Embarking on a journey that many would call impossible, Grant Cameron-Smith (aka the Crazy Bike Guy) and his 15-year-old son, Julian, are gearing up for an unforgettable adventure. Over 40 days, they’ll cycle from Warsaw to Milan, covering thousands of kilometres—all for a cause close to their hearts. Their mission? To raise essential funds for Logwood Village, a home for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in South Africa. In this exclusive interview, Grant and Julian share their inspiration, challenges, and hopes for Miles of Meaning.
PCA: Grant, what inspired you to take on this incredible 40-day cycling journey across Central Europe?
Grant: My inspiration for this journey comes from a deep desire to challenge myself while making a real difference. Cycling 2 000 + km across Central Europe isn’t just about the physical endurance—it’s about pushing limits for a cause that truly matters. Logwood Village, a home for people with disabilities, does incredible work, and I wanted to use my passion for cycling to raise awareness and funds for them.
Beyond that, this ride is also about resilience, connection, and showing that when we commit to something bigger than ourselves, incredible things can happen. Plus, sharing this experience with my son makes it even more special—it's an adventure we’ll never forget!
PCA: Julian, as a 15-year-old, what excites you most about this adventure with your dad? And what do you think will be the toughest challenge?
Julian: What excites me the most is the adventure itself—travelling across different countries, experiencing new places, and sharing this journey with my dad. It’s not every day you get to take on something this big together, and I know it’s going to be an experience I’ll remember forever.
The toughest challenge will definitely be the endurance—cycling for 40 days straight is no joke! There will be long, tough climbs and moments where I’ll feel completely exhausted, but I’m ready to push through. Having my dad by my side will help, and knowing we’re doing this for such a great cause will keep me motivated.
PCA: Why did you choose to support Logwood Village, and what impact do you hope this fundraiser will have on its residents?
Grant: Logwood Village holds a special place in our hearts because of the incredible work they do in providing a safe, loving, and empowering home for adults with disabilities. Their dedication to creating a meaningful and fulfilling life for their residents is truly inspiring, and we wanted to support an organisation that makes a real, lasting difference in people’s lives.
Through this fundraiser, we hope to raise enough funds to improve facilities, enhance programmes, and ensure that Logwood’s residents continue to receive the care and opportunities they deserve. More than anything, we want to raise awareness about the importance of inclusivity and support for people with disabilities, showing that every contribution—big or small—can change lives.
PCA: Covering thousands of kilometres on a bike is no small feat! How have you both prepared for this journey, physically and mentally?
Grant: Preparing for a journey like this has been both a physical and mental challenge. Physically, we’ve been training consistently, including long-distance rides, endurance sessions, and tackling tough terrain like the Drakensberg to simulate the conditions we’ll face in Europe. Strength training and recovery have also been key to ensuring we stay injury-free.
Mentally, it’s all about resilience. I’ve been focusing on the mindset of taking it one pedal stroke at a time, knowing that there will be tough days but that every kilometre brings us closer to our goal. Having Julian by my side makes it even more meaningful—we’re in this together, and that’s a huge motivator.
Julian: I’ve been working hard to build my endurance because I know this ride is going to test me like nothing before! We’ve been riding in all kinds of conditions to get used to long hours on the bike, and I’ve been making sure to stay strong with gym sessions and cross-training.
Mentally, I’m preparing by reminding myself that it’s not just about the physical effort—it’s about pushing through when I feel tired, staying positive, and focusing on why we’re doing this. Having my dad with me helps a lot, because I know he’s got my back, and we’re going to keep each other motivated all the way to Milan!
PCA: How can people follow your journey and support your mission to make a difference?
Grant: There are a few great ways for people to follow our journey and get involved in supporting Logwood Village.
First, we’ll be sharing regular updates, photos, and stories from the road on our dedicated WhatsApp channel and social media pages. We also have a live GPS tracker, so everyone can see our progress in real time as we make our way from Warsaw to Milan.
For those who want to support the cause, donations can be made directly to Logwood Village through our fundraising page. Every contribution, big or small, makes a real difference in improving the lives of the incredible residents at Logwood.
Most importantly, we’d love for people to help us spread the word! Sharing our journey, talking about Logwood Village, and encouraging others to get involved will help us make an even bigger impact. Together, we can change lives!
Grant and Julian's journey isn’t just about endurance—it’s about making a real impact for Logwood Village and its residents. You can be part of this mission by following their progress, sharing their story, and contributing to their cause. Every kilometer they ride brings them closer to their goal—let’s help them make every mile truly meaningful!
Stay connected with Grant and Julian by following their journey via their What's App channel or visit their website at crazybikeguy.com
Click here to follow their live location.