Abi Wingate – Project Founder
Age: 33
Current Location: En-route from Thailand to Scotland by bicycle
Hometown: Edinburgh, Scotland
Occupation: English teacher
Interests: Cycling, fundraising, music, nature, animals, rock climbing, aromatherapy, rough camping, outdoor cooking, mountains
A brief glimpse
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” (Howard Thurman)
When I ask myself this question the answer appears to me as three things – Encouraging people to realise their potential makes me feel alive. Being in a natural environment makes me feel alive. Challenging myself and pushing boundaries makes me feel alive. It is when these three things combine that I truly come alive.
My love for the outdoors blossomed at a very young age. Growing up in Scotland, I was already skiing at age five and spent most of my weekends camping, hill walking and cycling. Scotland was where I learned to read a map and cook on a fire, Scotland was where I learned to love and respect wilderness, and be humbled by the weather. It was a place that taught me that your mental attitude and your strong trust for those in your team or family would get you to the top of that mountain. That trust and mental strength would get you to the bottom again.
It was only natural that I went on to travel, to leave the magical lands of home and see what was out there. For the last 15 years, all of my energy has been concentrated on staying away and exploring foreign lands. I have missed weddings, funerals, births and birthdays.
This is the moment when all of my energy, all of that learned mental strength, all of that love and trust will be focused. This time, not on the leaving, but on getting me home again.
Abi,
1This is an epic undertaking by any stetch of the(average) imagination.
Will be following it with interest.
Do you receive donations in AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS?
Let me know if I can assist you from SYDNEY.
NIGEL.
Abi, Your quest looks fantastic in every sense, I know what it takes to get “up” for this sort of challenge, and every motivational tool you mention is precisely what you need, plus a headset adjuster, of course! I undertook a 500 mile trek around Scotland last August for maggies cancer care centres here in the UK, a mere training run for you it seems. If I can aid you on the UK stretch, just let me know what I can do, as for logistics and practical help, I am about to write to your Mum’s friend Donna, and fill her in!
2Good luck, and get lots of hillclimbs into your thighs, 18Kms up the Drumochter Pass just south of Inverness into a headwind and Scottish rain (you know, the stuff that goretex inspired!) was the toughest thing i have ever done, 6MPH flat out! I still have nightmares about it…… The very best of Scottish grit and determination to you, it will take it all, believe me!
Cheers,
James
Best of luck to you Abbie. I am a rambler and my legs can ache on the Lancashire moors but I know that cycling can be much more punishing.
3All the very best!
Uncle Ken
Hi Abi,
It is a brilliant project and such a good cause. I will be following your progress and rooting for you all the way. It will be great to see you when you are home again.
Love from all of us
Auntie Jane
4HeyAbi，
5you asked me to let you know about the road to Litang。 I only heard that it is snowfree and spectucalair！I dont know the road conditions but ill let you know as soon as i find an internetcafe，which might take a couple of days。If you come to ShangriLa prepare for some climbing，the last 50 km orso is quite flat。
Can you respond by email？Thanks and good luck！
Wim （dutch cyclist)
Hey Abi，
6It’s my pleasure to meet you. I completely forgot to introduce myself , we met in BAMUSHAN HOTEL in XIANGCHENG last night , and I’m fu xiaoxu. I admire your courage and You are a brave woman. Mr.Yu and I will go back to CHENGDU next week. I hope we can see you in CHENGDU.
Take care and Good luck to you.
Fu Xiaoxu
Hey Abi, long time no spk amigo! Yr a bloody legend, insane, amazing so so super awesome! Good luck lil lady from Edinburgh. Yl do it for sure…and happy bloody birthday too xxxxx
7Kisses from the Von Morins
I tried to donate, hope I did I right
Good luck, good luck, good luck
Marilyn