, I pop on Orbital “Work” for a nice balance of inspiration and motivation.– What luxury item do you carry on your expeditions?
Maldon Sea Salt and a Black Pepper Grinder- essential kit.– What do you miss the most when you are away?
Mum’s fish pie and my girlfriend- not necessarily in that order.– What advice do you have for someone contemplating an adventure of their own?
Keep it simple, sell your telly, set a date, and surprise yourself.
Now here is Fearghal’s post:
“What are you wearing tonight Si?” was not a question that I expected to be asking my expedition partner on a regular basis.
In fact, I don’t think I’mve ever asked another male that question before setting out on a 30,000km circumnavigation of the world by bike. And I probably could have finished my days without ever having prior notification of my mate’s fashion choices. But, at the moment, and for the next year or so, that question is asked any time we stop in a large town or city for some of the comforts of civilisation as, like almost every aspect of our lives right now, our decisions are inextricably linked.Co-ordination and co-operation are the words that have ruled our lives since leaving Dublin last November. Every decision weighted and considered in light of what the other might want or think.
We have identical wardrobes generously provided by the house of Patagonia, so if we don’t co-ordinate we’ll look like Bill and Ben dressed in matching outfits when we hit the town- same shoes, identical trousers and t-shirt and matching fleeces… nice.
Cycling as a two man team couldn’t be more different than a solo ride. Everything is multiplied by two, every flat tyre and mechanical problem. Bouts of sickness or moody blues are doubled. In many ways travelling by two and having to co-ordinate and co-operate detracts from the “free and easy” bike ride. Then again, having an ‘other’ to share the unique experiences of the world that the road presents means that you will forever have someone to sip whiskey and reminisce with. For no matter how interested friends and families may pretend to be, launching into yet another “This one time, when I was cycling in…” is eventually and inevitably going to produce a glazed eye and far off stare.
The truth is, much like ‘Nam, if you weren’t there man you wouldn’t understand. And having someone there means that there’ll always be someone else who understands. That, in our opinion, is worth a little compromise now and then even if it does mean setting aside any illusions of machismo and asking my expedition partner, “what are you wearing tonight?”
I’m enjoying these Guest Blogs – who’s next I wonder?!