Hi, my name is James. I'm born and raised in the UK near the Lake District. I've always had a passion for the outdoors, seeing new places and cycling. These factors have been a big influence on shaping my life as it's developed from hobby to passion to career.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm Couchsurfing because it seems like one of the best worldwide resources for travellers, a vast network where you can have someone to stay from anywhere in the world and where you know you can stay anywhere in the world.

I'm about to embark on a cycling trip around the USA. Being able to Couchsurf occasionally will make a welcome change from the tent!

Interests

As mentioned, cycling is one of my great passions as it is so multi faceted. Whether racing, socialising with friends or exploring the wilderness the bike is a great tool. I also enjoy hiking, running, walking with the dogs, football, tennis etc.

I like to try and learn new instruments, I've played guitar much of my life but I've also dabbled at piano, harmonica, ukulele, melodica, bass guitar, synths, banjo etc. I'd like to learn a classical string instrument and a brass instrument.

I find people that are passionate about something really engaging and often find that more interesting than the topic itself!

• dogs
• running
• walking
• guitar
• piano
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• sports
• soccer
• tennis

Music, Movies, and Books

Radiohead, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Joy Division, Simon and Garfunkel, Aphex Twin etc classic bands. I also enjoy a lot of classical music, particularly from 20th century composers like Richter, Giacchino, Morricone etc. I've even recently acquired a liking for Kanye West - which I never thought would happen!

I fancy myself as an amateur film buff, I'm largely ignorant to techniques, but I like a lot of classic films. My most recently watched films are Lost in Translation, Dallas Buyers Club, Avengers: Age of Ultron, 22 Jump Street and Blade Runner - I feel that broadly covers my taste in films.

I'm always reluctant to admit this - as I feel a philistine when I say it - but I'm not overly interested in novels. When I'm reading I like it to be factual and informative. I do however get a little immersed in books with complex universes e.g. LOTR and ASOIAF.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One amazing thing I'm doing*

I'm cycling across North America.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you how to get good at cycling and what it's like inside the professional sport.

If you've got a guitar I can show you a few chords - or we could even have a jam!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I've been told I'm good company :)

I can offer my inquisitive nature, gratitude at your hospitality and a dry, sarcastic sense of humour.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Laos, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam