Rob Lilwall

In 2004, Rob Lilwall resigned from his job as a geography teacher and decided to do something far more relaxing... cycle from Russia's Far East back to London. His journey of over 30,000 miles (50,000 kilometres) through 28 countries eventually took him over three years and took him on detours through Papua New Guinea, Australia, Tibet, Afghanistan and Iran.

The British-born adventurer and author is an unforgettable after-dinner speaker or training-day speaker who will inspire, motivate, amuse, and astound you. In Rob's lectures, he uses stunning photographs and tells of how he learnt to camp at minus forty degrees in Siberia, to cross swollen rivers in the jungles of Papua New Guinea, to persevere for days on his own on The Nullarbor Plain, and to survive the lonely passes of Afghanistan whilst riding the world's slowest getaway vehicle. At the same time, relating such ordeals in the extreme corners of the world to the ever-growing challenges of the 21st century workplace.

Lilwall went to school in London and Shropshire (Shrewsbury School) and then studied geography for 4 years at Edinburgh University. After completing his PGCE at Oxford University, he taught geography for two years at Larkmead secondary school in Abgindon, before quitting his job, and flying to the north-eastern Siberian city of Magadan with his bicycle and setting off to ride back home.

His first book "Cycling Home From Siberia" was published in August 2009 to excellent reviews from the British Press. A television series about the journey, using Lilwall's original camcorder footage, was made by National Geographic in 2009. The series consists of six 24 minute episodes. It was broadcast in Australia on the Nat Geo Adventure Channel starting December 2009. 

 Key issues addressed include:

• Creative problem solving when the road ahead looks blocked
• Listening to advice, but bewaring of the pessimists who say that it?s not possible
• Keeping perspective (and a sense of humour) when everything goes wrong
• Pressing through challenges when paralysed by fear of failure
• Perseverance under pressure
• Appreciating the wonder of world, and the wonder of being alive

Client Ovations: I would commend Rob's ride and highly recommend him as a guest speaker for any occasion. Rob would also make an excellent speaker for a partners function.

Rotary Club of Canberra City, Australia

Rob's presentation was colourful, warm, funny and heart-felt. I couldn't recommend it more whole-heartedly.

Geographical Association, England

To effortlessly lead us through your 30,000 mile, 37 month trip through frozen wastes, tropical jungles, plains and high passes in less than an hour was extraordinary.

The Globetrotters Club, London

Your talk was superb - amusing, varied, shocking, humanly moving, extremely adventurous and a crazy venture - we loved it!! The standard of your pictures was first rate, and the whole show laced together with stories and anecdotes kept the audience riveted at all times.

The Wilderness Lectures, England

All our members were exceptionally inspired by Rob's interesting and stimulating cycling adventure.

Rotary Club of Macau

Fascinating, amusing and interesting address that delighted our delegates.

Conference Chairman, London District Rotary Conference, 2009

Rob Lilwall is an inspiring and thought-provoking speaker. Not only does he introduce us to his wonderful journey and opens our eyes to places we might want to visit, he makes us think about life and humanity. His stories about the people he met and the warmth and generosity of those in the most unlikely places were eye opening. He makes us reflect on life and challenges us to think without any sense of lecturing. My 150 sixth form boys warmed to him and were engrossed in his stories.

Deborah Gibbs, Head of Sixth Form, John Lyon School