Joshua Sivarajah sold all his possessions and set out to bike around the UK with just his dog Nero for company – a year later, he has found no reason to stop

For the first 34 years of my life, I led a fairly conformist existence – university, a succession of jobs, my own sales business – but I never felt fulfilled. When my mum suggested I move to Indonesia with her, I thought, “Why not?” and started making preparations. But as the departure date got closer, I realised how much I was going to miss the UK. I decided I’d spend some time touring the country on my bike with Nero, my five-year-old collie. I sold my car, gave away my furniture, quit my flat, bought panniers for my bike and dragged my tent and sleeping bag out from under the stairs. By the end of the week, I was on my way, Nero trotting beside me.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest The pair have travelled the length and breadth of the UK on a specially adapted bike. Photograph: SWNS.com

My plan was to cycle round the UK in about seven weeks. But a fortnight in, I realised there was no need for me to go fast – I just needed to appreciate what was around me. It was tough going sometimes, but I learned how keen people are to help. Most nights we camped on farmland or in parks (even in a castle once) but we also met people who were happy to put us up for the night. Travelling with a dog, you make friends wherever you go. Very early on, Nero burned his paws on hot tarmac and took to riding on top of my bags; an ironmonger in Whitby welded a special shelf on to my bike for him to sit on.

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I’ve seen and done much more than I expected. The west coast of Scotland was particularly thrilling – I learned to sail and fish, I caught wild mackerel for breakfast and saw sea eagles with two-metre wingspans. It was around that time that I phoned my mum and said, “I don’t think I can come to Jakarta, Ma. This is what I was born to do.”

My only outgoings are food for me and Nero, about £300 a month. I carry my tent, my sleeping bag, hammock, and my laptop – other than the bare minimum of clothes and a few cooking utensils, that’s all I have. I feel lighter, both physically and mentally.

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We’re now cycling across Europe – we’ve visited France, Spain and Portugal so far. I never want to stop. We’re slightly limited by Nero’s pet passport, so we can’t go to Africa or Asia, but I hope to cycle in the US next year. After that, who knows? As long as my knees hold out, I’ll keep going.

As told to Chris Broughton

Have you given it all up to do something amazing? Email us at do.something@theguardian.com