July 1, 2024

From Hackney to Rome: Cycling through Europe with Tait Miller

Imagine cycling 200 miles a day, for 7 consecutive days across Europe from Hackney to Rome whilst on holiday. For Tait, embarking on this epic journey from Hackney to Rome—a 1300-mile adventure was fueled by the desire to visit his sister and the thrill of a long-distance challenge. Tait’s story is one of determination, resilience, and the joy of exploring new places on two wheels. Here’s how he prepared, persevered, and found joy in the journey.

What made you decide to undertake such a big challenge?

I've always dreamed of biking to visit my big sister in Rome, but the 1300-mile journey felt unattainable due to both distance and time constraints. Last year, everything changed when I managed to bike 250 miles in a single day—a round trip from London to Weston Super Mare for fish and chips by the sea. That ride sparked an idea: I could reach Rome in just one week if I could average 200 miles per day. And so, the challenge was born.

How did you train in preparation?

Preparation was a bit unconventional for me. Apart from completing the NC500 in February—a grueling 500-mile loop around Scotland’s northerly coast—I hadn’t done much specific training beyond my usual gym routine and some running. The NC500 was tough, but it gave me a taste of the endurance required for the journey ahead.

Have you ever done something like this before?

Not quite on this scale. Over the years, I’ve done some backpacking and wild camping, but the thrill of tackling the unknown and gaining a sense of control in challenging situations was a major draw for me in attempting this journey.

Did everything go to plan once you set out, or were there unexpected challenges along the way?

Absolutely not! Things went awry from the start—bad weather, and receiving my new bike late meant it was set up incorrectly. Even the slightest misalignment can cause significant issues when cycling 200 miles a day. Despite these challenges, I pressed on.

What was the peak and pit of the trip?

The toughest moment was giving up on my initial goal of making it to Rome in just 7 days. The realisation came after staying on track the first 3 days and cycling 600 miles but ultimately that mileage per day was not sustainable. However, this setback led to a new adventure that turned out to be even more spectacular even if it took a little longer than anticipated. It may have taken longer to make it to Rome this time around but now, I have a new challenge ahead: Rome 2.0, which will happen later this year, a second attempt to make it there in just 7 days!

Did you have a favorite part of the route?

The entire journey was visually stunning, from the canals of Belgium to the Dolomites’ mountains in Italy. A unique highlight was biking across Luxembourg in the pitch black. Experiencing an entire country in darkness was surreal.

What was your favourite training route at home?

I love the ride from my flat in Hackney to the Cathedral in St Albans. It’s a 45-mile round trip mostly on peaceful country lanes with minimal traffic. Besides that, racing London taxis and buses provides excellent high-intensity training!

How did you pack for the trip?

Over the years, I’ve perfected a streamlined bike-packing setup. My kit included a Big Agnes Copper Spur bike-packing tent, a Primus boiler set (which I broke during this trip), a Canyon waterproof jacket, a 66 North puffer, and a Buff snood. To document the trip, I brought a Sony FX3 camera and a DJI Mini 4 Pro drone.

Best advice for anyone wanting to set a goal or challenge for themselves?

Aim high, but stay safe and listen to your body. It’s okay to re-try a challenge if you don’t succeed the first time. And always bring cable ties—they can fix almost anything!

As a chef, how did you find planning meals for the trip?

When biking like this, it’s all about quick, grab-and-go eating. Unfortunately, my cooking skills didn’t come into play much—it was more about consuming calories through local delicacies. Pizza in Italy, saucisson in France, and plenty of chocolate in Belgium kept me fueled.

Any other challenges you would like to do in the future?

First, I need to complete the London to Rome trip in a week. After that, I’m eyeing a bike ride across Iceland’s interior. This adventure would test new skills, including bike rafting down the many rivers flowing from the mountains to the sea.

Tait’s journey from Hackney to Rome, though fraught with challenges, was a testament to the power of setting ambitious goals and pushing personal limits. With a new adventure on the horizon, his story serves as an inspiration to all who dream big and strive to turn those dreams into reality. Rome 2.0 is just around the corner, and with Tait’s determination, there’s no doubt it will be another incredible adventure.

