The Journey of a Lifetime

On the west side of Clydebank, along the quiet Canberra Avenue, stands Connorʼs grandparentsʼ home – the starting point of his epic journey.

Last September, he pushed off from their doorstep and began an 18,000-kilometre cycle, determined to ride from Canberra Avenue in Clydebank to Canberra, Australia.

Five months later, he has reached the coast of Oman.

His face is tanned, his smile wide, and the Gulf of Oman glows behind him as he pauses to talk to me.

“The first couple of weeks were really hard.

“I remember cycling through the Netherlands and Germany, which seems like a lifetime ago. Back then, my body was sore, and I had aches and pains in my knees.

“But now it just feels quite straightforward.”

Connor cycles around 100 kilometres most days, sometimes stretching to 160 in a single push.

“It has become part of the day. But mentally, it can be tough — thatʼs more difficult to get used to.

“Some days the wind is right in your face, and you're not moving, and it's hot and you are really grinding out every bit of the kilometre… thatʼs tough.

“And being away from friends and family — that kind of comes up every now and then as well. You get these feelings of just wanting to sit and watch TV and have a comfort day. But thatʼs just not possible.”

Before the long days in the saddle, Connorʼs life back in the UK was very different.

He has spent the past seven years working in school leadership at a secondary school in London.

“It was a real privilege to be in that job, and I got a lot from it, but I thought there has to be more to life than just work. I wanted to have a reset and take on a big adventure.

“And this was something that I wanted to do. I just thought to myself one day: well, if I don't do it now, when will I?

“It was quite scary to walk away from a career, friends, and family; to put your stuff in storage, pack up your bags, say goodbye, and jump on your bicycle.

“But it is one of, if not, the best decision I've ever made.”

Fundraising Venture

His family has been very supportive of his decision, even helping him along the journey by bringing him the necessities to refuel.

And what exactly does Connor need to get him to Australia?

“Tablets, macaroons, and Irn-Bru. And the Villa Bakery in Dalmuir does great cakes, so I've asked for some pineapple cakes and some proper Glasgow rolls as well, because you don't get them out here.”

Itʼs not just his family and friends supporting him on this journey.

Connor is also working with Venture Scotland, the charity he is fundraising for.

Based in Glasgow and Edinburgh, the organisation uses outdoor experiences to help young adults facing challenges in their lives to improve their mental health.

“It's a phenomenal charity. They do incredible work.

"And to be raising a bit of money for them and raising awareness of their cause is also a real joy of this trip.

“I've struggled with mental health and wellbeing and finding my place in the world. And the outdoors has always been somewhere that I've went to help me with those things.

“Whether it be going for a hike or doing cycling… the outdoors is just so powerful, giving you a sense of who you are and building your self-esteem.”

Conversations with Strangers

What initially began as a cycling challenge for Connor, gradually became something far greater.

“I've learned so much on this trip, about life and the way people live. The bike is a way into conversations with people, into towns and villages across Europe and the Middle East that you would otherwise never go to.

“You end up in bizarre situations that fill you with joy. Because no matter where I've been, people have been cheery and friendly. They're curious, you know, who is this man? What is he doing here? Why is he on a bike?

“And then people come up and say hello, and you have these fantastic conversations.

"And sometimes you just don't know where the day will take you. You end up speaking to somebody at a café, and you end up inspecting their camels and going to their date plantation. Thatʼs part of the joy of this trip.”

Go For It!

And what advice would Connor give to anyone longing for an adventure?

“Go for it! Embrace it! Donʼt think, what could go wrong? Yes, things will not go as you foresee, but [thatʼs] the adventure. It teaches you so much in life and really makes you feel as though you're living.”

And with that Connor continues to pedal, one kilometre at a time, towards a city on the other side of the world that shares the same name as the road where it all began.

Follow Connor’s journey on his

Instagram page free_ mcelwheeling and keep an eye on Clydesider TV for a short film about his adventures.

Become a Clydesider member here: https://www.clydesider.org/#/portal/signup