Meet Gus Mckechnie - Rower, cyclist, parkrunner, lover of maps and coffee, disability sport challenges.

What drives you to spend time outside?

For my mental health but it also helps keep mobile and deal with my cerebral palsy.

Where are your favourite places to go?

My favourite outdoor place is Maiden Castle with the old ramparts it makes it a hilly challenge if you want to. In Dorset I like places like Frampton Bridge and Wash ponds to reflect. On the edge of Southampton it’s the New Forest and Victoria Country Park.

What is your favourite thing to do outdoors?

Walking is one of my favourite things to do outdoors but I do like to explore in an urban environment and the country. Rowing can be great on still water or even with waves crashing around you.


Gus Mckechnie

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Who inspires you and how?

I cycled over 100,000 miles on the Isle of Wight ferries, all the people I met onboard inspired me. My late dad really encouraged me to get outdoors and to be part of the community. A lot of the charity challenges I did were in memory of Mum, Dad and late brother.

What are your focuses this year to help people get outside more often?

I have had to isolate before because of health reasons, just not with so many people at the same time. Hope I can use my past experiences to help others and when we can again to get people outdoors.

What are your 3 biggest life achievements?

Row round the Isle of Wight first time, world records and getting 11,000 young people indoor rowing.

3 words you live by

Never a dull moment (I know its four).

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Chocolate croissants, bacon and air-guitaring.

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