On the 11th October I begin a cycling adventure from Liverpool to the Spanish south coast village of Competa. Under normal circumstances this would be a ride of around 1,600 miles (2,600 km) and take me about a month, but on this occasion I'm using neither map nor compass. I will navigate by the sun and other natural means, something I've never done before, and so - who knows? - perhaps the journey will actually be 55,000 miles and take me twelve years.

With the Coronavirus still at large, especially prevalent in the UK, France and Spain where I'm cycling, this might not seem like a great time to attempt such a trip, but in reality we don't know when, or if, there will be an effective vaccine. Life might never be better than it is now, and now is all we have.

The Coronavirus crisis is the biggest challenge Samaritans has ever faced. Before the virus hit, 20,000 Samaritans volunteers were answering a call for help every *six* seconds. It is more important than ever for Samaritans to be there 24/7, 365 days a year for those who need them. Samaritans' helpline is feeling the pressure. Your donation to Samaritans Emergency Appeal will help them reach those who are struggling to cope. Please change the life of someone who desperately needs them.

Find out at more about my ride (including all the rules) and follow it on my Europe By Bicycle Facebook page.