Dave Turner

1. What are you currently doing with your life?

I'm an adventure cyclist, photographer and freelance writer. I love to push the boundaries of where I can ride my bike, getting as far away from roads as possible in some of the most remote regions of the world.

I'm currently researching & preparing for my next cycling adventure which will kick off in June this year. I'm going back to the Himalayas to find the origins of a hidden valley, the rumours of which first surfaced in the early 16th century.

2. What does this involve on a day-to-day basis?

Lots of coffee and lots of chasing possible leads in the hope of stitching it all together to make an interesting story. Working with potential sponsors is very time consuming but something I really enjoy. I'm researching the routes of the early pioneers who explored these regions so I can add some historical significance & context to the story.

I'm busy setting up meetings with ministers and researchers/experts in China, Nepal and Bhutan.
On top of that, I'm writing heaps and getting my website ready for when I leave.
Also learning how to use Facebook at last!

3. What did you do before this and how long did you do it for?

I was a computer network engineer for 10 years. Some elements of the job were great, I got travel around installing kit and meeting new people. I got to a stage where I just wanted to have a go at something on my own, I guess I just grew out of the rat race. It's lovely to spread your wings each day and go for it!

4. How long have you dreamt of doing what you are doing now?

Really for the past 5 years I guess but to be honest this just really grew from a hobby in to something larger without any real planning. I have always been riding my bike in remote places and in 2006 whilst riding in Tibet, I got the idea for my latest trip.

After a large trip across Australia early last year. When I finished that ride, in fact on the last day, I felt like I had just been made redundant from my dream job. That's when the penny dropped.

5. What was your moment of truth?

When I got my first sponsor I realised it can be done. I remember giving a presentation to the company I was pitching to and I was really enjoying myself. I never enjoyed meetings at work, but I felt at home talking to companies about what I can do for them on my own terms.

We talked about product and the business side of things - promotion, advertising, publications and so forth. A year later and I plucked up the courage to apply for an Australian Geographic Society grant, in their adventure category.

Having Australian Geographic's confidence in my trip, my writing and my photography was a real highlight for me and encouraged me to keep moving ahead with my ideas, no matter how whacky.

6. From a practical perspective, how did you plan for it?

Haha! I think the planning is on going and never really ends.

Several months before I leave on a trip I have a good think about what it is I want to achieve. This is really important and provides a framework for me to refer to when I get mixed up. For this trip I wanted to create a fantastic old fashioned adventure story but with some cool twists such as looking at alternative energy sources in the Himalayas.

Rather than sticking to the one theme of mountain biking, I like to diversify and take in other angles which will open up more writing opportunities while on the road.

7. How did you fund it?

Largely the old fashioned way, by saving hard! I have been lucky enough to save money from my writing, photography and my old job. The Australian Geographic Society also help out with funds if your application is successful - this is so cool as it helps to encourage a new generation of Adventurers, Community Workers, Scientists and Research projects.

Also, product help from sponsors and partners of the project help the dollars go further but this is very much a two way arrangement. Sponsorship can be very hard and takes a lot of business proposals, pitching and follow up to make sure you deliver. It's also super fun!

8. What was the hardest thing about making this happen?

Leaving the safety blanket of a good salary for the big unknown was actually not as hard as I thought it would be. I think I will always have some kind of paid steady work, but it will only be for a couple of days a week or less, leaving the remainder of the week to concentrate on my writing, riding and photography.

My work actually gets more hectic after a trip. I have thousands of photos to edit and pitch, feature stories to submit, video clips to edit and web site work to wrap up.

9. What is the best thing about making this happen?

It's really liberating to stand on your own two feet and not have to rely on someone else for money. I love making things happen. I found at work I just didn't have much confidence to speak up, largely because I didn't know what I was really talking about! Running a little office out of a bedroom, arranging meetings and interviews is great. Seeing a project come together is amazing, your own little creation.

To think you've made all this happen on your own - wow! I've met so many awesome people through working for myself. Last year I got to interview the President of East Timor at the inaugural Tour de Timor mountain bike race, and this year I attended an interview with HH The Dalai Lama! How cool is that?

10. What is the best advice you have ever received?

I've never really followed any advice to be honest. I think if I had, I may still be working in a cube haha!

That said, I really love this quote: "Don't ask for a pay rise, ask for a four day week"

11. What advice would you give to other people who want to do something similar?

Do it. If it doesn't work out, it's not the end of the world. You can always go back to your day job or even go part time to help with the money side of things. It doesn't have to be all or nothing, a mixture of steady income and passion is a good combo.

12. What resources have you found really useful?

We are very lucky with the Internet. Find people who are doing the things you would like to do and email them. Ask any questions you may have and you'll be surprised at how many people write back.
Another great resource is listening :o)

13. What else do you want to share?

Life really is too short to not at least have a go at what you love doing.