Tim Millikin has now completed his round-the-world cycle challenge.
WE FEATURED Tim Millikin in 2017 when he was part-way through an epic bike ride around the world. Having reached his finish line in Reading, and completed the cycle, we were delighted when he agreed to fill us in with details from the final months of his trip. He shared more adventures from his time on the road as well as the exciting plans he’s got for the future.
To read more about Tim’s cycle and to donate to the charities he was raising money for visit www.reading2reading.com.
Since we last spoke you have covered a lot of ground on your bike! Where are you currently and when did you complete the challenge?
I have covered another 11,500km since we last spoke and I am writing this from Reading, Pennsylvania! I finished my round the world cycle on April 18, 2018 and as I cycled over the finish line I was greeted by my parents who flew out from England to surprise me. It was an emotional reunion. I had been dreaming of reaching the finish line for months and it was everything I wished it could be. I can’t believe really it is all coming to an end and this journey really has been the best thing I have ever done!!
What have been the most exciting moments of your journey since our last conversation?
Since Peru, I have cycled north through Ecuador and Columbia before getting a boat around the Darian Gap and cycling through central America, Mexico and the USA. I cannot recommend cycling in Columbia enough, it is a beautiful country. As I cycled across Columbia I was joined by Robert, a fellow cyclist from Poland who I met close to the border in Ecuador. We cycled along the ‘Road of Death’ which is a 70km single lane gravel mountain road which zigs over the Andres mountain range. It was a tough but beautiful ride made all the better with good company. I was also marooned on a desert island whilst crossing the Darian Gap as our boat broke down with engine problems. The captain had to maroon us on a beautiful palm covered private island for the night as he got the engine fixed. I could not have asked for a better place to sleep. Paradise!
Have you come face-to-face with any real dangers and where have you struggled most in finding safe and secure cycle routes?
Central America is know to have bad roads and worse drivers and in El Salvador I experienced the worst of this when I was hit from behind by a hit and run driver around lunchtime before the new year. I was rushed to hospital with concussion and a hole in head where you could see the down to my skull. I was kept in hospital for ten days whilst they ran tests to ensure I had no brain damage and then needed a further 7 days in a hotel to rest. My bike was broken in two places and I had to replace the frame, the rear wheel and rack, the bottom bracket and the pedals. Luckily I did not break any bones and with sheer determination I continued to reach my finish line of Reading, USA. I am so happy I did not return home as continuing to cycle through Guatemala, Mexico and the USA has been a brilliant experience and something I would have always felt
the need to finish.
Tim Millikin pictured in the US state of Virginia.
Who have been some of the most interesting people you’ve met along the way?
In the US I have met some amazing people. The Warm Showers Network (which is like couch-surfing for cyclists) is a great way to meet amazing people and make friends. I remember Brad who let me stay on his boat, which was damaged in Hurricane Harvey and we shared stories and lots of wine. I remember Mark, who met me on the border of Florida and Alabama and treated me to dinner, breakfast and a new tire and chain. I remember Pat, who bought my lunch with my parents in the town of Reading, USA as a present for finishing the tour. Melissa from Charleston and Mandie in DeRidder who I shared stories and adventures with, these two were great girls. You meet so many people whilst cycling as it means you move a lot slower than in cars or buses and you have a chance to interact with the locals. I relish the opportunity to cycle into a new town as you never know what is going to happen and it is these moments of spontaneity which has made for the best memories.
How has the fundraising been going and how can our readers get behind you and support you at this stage?
The fundraising is going steadily and I have raised £650 for my two charities. We are still taking donations so go to my website www.reading2reading.com and click on the ‘charities’ tab. The fundraising is open until June 1 so we have another month to get those last donations in.
Tim has met and made plenty of friends during his bike-riding adventure.
Tim’s trusted bike pictured with a very fitting backdrop.
What do you plan to do now you’ve reached Reading and have you got any major projects planned for after that?
Tim Millikin upon reaching another milestone during his round-the-world cycle challenge.
