Brighton adventurer to cycle 3,000 miles across the USA

Matt Garman, armed with a lightweight bicycle and minimal equipment that fits into a supermarket-style 'bag for life', will ride 3,048 miles from California to Florida.

He plans to complete this self-made challenge in five weeks, leaving Mission Beach, San Diego on Sunday, September 14, and aiming to reach Castillo San Marcos in St Augustine on Monday, October 27.

Mr Garman said: "There’s no option except to finish as we’ve booked flights back for the 27th of October.

"I’ll be travelling light, just one set of clothes, my mobile and a credit card. All of my kit can fit into one shopping bag."

Throughout the journey, 54-year-old Garman, and his lifelong friend, David Cox, will face the Colorado and Yuha deserts.

Mr Garman said: "The deserts will be the toughest parts but also the most beautiful.

"The ride will be tough and I’ll probably have a very sore bum by the end of it."

To achieve their goal, the duo plan to cycle for eight to nine hours each day, covering distances of over 100 miles.

Mr Garman added: "There are also 14 days in our planned route where we have to cover over 100 miles and our very longest day will be 127 miles.

"I’ve only cycled over 100 miles twice before."

Mr Garman is raising money for Rockinghorse Children’s Charity which supports children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

The adventurer will be riding a brand new carbon Giant Defy bicycle with Di2 electronic gearing.

Despite the challenges, Mr Garman is excited about the journey.

"My biggest worry is a crash or getting hit by a car or a truck. Other than that I am just really looking forward to seeing the vastness of the deserts and to meeting all sorts of people.

"It’s a major adventure with a dear friend which has been 16 months in the planning."

This is not Mr Garman's first endurance test.

He has previously rowed across the Atlantic, swum the English Channel and completed the Ironman triathlon.

Mr Garman explained his motivation, saying: "I have always set challenges for myself. I have a never-ending need to demonstrate what I am capable of."

He added: "I left school at 16 with no qualifications and did a lot of low-paid jobs before finally running my own businesses.

"This was a very different route to that of my brothers, who were all high-flyers academically and went to university. So a lot of this admittedly comes down to insecurity, I think."

Off the road, Garman is a leadership expert and keynote speaker, having addressed organisations including NatWest, Lloyds Bank and Vistage.

He hopes his journey inspires others.

"There are many paths to greatness and most of them are very unconventional. I hope my ride helps to inspire people to embark on their own challenges."