A FORMER Sherfield School pupil has embarked on an immense solo 14,000-mile cycling journey around the world.

Henry Morris began his mammoth ride on Thursday, August 1, from van and camper repair centre Fix Auto UK, in Edison Road, Basingstoke - owned by Henry's dad Dale. 

The challenge will take the 24-year-old through 21 countries in Europe, South East Asia, Australia and North America, that will take more than a year to complete.

Prior to setting off, Henry said: "It has been more than a year in the planning and I really cannot wait to get going now.

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Henry Morris with his dad Dale (Image: Mark Richards) "For me, this is a dream come true. It’s going to really test my resilience and perseverance, if everything goes according to plan, I’ll be one of only a very small number of people to have cycled around the world."

Henry's voyage began at the repair centre before he pedalled to Dover.

From there, plans are to cross into France, meander towards the Mediterranean, and catch a northerly wind to Italy.

The European leg includes a ride through Croatia, Greece, and Turkey, with a hop to Vietnam from Istanbul.

The Asian chapter of the trip ends in Singapore, to set sails to Perth, Australia.

From Sydney, he'll traverse New Zealand, fly to Los Angeles, and then pedal across America.

Known to have a taste for adventure, Henry will circumvent potential Middle Eastern hazards by flights.

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On completion, he'll return to the UK.

Prior to his departure, Henry, completed rigorous preparation.

He chronicled his impending expedition through a series of vlogs on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, bringing followers along on his equipment trials.

Dad Dale: "Travelling and adventure really is in Henry’s blood. He’s challenged himself before with various trips to numerous far-flung countries but everything he’s achieved before pales into significance to what he’s planning to do over the next year or so.

"Having studied tourism management at university, Henry’s ambition is to run his own adventure holiday company.

"He told his mum and me he wanted something incredible for his CV. Well, I really don’t think there can be anything that can top a solo circumnavigation of the world by bike!

"He’s planned this and funded it himself, while as parents we’re rightly worried but we couldn’t be prouder."

To follow Henry's adventure, search hmexplores on Instagram.