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Rob Lilwall – Epic Cyclist
Since arriving home in late 2007, as an Oxford qualified geography teacher, Rob has spoken at many of the nation’s top junior and senior schools to extraordinary acclaim (see Testimonials page). As well as giving motivational talks about the journey throughout the country he is also keeping himself busy with some writing and film editing. All of Rob's talks are superbly illustrated. His talk is suitable for pupils of all ages as well as for travel clubs and corporate events. TalksIn his talk, Rob combines epic photographs and stunning video footage to tell the gripping story of a frightened person who chooses to push himself to the edge. He inspires his listeners to think hard about risk taking, challenge and perseverance, as well as opening their eyes to the wonders of the continents and encouraging them to put their whole hearts into life. Click here to open a trailer with details of Rob's 'Cycling Home from Siberia Talk' Cycling Home from Siberia - 30,000 miles, 37 months, 16 boat rides, 28 countries, 1 bicycleIn September 2004 Rob began his journey by flying with his bicycle as far away from home as he could think of: to the Far Eastern side of Siberia. His intention was to cycle back to England via the most interesting route he could find. As it turned out, he took a detour to Australia and was on the road for over three years, cycling 30,000 miles through 28 countries, and catching 16 boats to cross the various stretches of water along the way. Rob experienced plenty of good times during the journey, as well as a few difficult ones. He still thinks the hardest time of all came right at the beginning as he struggled to stay alive in a Russian winter (camping at minus 40). Other great challenges included the exotic, yet forboding jungles of Papua New Guinea, a level 5 cyclone and a bout of malaria in Australia, the snowy passes of the Himalayas in Tibet and the war torn passes of the Hindu Kush in Afghanistan. Rob finally made it home to London in October 2007. During the thousands of hours Rob spent in the saddle, he raised over £21,000 for the children at risk charity ‘Viva’. What others have said'Rob Lilwall is an inspiring and thought-provoking speaker. Not only does he introduce
us to his wonderful journey and opens our eyes to places we might want to visit, he makes us think about life and
humanity. His stories about the people he met and the warmth and generosity of those in the most unlikely
places were eye opening. He makes us reflect on life and challenges us to think without any sense of
lecturing. My 150 sixth form boys warmed to him and were engrossed in his stories.'
Deborah Gibbs, Head of Sixth Form, John Lyon School
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In 2004 Rob Lilwall left his job as a geography teacher in England and instead decided to do something
far more relaxing... he flew to Far Eastern edge of Siberia and then spent the following three years riding
home on his bicycle - via Papua New Guinea, Tibet and Afghanistan. Along the way he endured camping at minus
forty, a bout of malaria, and being robbed at gunpoint!