The author was born in 1926 and at the age of 17 1⁄2 years falsified his age to volunteer in the RN Fleet Air Arm, during the 2nd World War. Returning to civilian life in 1947 he, like many others sought service life companionship by joining a club. His choice was the Becontree Wheelers Cycling Club.
Married with two children and working for a national newspaper he maintained an active interest in cycling and club life.
During 1974 the club celebrated their Golden Jubilee year with a Lands End to John O’Groats ride, which Derek organised and took part in. This was completed in one week and the scene was set for other adventurous journeys.
It was 1976 when at 50 years of age Derek joined with the Americans on a 4,250 mile ride across the USA to celebrate their Bicentennial. The trail was entitled ‘BIKECENTENNIAL 76’.
In 1979 he then unaccompanied, undertook a crossing of the Nevada Desert and Death Valley on a self selected route.
In 1982 with a Dutch friend, Martin Versluys, the South American continent was crossed from Lima to Rio de Janeiro, over the Andes; the second highest mountain range in the world.
Two years later he rode his bicycle from Vancouver BC to Anchorage Alaska, along a route that crossed the Arctic Circle.
From 1987 – 93 the Himalayan regions of Nepal and Tibet presented further challenges.
His diaries recall these journeys.