During a career in the UK Fire Service I was able to travel and climb around the world. Following my retirement I climbed high altitude mountains in the Himalayas. I have also climbed many mountains around the world, including the highest on each continent, known as The Seven Summits. Cycle touring has also become a passion, with numerous countries visited and some notable long distance trips such as across America from Seattle to Boston and Spain to Norway. The Spain to Norway trip resulted in a book call, A Life Appreciated. Other cycle trips have included, Ireland, Eastern Europe, Spain and Portugal, Australia. I am into travelling slowly and absorbing the culture of the country. Usually as a solo rider, I meet so many more people, each with their life's story to tell.