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The Challenges Women Face in Running and How It Impacts Participation

Running is often lauded as one of the most accessible sports—just lace up your trainers and go. However, for many women, the barriers to participation go far beyond the logistical. While safety concerns are frequently highlighted, deeper systemic issues like access to the sport and unequal treatment are also preventing more women from running. It was a topic keenly discussed at our In Her Stride panel held at the end of November, with key members of the female running community including Sophie Power, Tasha Thompson, Rehana Mawani and Emily Shane. 

Running is often lauded as one of the most accessible sports—just lace up your trainers and go. However, for many women, the barriers to participation go far beyond the logistical. While safety concerns are frequently highlighted, deeper systemic issues like access to the sport and unequal treatment are also preventing more women from running. It was a topic keenly discussed at our In Her Stride panel held at the end of November, with key members of the female running community including Sophie Power, Tasha Thompson, Rehana Mawani and Emily Shane. 

Before we kick things off however, we should highlight that female participation in running events is growing, and this is a great thing! According to data from Let’s Do This, women in their 20s are the fastest-growing demographic in event participation this year. However despite this, women are still 16% less likely to run every week compared to men. This disparity is particularly striking given that women report higher levels of personal benefits from running, such as improved fitness, better sleep, and reduced stress.

The reasons for this are complex and personal, however we have broken down three key challenges discussed during our panel and the solutions explored that could help address them.

1. The Pressure of Pace

One of the biggest hurdles for many women is the pressure to run faster. Despite the average UK woman’s running speed of 06:37 min/km (according to Strava), most run clubs don’t cater to this with the slowest pace often around 6 minutes per km. Add to this the relentless focus on personal bests and fast times on social media, and it’s no surprise that many women feel too intimidated to join in. 

Thankfully, there are starting to be more people rebelling against this speed obsession, including our panelist, Emily Shane. Emily has been leading the charge to encourage more women to disregard pace and focus on the experience of running to drive uptake amongst women. Initiatives like events without cutoff times and more inclusive pace groups at running clubs are vital to creating a more welcoming environment and broadening the benefits of running to the experience and community. 

2. Perception of Sport in Schools

One of the topics hotly discussed was how for many girls, the barriers to enjoying physical activity start at school. Puberty, coupled with changing bodies and fluctuating emotions, can make sports feel daunting and uncomfortable for teenage girls. Research highlights this disparity: only 38% of girls enjoy sport and exercise compared to 53% of boys, and just 26% of girls feel confident in physical activity versus 43% of boys.

The panel emphasised the need to address this such as:

  • Introducing a wider variety of sports and fitness activities to cater to different interests
  • Providing more supportive and confidence-boosting PE kits.
  • Showcasing more female role models in sport to inspire young girls.

By addressing these issues at the school level, we can foster a love of sport that lasts into adulthood.

3. Treatment at Events

This is a topic that panelist Sophie Power, founder of SheRACES is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about. Even at organised running events, women often experience unequal treatment. From “unisex: t-shirts (which are actually designed for men) to a lack of sanitary products in portaloos, these "small things" can collectively make women feel like an afterthought. Prize money inequality and rigid event policies—like no deferral options for pregnant or postpartum women—further highlight these disparities.

Thankfully, initiatives like the 50:50 campaign by Threshold (a campaign to get 50% of women at Ultra startlines vs. the current average of 30%) and the advocacy work of SheRACES are driving change, and there are many amazing event organisers such as Maverick, Threshold, Why We Run and many more, that are working hard to make their events are inclusive as possible for women. 

Despite these challenges, the panel and attendees felt overwhelmingly optimistic about the future of running for women and the benefits it brings us. Progress is being made, however we all need to add our voices to the conversation to help more women get into the sport and reap the benefits. 

Some Helpful Resources

Here are a few helpful resources. This list isn’t exhaustive by any means, however is a good starting point for those looking for inspiration on where to start. 

Female friendly events: 

Female Only Run Clubs

From Radio to Race Day: Hattie Pearson’s Path to Endurance Event Glory

Hattie Pearson is the type of person who doesn’t just dabble in fitness (or most things…!) She dives in headfirst, often with no hand-holding (except, perhaps, metaphorically). From her first triathlon in 2021 to a series of jaw-dropping endurance feats in 2024, she’s been redefining what’s possible with determination, community, and a big ‘YES’ attitude.

Hattie Pearson is the type of person who doesn’t just dabble in fitness (or most things…!) She dives in headfirst, often with no hand-holding (except, perhaps, metaphorically). From her first triathlon in 2021 to a series of jaw-dropping endurance feats in 2024, she’s been redefining what’s possible with determination, community, and a big ‘YES’ attitude.

