End to End by Alistair Mcguinness

End to End by Alistair Mcguinness

Alistair needed to get his life back on track. His family were learning to deal with the loss, so why couldn't he? Maybe he just needed time to put everything into perspective. But how? The answer came unexpectedly, in the form of a challenge. To cycle 890 miles, from one end of Britain to another, with two friends. But he only had eight weeks to prepare, rarely cycled and didn't own a bike. Luckily, his brother was working out of town had one in his garage. It wasn't ideal, but it was free. With little planning, limited training and no idea about the merits of Lycra they set off from Land's End, towards the remote Scottish enclave of John O'Groats. Alistair knew his mum would have been proud. Along the way they found a secret short cut, went in search of the Beatles and met many amazing characters. They also experienced the hottest day of summer, survived two storms and endured a memorable night in a Youth Hostel. For one of the cyclists, the journey would change their life.

My family has a history of sharing stories. My Great Uncles were Seanachas (Irish storytellers), and I loved listening to their colorful stories about rural life in Donegal when I was a kid. I enjoy traveling and have visited 47 countries so far. Unlike my Grand Uncles, I like to write rather than tell stories. In northern Peru, I was once hunted by lions, ringed by sharks, and hired a donkey named Angus.

After traveling the world, I relocated from England to Western Australia, where I now reside with my wife, children, and our dog, Peppy, between the Indian Ocean and the jungle. English hillsides, decent ale, & salt and vinegar crisps are all things I miss. ​ I became a member of the Australian Society of Travel Writers in 2016.