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Phil Going Commando in North Devon

Story
As an Army Engineer Commando Veteran, I have always kept fit and in 2022 discovered bike-packing. I cycled from John O Groats to Lands End (JOGLE) in June of that year riding 1000 miles in just under 2 weeks and raising £2500.00 for Team Endeavour, a wheelchair rugby charity.


Since JOGLE, I have had many bike-touring adventures, some weekly, some shorter and some just overnight. However, I have never undertaken a multi-month journey before, but now is the time! It seems like a rite of passage for a bike tourist, whether it's crossing a country or a continent.

I want to do it while I physically still can. I am fit enough, and I have the time and space to focus on a bike trip at the moment. It just feels like the time is right. It's time to leap into the abyss. I know the abyss is frightening and it's easy to put dreams and adventures on hold because of fear of the unknown. But fear can make you stay where you are and prevent you from venturing out into the unknown to become better.

Plus, being comfortable is, well, comfortable. Who doesn't like feeling comfortable? I do like a basic level of comfort, like food and shelter, but too much "kills my drive". Those aren't my words, I read them somewhere, but they are meaningful enough for me to remember because they are so true.

Bike touring can be uncomfortable in so many ways; bad weather, busy traffic, hard terrain, sleeping on rough ground, the list goes on... But I've "roughed it" before, and biked, kayaked and hiked and had many memorable adventures. Now bike touring around Europe is my goal. Bike touring gives you a unique opportunity to interact with people, landscapes and cultures in a way impossible from inside a vehicle.

Happy Cycling!
www.youtube.com/@goprocommando5016/featured

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Recent Activity

planned a road ride.

February 16, 2026

The Cornish Alps – View of Carlyon Bay loop from Fowey

02:10

42.2km

19.5km/h

630m

630m

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

went for a hike.

February 14, 2026

01:46

8.45km

4.8km/h

160m

160m

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went running.

January 31, 2026

https://www.parkrun.dk/faelledparken/parkrunner/6495737/ https://www.parkrun.dk/faelledparken/?ved=2ahUKEwiCvZSZwLeSAxXeOBAIHaFjAPMQgU96BAgwEAk

00:30

5.04km

5:54/km

40m

50m

, , and others like this.

went mountain biking.

January 25, 2026

00:53

9.05km

10.3km/h

180m

180m

, , and others like this.

planned a hike.

January 22, 2026

24:26

89.8km

3.7km/h

1,310m

1,300m

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

went mountain biking.

January 17, 2026

4 Bodmin Beast cycle trail at Cardinham Woods | Forestry England The Bodmin Beast is a popular 12km blue-grade mountain bike trail at Cardinham Woods near Bodmin, Cornwall, known for its exciting singletrack with technical climbs, descents, berms, and features like rollers and small step-downs, offering moderate challenges with optional, harder red-grade loops like 'Dialled-In Dave' and 'Hell's Teeth' for experienced riders. It's suitable for keen mountain bikers with some experience, featuring flowing sections and technical bits, but requires decent fitness due to uphill sections, with options for easier family trails also available.

00:47

8.67km

11.1km/h

180m

170m

, , and others like this.

went for a hike.

January 14, 2026

01:56

8.83km

4.6km/h

150m

150m

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went gravel riding.

January 13, 2026

01:00

16.8km

16.7km/h

130m

130m

, , and others like this.

January 13, 2026

Didnt get your fill of canal tow paths last year in France Phil?? 😂

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went gravel riding.

January 10, 2026

Thanks Mike Parker, for introducing me to a great gravel route. x

02:16

38.6km

17.1km/h

130m

130m

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went gravel riding.

January 6, 2026

00:59

16.9km

17.1km/h

130m

130m

, , and others like this.
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