And finally, after a year of planning and training, Mark set off on his journey in January 2025, taking off in Asia for what would become a 324-day voyage. With all of his belongings on his back, and not much else besides his body and his bike, he rode through all types of terrain – spreading Jackie’s ashes in places they always wanted to visit when she was alive.
He rode down the Australian coastline and up through southern Asia, cruised through central Europe, and peddled all the way across America. Yet no matter where he went, on a regular basis he says he was reaffirmed of the kindness of strangers – a heartwarming reminder that the world is filled with so many incredible people.
“From people opening up their homes to me, to buying me meals, and driving hundreds of kilometers to bring me a new tyre, it never ceased to amaze me,” he said. “Sadly, I think as a species we’re hard-wired to focus on the negative. I hope I will always remember that the vast majority of people are extremely kind and very similar in who we are and what we want.”
Two anecdotes stood out in particular – one, when the police in Malaysia gave him a full escort down the highway, and filmed videos (complete with music!) for his Instagram page.
Another occurred in Western Australia, when a woman offered him a spot to sleep for the night in her small cafe. Mark, shocked, said: “You don’t even know me, I could be a serial killer!” before she cheekily responded with “so could I!”
“We both agreed that it was a win-win night when neither of us were rolled up in plastic on the living room floor the next morning,” he joked.
After nearly a year on the road, Mark says that these little interactions were his favourite part of the journey – making his arrival back in Thailand after 324 days “a little anti-climactic”.
“Unlike my departure, there was no one to greet me and it felt more like checking off a task done than a feat accomplished,” he said. “It wasn’t until the next day, while I was relaxing poolside at my hotel, that it hit me.
“Holy cow! I just rode around the world! I know I said I was going to do it, but I actually did it!”
So as he continues to enjoy his retirement – and his life outdoors, including bicycle coaching – Mark says that he hopes his journey acts as a motivator to everyone (yet particularly seniors) that anything is possible when we put our minds to it.
“I strongly believe that we need to continually challenge ourselves physically and mentally in order to continue growing,” he said in his application. “If we’re not growing, we’re dying.
“It doesn’t have to be riding around the world. It can be going for a daily walk, working in the garden, learning a new language, or anything that would create some kind of challenge/growth that isn’t there now.”
And even though most people would take some well-deserved rest after biking across the world, Mark is determined to maintain his promise to Jackie – that he keeps moving, and growing, as long as he’s able.
He’ll continue to explore the outdoors – via skiing, hiking, scuba diving – and other hobbies like reading and playing guitar. He’s working to obtain his motorcycle license, and still attends CrossFit several times a week. Perhaps most of all, he’s dedicated to writing a book about his circumnavigation adventure, hoping to share his motivation with others as they go through their own troubles.
So as this record holder continues to spread goodwill, we wish him all the best on his quest to live a life without regrets.
Congratulations, Mark – you are Officially Amazing!