Nick Sellen

This used to appear on ontheroad.nicksellen.co.uk which was all about a bike tour I made around the UK in 2011/2012.

So, what is it you’re doing?

I left London at the end of June and am generally heading in a northerly direction.

How many miles do you do a day?

I don’t know! (or care)

I stopped using a cycle computer years ago as it led me to make endless calculations whilst cycling, I could work out approximate distance by checking a map. I’ve stopped doing that now too. It simply doesn’t matter and distracts me from what I’m trying to do.

What are you doing then?

Having tried to learn what I like or don’t like from previous cycle trips (see my Inspirations for the trip) I am:

  • staying within Britain
  • having no fixed destination or agenda
  • doing more than just cycling

I wasn’t entirely sure what the more things were when I left but it has slowly been emerging that I’m attempting to:

  • ponder about the different ways we try and achieve community
  • learn about British history
  • more generally, learn about the entire path that has led to our current society
  • try and get into writing my thoughts and ideas
  • get involved with whatever I find along the way

Why have you got so much stuff?

It’s true, I have a lot of stuff. The reason is that this is my whole life now, I don’t have anywhere to go back to so I need enough stuff to feel comfortable. As I’m not in a hurry being slower up the hills isn’t an issue.

So far I haven’t not gone anywhere I would have been able to go without the trailer. That doesn’t mean it’s always been easy though.

Where are you staying?

Anywhere that’ll have me! So far it’s been a combination of:

  • wild camping with bivy (and optionally tarp)
  • camping in very small campsites
  • visiting friends
  • visiting housing co-ops

How long are you doing it for?

I have no fixed end but I do know that winter nights are long…