Travel writer and adventurer Simon Parker will be coming to Dorchester to share his incredible lockdown story.

Simon cycled 3,427 to the farthest corners of the UK during the coronavirus pandemic, passing through 55 counties on his epic journey in 2020 and 2021 and interviewed hundreds of people, including farmers, fishermen, artists, musicians, the RNLI and homeless charities.

And he is stopping off at Dorchester Corn Exchange on April 24 as part of his Riding Out tour to share the highs and lows of his cycling expedition.

Guests will be taken along for the ride via a series of intimate anecdotes, high quality short films, photos and audio clips.

An esteemed travel writer and international broadcaster, Simon's world fell apart when the Covid pandemic put a stop to global travel. Overnight his ordinarily jammed schedule was left empty, and like many, his mental health spiralled to a place of misery and hopelessness. Things deteriorated further with news of a close personal tragedy and Simon knew that something drastic had to be done to change his downward trajectory. He turned to the only therapies he could trust: travel and exercise.

Setting off on a 3,427-mile solo cycling expedition around the edge of Britain was no mean feat. Simon camped on Scotland's isolated beaches, in Shetland, Orkney and the Highlands. On his travels Simon met myriad inspiring Britons, all drawing strength from their situation and finding hope in the darkness. Simon portrays a tale of resilience and determination, the healing power of gentle exercise, and how new beginnings can emerge with new scenery.

"Like millions of people all over Britain, I struggled to stay positive in the early days of the pandemic", said Simon. "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."

To find out more and to book tickets, visit dorchesterarts.org.uk

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