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Five years ago, I set off on my 30th birthday to cycle around the world. 500 days. Two bags. One bike. I thought the journey would end when I got home but in truth, that was only the beginning.
In this episode, I unpack the five biggest lessons I still carry with me today. From breaking through self-imposed limits to rediscovering community, purpose, and simplicity, this is about more than cycling. It’s about what happens when you strip life back to the essentials and choose to live deliberately.
Whether you're craving a shift, feeling stuck, or dreaming of your own big adventure, these lessons are for you.
Subscribe to the newsletter: https://strongerwithout.substack.com/
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamhugill
For coaching and in-person events: https://www.strongerwithout.uk/
00:00 - Introduction: Cycling Around the World for 500 Days
00:37 - The Journey Begins: From Army Officer to Cyclist
01:22 - Route Overview: Singapore to Alaska to Vegas
01:56 - Why I Did It: A Quest for Adventure, Not Career
02:49 - Lesson 1: The First Step Isn't That Scary
04:47 - Lesson 2: We Don’t Need More Stuff
06:52 - Lesson 3: Community Equals Belonging
09:04 - Lesson 4: We’re Made to Move Daily
10:51 - Lesson 5: Burnout Comes from Lack of Purpose
13:24 - Purpose Beyond Work and Giving to Others
14:23 - Bonus Lessons: Quickfire Reflections
14:50 - Be Curious, Not Judgemental
16:12 - The Blanket Story: Trusting a Stranger
17:56 - Politics ≠ People: The World Is Mostly Kind
19:00 - Enemies Then, Allies Now
20:58 - Misplaced Fear of Neighbouring Countries
23:10 - You’ve Never “Done” a Country
24:17 - Someone Is Always Doing Something Harder
25:11 - The Fine Line Between Homelessness and Adventure
25:24 - Most People Don’t Really Care About Your Adventures
26:04 - Most People Are Focused on Themselves
26:12 - Culture & Connection: Music and Food
26:58 - Learn 10 Words: How Language Builds Connection
27:03 - The Decline of Religion and Community
27:22 - What Really Matters: Happiness in Simplicity
28:53 - Eat in Nature: Burritos on a Hill
28:59 - Final Practical Tips From the Road
29:28 - Outro: Newsletter and Final Thoughts
Five years ago, I set off on my 30th birthday to cycle around the world. 500 days. Two bags. One bike. I thought the journey would end when I got home but in truth, that was only the beginning.
In this episode, I unpack the five biggest lessons I still carry with me today. From breaking through self-imposed limits to rediscovering community, purpose, and simplicity, this is about more than cycling. It’s about what happens when you strip life back to the essentials and choose to live deliberately.
Whether you're craving a shift, feeling stuck, or dreaming of your own big adventure, these lessons are for you.
Subscribe to the newsletter: https://strongerwithout.substack.com/
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamhugill
For coaching and in-person events: https://www.strongerwithout.uk/
00:00 - Introduction: Cycling Around the World for 500 Days
00:37 - The Journey Begins: From Army Officer to Cyclist
01:22 - Route Overview: Singapore to Alaska to Vegas
01:56 - Why I Did It: A Quest for Adventure, Not Career
02:49 - Lesson 1: The First Step Isn't That Scary
04:47 - Lesson 2: We Don’t Need More Stuff
06:52 - Lesson 3: Community Equals Belonging
09:04 - Lesson 4: We’re Made to Move Daily
10:51 - Lesson 5: Burnout Comes from Lack of Purpose
13:24 - Purpose Beyond Work and Giving to Others
14:23 - Bonus Lessons: Quickfire Reflections
14:50 - Be Curious, Not Judgemental
16:12 - The Blanket Story: Trusting a Stranger
17:56 - Politics ≠ People: The World Is Mostly Kind
19:00 - Enemies Then, Allies Now
20:58 - Misplaced Fear of Neighbouring Countries
23:10 - You’ve Never “Done” a Country
24:17 - Someone Is Always Doing Something Harder
25:11 - The Fine Line Between Homelessness and Adventure
25:24 - Most People Don’t Really Care About Your Adventures
26:04 - Most People Are Focused on Themselves
26:12 - Culture & Connection: Music and Food
26:58 - Learn 10 Words: How Language Builds Connection
27:03 - The Decline of Religion and Community
27:22 - What Really Matters: Happiness in Simplicity
28:53 - Eat in Nature: Burritos on a Hill
28:59 - Final Practical Tips From the Road
29:28 - Outro: Newsletter and Final Thoughts