Jason pedals home after 13 years

ADVENTURER Jason Lewis has ended a 13-year human powered global circumnavigation after he pedalled over the Greenwich Meridian finish line.

The 40-year-old became the first person to make the trip without motors or sails as he rode his eight metre pedal vessel “Moshka” up the Thames to the point where he set off on his incredible journey aged 26.

Lewis completed the journey in 16 legs, staying at various points around the world in-between, and only returned to Britain once in 13 years.

He was given a royal welcome by the Duke of Gloucester, the patron of his Expedition 360.

In 1993 the duke named the craft that would traverse five continents and three oceans.

Lewis, from Askerwell, Dorset, was cheered on by hundreds as he crossed the line from east to west at London’s Royal Observatory at 12.43pm on Saturday precisely.

He said he thought it was “never going to happen”, but was “overwhelmed” to have returned in one piece.

He said: “It feels fantastic. I came over the line and I was choked. I blubbed like a baby.

“Everything I’ve been doing for the last 13 years has been in some way connected with this trip and tomorrow that will be no more.”

He said low points had included breaking both legs in the USA and being arrested by Egyptian authorities who thought he was a spy.

But the highs, he said, more than compensated.

“There have been many high moments. To be honest, it’s always good to reach the other side of an ocean.

“But if it was just about the physical challenge I would have got bored.

“The ‘why’ question changed over the years. I started circumnavigating the world... but it became more about using the expedition as an educational tool to enhance children’s learning experience in the classroom.”

Mr Lewis spent yesterday resting before he begins a career organising “mini expeditions” for young people and giving talks about climate change.

Mr Lewis asked the Duke of Gloucester, who first Christened “Moshka” at St Katherine’s Dock, for permission to dowse it once more with champagne.

The vessel will now be put into retirement as Mr Lewis takes his well earned rest.