A beautiful, sunny spring day on the road! After a leisurely start in the New Forest, I navigated the bumpy woodland tracks toward Christchurch before catching the ferry over to Swanage. The landscape is shifting from winter’s barren trees to a sea of bright yellow gorse that smells like coconut—though it’s not the friendliest plant for a cyclist!
Today’s Highlights
Woodland Navigation: Cutting through the New Forest toward Christchurch. It’s still a bit chilly in the shade, but the sun has plenty of warmth once you find it.
Gorse Everywhere: The gorse bushes are in full bloom, covering the forest in yellow. I’ve rarely seen it this thick—maybe the ponies have been avoiding the prickles this year!
Beachfront Cruising: A quiet ride along the Christchurch and Bournemouth seafronts. It’s the perfect time of year to be here—no holiday crowds and calm, clear water.
Sandbanks to Swanage: Catching the chain link ferry across the bay. I even had a chat with a fellow traveller who warned me about tomorrow’s wind—hopefully, he’s wrong about that southeasterly!
Swanage Camp: Setting up in Swanage after a manageable 40-mile day. I decided against the pub in favour of some beer and wine I’ve been carrying since November!
Support me and keep the wheels turning:
🍺 Buy me a beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/garrymcgivern
👍 Like, comment, and share!
🔔 Stay Updated: Hit the bike icon to keep up with the latest videos and never miss an adventure!
I’m Garry McGivern (Travelsonabike2), and I’ve been travelling the world by bike since 2008. Solo self-supported bicycle touring on my trusty bike, Passepartout. My vlogs are unscripted, down-to-earth and honest—sharing the highs, the lows, and everything in between of a long-distance cyclist. I’ve now cycled more than 60,000 miles around the world 🌏 and I’m still going.
My video 📹 blogs complement my written blogs, which I publish daily on my website, https://www.garrymcgivern.com/, each time I head off on a bicycle tour. Bear in mind when watching. The video 📹 is unscripted and recorded as I cycle along 🚲, and might not be of the highest quality. The footage is then cobbled together when I get home. It’s certainly no Hollywood 🎬 production. But it might just make you smile and inspire you to get on your bike and head off on your own bicycle tour.
🚲 Follow my bicycle touring adventures:
• Where’s Garry: https://www.garrymcgivern.com/wheres-garry-mcgivern/
• Subscribe to Garry’s Blog: https://www.garrymcgivern.com/follow-garry-on-his-travels/
Social Media:
👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travelsonabike2/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelsonabike2/
🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Travelsonabike2
🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/travelsonabike2.bsky.social
📌 Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/travelsonabike2/
🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@travelsonabike2
I use a Samsung phone to record my Shorts and a GoPro camera for the longer videos. Help support me and buy your new phone or GoPro camera via the links below;
Samsung Phones: https://amzn.to/3IcRYTb
GoPro cameras; https://amzn.to/46qa1iJ
✋ Disclaimer: This video is not sponsored. Some links are affiliate links. If you buy something, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Stay safe, and keep pedalling. 🌍🚴♂️
DCM Journey & Awareness Managing a tour with Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) means paying close attention to the small things, like the “bumpy” tracks through the forest that can really rattle the spine. I’m taking things slower these days, making sure to get to camp with enough energy left to set up and have a proper rest. Every 40-mile day is a victory, especially when the sun is shining and the route is this scenic.
Watch my full DCM story: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1RViitJ4TjRocgeUTjOlMSuJ9CM8hcpa
Learn more at: https://myelopathy.org/
Video Chapters:
00:00 – Forest Morning: A sunny but fresh start
01:35 – Wooded Tracks: Taking the bumpy route to Christchurch
04:20 – Warden Chat: News from the Hollands Wood team
06:40 – Village Ford: A rare dry crossing in the village
08:30 – Gorse Bloom: The smells and prickles of the forest
10:45 – Road to the Sea: Navigating toward the coast
11:55 – Seafront Cycle: Enjoying the clear bay waters
14:15 – Chain Link Ferry: Crossing the bay to Swanage
16:20 – Swanage Arrival: Clear water and dog watching
19:00 – Camp Update: 40 miles done and staying in for tea
#garrymcgivern #travelsonabike2 #biketouring #dcm #myelopathyawareness #newforest #swanage #sandbanksferry #christchurch #bournemouth #wintercycling #gorse #soloauthor #springcycling
2 Comments
Hi, Garry! Great course, I wish you well. Still have a drink? 😬
Whats the name of the campsite you stopped at Gary?