TRAVEL writer and adventurer Simon Parker will share his experience of cycling 3,427 miles around the edge of Britain during the pandemic at the Brewhouse Theatre in May.
Parker is set to launch his 'Riding Out' tour next month, which will see him visit 50 UK theatres and festivals to share the highs and lows of his expedition through live readings, high-quality films, audio clips, and anecdotes.
While on his journey in 2020 and 2021, he passed through 55 counties and interviewed hundreds of people including farmers, fishermen, artists, musicians, and representatives of the RNLI and homelessness charities.
The tour will coincide with the publication of his book Riding Out: A journey of loss, love and new beginnings.
The Oxfordshire-based travel writer and international broadcaster's world fell apart and his busy schedule was quickly emptied when the coronavirus pandemic put a stop to global travel.
Like many, his mental health deteriorated, even more so with the news of a close personal tragedy.
To stop his downward trajectory, he decided to turn to travel and exercise and set off on his solo expedition.
"Like millions of people all over Britain, I struggled to stay positive in the early days of the pandemic,” said Parker.
"But by hitting the road and putting my faith in adventure and exercise I was able to find solace in the epic landscapes of Britain and learn to find comfort in the unknown.
"This trip gave me an opportunity to digest the fractious events we were facing.
"It was an expedition on home soil, but it made me feel alive, rather than simply surviving.
"I learned so much from so many people, and I’m looking forward to sharing those lessons with audiences this year.
"The pandemic is hopefully coming to an end, but these lessons are timeless and universal, and I plan to implement them into the rest of my life."
Simon Parker's 'Riding Out' tour will visit Taunton's Brewhouse Theatre on Thursday, May 12.
For more information, visit www.simonwparker.co.uk/adventure-travel-book-riding-out.
Read more: Theatre in Taunton launches new membership scheme - with offers for Gazette readers
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