Just say YES

Hattie’s ‘yes’ streak started when a friend and her decided to do a sprint triathlon together. “We had such a great time,” Hattie recalls, “and I was like, I want to do more of this.” That spark quickly turned into a blaze of ambition. By the following year, she was competing in Outlaw triathlons and even signing up for a full-distance Ironman—before completing her first half-distance event. “I didn’t give myself the choice to not carry on,” she says.

The Power of Community

For Hattie, discovering the 10IronWomen network—a group committed to gender parity in triathlons—was a game-changer. “It’s amazing to see a community encouraging women and non-binary folk to show up,” she explains. “Seeing others doing it made me think, I want to be a part of this.” That sense of solidarity and shared purpose has been a recurring theme, whether she’s lacing up for a winter triathlon in the Alps or a grueling ultra-marathon closer to home.

A Year of Big Goals

This year, Hattie set herself a dizzying list of challenges. She swam 500 kilometers (yep, that’s half a million meters!) and tackled a range of events, including a winter triathlon complete with ski touring, the Étape du Tour cycling challenge, and her first ultra-marathon. Each was hard in its own way—whether it was battling snowy trails with crampons or smashing out seven-and-a-half-minute miles for 13.1 miles. But for Hattie, the difficulty is the point. “Every time I achieve something I thought was impossible, I remind myself: I can do hard things.

Balance and Burnout

With goals that ambitious, fitting it all in can be a challenge. Early mornings help. “I’m one of those people who can get up at 5:00 a.m,” Hattie admits, however it also takes a lot of discipline. With her work on Hits Radio starting later in the day, she carves out time for training, dog walks, and the occasional tantrum over broken goggles. “I’ve definitely had those ‘forgetting-my-swimming-costume’ moments,” she laughs. But her key to staying motivated is simple: keep it fresh and fun. Whether it’s joining her triathlon club for training or trying a completely new event, keeping it fun and different is the secret to staying motivated and on track to reach your goals. 

Advice for Aspiring Endurance Athletes

For anyone looking to follow in her footsteps (or strokes), Hattie has this advice:

  • Be patient. Results don’t come overnight, and the journey is as important as the destination.
  • Stop comparing. “Your journey is completely your own. Social media only shows the highlights,” she reminds us.
  • Find your community. Whether it’s a running club, a neighbor for early morning jogs, or an online network, accountability and camaraderie make all the difference.

What’s Next for Hattie?

In 2025, Hattie plans to tackle her first multi-day event, the Monster Triathlon. Admittedly it is as scary as it sounds, kicking off with a 5K swim in Loch Ness, followed by a 1,000-kilometer bike ride to Windsor, and wraps up with a casual 50K run to London(!). Her goals also include more open-water swimming, trail running, and maybe—just maybe—an even bigger endurance challenge. (Though definitely not swimming the English Channel: “No way am I swimming through jellyfish without a wetsuit!”)

Hattie Pearson’s journey is more than a personal triumph. It’s a testament to the power of showing up, saying yes, and proving that with the right mindset, anything is possible. Whether you’re tackling your first 5K or dreaming of an ultra-marathon, Hattie’s story is proof that the finish line is worth the hard miles. And when you cross it? You’ve won your race—medal or not. 🏅

Make your own electrolyte drink

Why spend on expensive sports drinks when you can make a natural, hydrating electrolyte drink right at home? With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a refreshing blend packed with essential minerals and hydration-boosting properties. Perfect for fueling your workout or post-run recovery, this homemade option keeps it natural, affordable, and effective.

Why spend on expensive sports drinks when you can make a natural, hydrating electrolyte drink right at home? With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a refreshing blend packed with essential minerals and hydration-boosting properties.  Perfect for fueling your workout or post-run recovery, this homemade option keeps it natural, affordable, and effective.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pinch of high-quality sea salt
  • Small piece of fresh ginger, peeled
  • 500ml coconut water (e.g., Rebel Kitchen)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Fresh mint leaves

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Salt & Ginger: Add a pinch of sea salt and the peeled ginger to a blender.
  2. Add Coconut Water & Lime: Pour in the coconut water, squeeze in the lime juice, and add a few mint leaves.
  3. Blend & Serve: Blend until smooth, pour into a glass, and garnish with extra mint. Enjoy your refreshing, hydrating drink!

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