Following a brush with death, Steven Primrose-Smith cashed in his pension and embarked on unique challenge – to complete a 22,000-mile cycle tour visiting every capital city in Europe, while studying for two degrees with The Open University.
Calling himself the UniCyclist, he set out in March 2011 with his bike, his tent and his "portable university" – a solar-powered laptop and a Kindle loaded with study material for his degree courses in maths and physical sciences.
His "university" accompanied him throughout his epic journey, during which he visited 53 countries, pedalled up the equivalent of 20 Everests and blogged for fellow Open University (OU) students about the places, people and extraordinary foods he encountered en route.
He sat – and passed – OU course exams in various European locations, and used the university's social networks to make contact with more than 50 fellow OU students scattered across Europe.
Steven was inspired to take on the challenge following a near-fatal brain haemorrhage he suffered in 2009, brought on by high blood pressure.
His motto was: "This life is damn short, and it can be snatched away at any given moment. Whatever it is you want to do, just do it. Don't hang around."
As well as being a personal challenge the epic "study journey" enabled Steven to raise money for his favourite charities: Blood Pressure UK, Action for Animals, and The Open University Students Educational Trust.
After more than two years on the road, Steven arrived back at his Isle of Man home in August last year, and is now working on a book about his adventures.
"This journey has been an incredible experience, not only because I have been able to raise money for charities which are close to my heart," he says.
"I have met some amazing people along the way, many of whom are taking advantage of the unique way The Open University allows you to fit your studies around your life – whether you're working full time, a parent or carrying out an international bike ride."
You can find how far Steven achieved his goals and watch an interview with him here.
