Welcome to my journey. An amateur cyclist with retinitis pigmentosa, I’m proud to have ridden 4,802 miles around Britain’s coastline in 31 days to explore the limits of what’s possible.
You can frame a record certificate and hang it on the wall, but it’s the experience we carry with us that lasts a lifetime.
About Gavin Towers
Record breakers make great sacrifices chasing their ambitions, but have you ever thought about what they gain along the way? Although my attempt couldn’t match the 22-day record, I gained so much from the ride with every twist of the crank teaching me something new.
The 31 days it took me to cycle around Britain’s coast represented a moment of acceptance in my life. Along with 1.5 million others, I was born with a little-known eye condition that restricts my vision to a narrow tunnel. This ride was a meeting of me and my eye condition. A meeting with, and an appreciation and acceptance of, fear. A recognition of a need for care and support, to achieve a goal.
Those with retinitis pigmentosa see the world differently. Biking around Britain was the first in a series of cycling challenges to raise awareness of the condition and each ride I take on is symbolic of a personal journey I am only just beginning.
Explore Gavin’s Route
Location
BRITAIN’S COASTLINE
DATE
2021
DISTANCE
4,802 MILES
TIME
31 DAYS
Starting and finishing in the Western Lakes where I live with my family, I passed through a wild, ever-changing landscape.
This challenge had a title, a distance, an end point, and it was a choice. The challenge of my eye condition, however, is ongoing: even now the ride is complete, my eyesight will continue to deteriorate.
We all encounter challenges. We all experience things differently. We all deal with things differently. I am pushing myself to encourage acceptance and empathy, to give insight into my particular journey, and to practice compassion for myself, and others, in both moments of
joy and adversity.
The line around the map indicates the route Gavin and his team took while on the ride
Sponsors and team
I am grateful to the dedicated team of people that are working to make challenges like this possible
Alain Cabrignac
Dan Seffens, Route Planner
Eve Isaak, Logo Design
Freeride, PR and Communications
Gorka Prieto Bellver, Nutritional Advisor
John Wakefield, Coach
Leo Simonsmith and Josiah Jones, Creative Directors
Lily Wilkinson, Project Manager
Matthew Sowter, Frame Builder
Raymond Towers, Health Advisor
Whabb Studio, Web Development and Animation
In partnership with The Octagon, by AIBM
In support of RNIB and Save the Children
Donate / charity partners
RNIB
SUPPORT FOR ANYONE AFFECTED BY SIGHT LOSS
SAVE THE CHILDREN
HELPING EVERY CHILD REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL
RNIB provide support and advice to the over two million people living with sight loss in the UK. We give practical and emotional support to help them face the future with confidence and campaign for a more inclusive society, where there are no barriers to people with sight loss.
Save the Children exists to help every child reach their full potential. In the UK and around the world, we make sure children stay safe, healthy and keep learning, so they can become who they want to be.
Save the Children fights every single day for children’s futures. We stand side by side with children in the toughest places to be a child. In places where others won’t go, we’re there, giving everything to make sure they survive, get protected, and have the chance to learn. Not just here in the UK, but in more than 100 countries across the globe. We’re dedicated to tackling problems like pneumonia, hunger and protecting children in war, along with supporting children here in the UK who are currently facing food poverty, a lack of essential items and learning opportunities. Every child should get to make their mark on the world and build a better future for us all.
For more information visit www.savethechildren.org.uk
Follow the ride on social
Welcome to my journey. An amateur cyclist with retinitis pigmentosa, I’m proud to have ridden 4,802 miles around Britain’s coastline in 31 days to explore the limits of what’s possible.
You can frame a record certificate and hang it on the wall, but it’s the experience we carry with us that lasts a lifetime.
About Gavin Towers
Record breakers make great sacrifices chasing their ambitions, but have you ever thought about what they gain along the way? Although my attempt couldn’t match the 22-day record, I gained so much from the ride with every twist of the crank teaching me something new.
The 31 days it took me to cycle around Britain’s coast represented a moment of acceptance in my life. Along with 1.5 million others, I was born with a little-known eye condition that restricts my vision to a narrow tunnel. This ride was a meeting of me and my eye condition. A meeting with, and an appreciation and acceptance of, fear. A recognition of a need for care and support, to achieve a goal.
Those with retinitis pigmentosa see the world differently. Biking around Britain was the first in a series of cycling challenges to raise awareness of the condition and each ride I take on is symbolic of a personal journey I am only just beginning.
Explore Gavin’s Route
The line around the map indicates the route Gavin and his team took while on the ride
Location
BRITAIN’S COASTLINE
DATE
2021
DISTANCE
4,802 MILES
Time
31 DAYS
Starting and finishing in the Western Lakes where I live with my family, I passed through a wild, ever-changing landscape.
This challenge had a title, a distance, an end point, and it was a choice. The challenge of my eye condition, however, is ongoing: even now the ride is complete, my eyesight will continue to deteriorate.
We all encounter challenges. We all experience things differently. We all deal with things differently. I am pushing myself to encourage acceptance and empathy, to give insight into my particular journey, and to practice compassion for myself, and others, in both moments of
joy and adversity.
Sponsors and team
I am grateful to the dedicated team of people that are working to make challenges like this possible
Alain Cabrignac
Dan Seffens, Route Planner
Eve Isaak, Logo Design
Freeride, PR and Communications
Gorka Prieto Bellver, Nutritional Advisor
John Wakefield, Coach
Leo Simonsmith and Josiah Jones, Creative Directors
Lily Wilkinson, Project Manager
Matthew Sowter, Frame Builder
Raymond Towers, Health Advisor
Whabb Studio, Web Development and Animation
In partnership with The Octagon, by AIBM
In support of RNIB and Save the Children
Donate / charity partners
RNIB
SUPPORT FOR ANYONE AFFECTED BY SIGHT LOSS
RNIB provide support and advice to the over two million people living with sight loss in the UK. We give practical and emotional support to help them face the future with confidence and campaign for a more inclusive society, where there are no barriers to people with sight loss.
SAVE THE CHILDREN
HELPING EVERY CHILD REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL
Save the Children exists to help every child reach their full potential. In the UK and around the world, we make sure children stay safe, healthy and keep learning, so they can become who they want to be.
Save the Children fights every single day for children’s futures. We stand side by side with children in the toughest places to be a child. In places where others won’t go, we’re there, giving everything to make sure they survive, get protected, and have the chance to learn. Not just here in the UK, but in more than 100 countries across the globe. We’re dedicated to tackling problems like pneumonia, hunger and protecting children in war, along with supporting children here in the UK who are currently facing food poverty, a lack of essential items and learning opportunities. Every child should get to make their mark on the world and build a better future for us all.
For more information visit www.savethechildren.org.uk
FOLLOW THE RIDE ON SOCIAL
