TikTok sensation Samuel Murray embarks on epic global cycling journey to raise suicide awareness
A British man is cycling from the UK to Australia, documenting his adventure to raise awareness for suicide prevention, becoming a TikTok sensation in the process.
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A former IT support worker from England has embarked on an audacious cycling expedition, bikepacking from Kent in the UK all the way across the globe to Australia.
Samuel Murray, 24, left his home village of Greenhithe on June 27 on his trusty gravel bike for a journey that he believes will take him at least a year.
His video blogs have made him a TikTok sensation, as more than 100,000 people follow his journey.
The Herald Sun caught up with Sam three weeks into his journey, on a hot Thursday morning along Croatia’s Adriatic Coast.
“I’m just following this 1000km route. It’s absolutely stunning. A bit hot though,” he laughed.
Sam undertook this challenge for various reasons, including his own mental health issues, a desire to see the world uniquely, and to raise funds for the suicide prevention charity Samaritans. It’s a cause Sam is passionate about, and it drives his social media documentation.
“In 2020, I tried to take my life, and now I want to inspire people and prove to them that you really can come out the other side and live your dreams,” Sam shared.
With his mental health now in a better place, Sam views this epic ride as both a celebration and a journey of self-discovery.
“I’ve learnt how to accept help, and also ask for help, which is big for me. That’s definitely been an area of growth already.”
Sam’s inspiration came from a YouTube video of a similar bikepacking journey, coinciding with his mother’s triumph over cancer.
“When Mum was battling cancer, I was indoors a lot and had put on weight. So I started doing Couch to 5K, then riding three or four times a week. Believe it or not, I only started riding in February,” he said.
Bikepacking, a minimalist travel style, sees Sam carrying only a tent and essentials. It’s a cost-effective way to explore, with a budget of around £200 per month.
“It’s an incredible way to see the world. When I was going through Italy, I saw amazing authentic towns just as beautiful as Venice and Milan, but smaller,” Sam explained.
Despite the low cost, Sam faces frequent mechanical issues due to his limited bike knowledge.
“I’m sleeping rough most nights, so pretty much all you’re paying for is food, unless you’re me and don’t know anything about your bike and have to take it to a bike shop every week,” he laughed.
Sam has no fixed route, mapping his journey as he goes.
“I am winging it a little bit. It changes all the time.”
His journey has had highs and lows, including a severe dehydration episode while climbing the Alps in Switzerland.
“I was climbing Grimsel Pass, 2100 metres high, and thought I was done with the Alps. Then I saw I had to go up Furka Pass, 2400 metres high,” he recounted.
On Furka Pass, Sam witnessed a brutal road accident between a motorcyclist and a cyclist, deeply affecting him.
“The cyclist fell forward and skidded down the hill on his face. His sunglasses cracked and went through his eyelid and brow. The injuries were horrific,” Sam said.
Dehydrated and traumatised, Sam continued in darkness until he encountered another adventurer, incredibly from his home village, at some 2400 metres high. They camped together, chatting until daybreak.
“It was such a weird coincidence. One thing I’ve learned is if you throw yourself at life and things aren’t going your way, life has a funny way of throwing you back on track. It’s almost like your story is not finished yet,” he reflected.
Sam’s journey from Greenhithe has taken him through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Italy, and now Croatia, with Australia still a year away.
“I reckon it will take me about a year. I can’t wait to get to Australia. I’ve met so many people playing World of Warcraft online who live there, so I can’t wait to catch up with them,” he beamed.
With his girlfriend set to join him in Australia, Sam plans to explore the country on working visas.
“Me and my girlfriend want to explore that part of the world together, so we’re going to stick around on working visas and spend a bit of time there,” he said.
You can follow Sam’s journey or donate to suicide prevention charity Samaritans via his social media.
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