Braddan School was visited by a bona fide superhero this week.
Will Hodson, AKA Super Cycling Man, dropped in to see pupils during the Isle of Man leg of his world tour. He was in the Island for two days, having caught the ferry from Belfast.
The former teacher arrived in the Isle of Man on Sunday afternoon with no set plans, but soon found himself the recipient of Manx hospitality – with a complete stranger offering him the chance to camp in their garden for the two nights he was here!
Lynne Speller, a year three teacher at Braddan School, had heard about the visit after a friend in Northern Ireland mentioned he was on his way. So Lynne got in touch with Will and he agreed to call by. When Lynne rang head teacher Louise Oates to confirm the visit could go ahead, it turned out that she had just bumped into Will at the Sea Terminal!
The visit to Braddan School was especially appropriate as the children in Year Three and Reception classes are working on superhero projects at the moment, so they were delighted to meet one in the flesh.
Will talked to the children about cycling and his travels – as well as some of the things involved with being a superhero.
Formerly of London, Will said of adventure: ‘I have quit my job, I have sold all my worldly possessions, like my car, and I am now heading around the world.’
He has set aside April and May to cover the British Isles and will then head to mainland Europe.
The journey will take in all the continents, including Antarctica. Two years ago the South Pole Race was won by a woman from Wales on a bike, so Will is confident he can make it across the icy conditions.
‘The original plan was to travel around the world in stages in the summer holidays as I was a teacher, but the big dream was to travel all around the world in one go and I am finally making my dream trip happen.’
He enjoyed his visit to the Island.
‘Once, I would have struggled to put the Isle of Man on the map, but it has been great. It is a very beautiful island.’
Will said he was overwhelmed by the friendly welcome he received during his stay and admitted he turned a few heads with his outfit as he cycled the TT course.
Which brings us the question of why is he dressed as Super Cycling Man. He said he decided on the superhero image to help break down barriers. He has been greeted with smiles all around the world when he has been cycling in the outfit.
‘People are always waving out of their windows. It brings a smile to their faces. It makes it a lot more fun for me and for everyone else,’ he said.
‘A big reason is to engage school children with the adventure because it is a little more fun and there is a message behind it that we call all do heroic things.
‘It is all about discovering your own heroic self.’
Braddan School head teacher Louise Oates said: ‘We were delighted that Super Cycling Man could drop in.
‘All the children loved meeting him and talking to him and we will follow his adventures with great interest.’
Will’s mission is also in aid of charities and he is raising funds for Parkinson’s UK, World Cancer Research, World Bicycle Relief, the World Wildlife Fund and safe cycling routes charity Sustrans.
You can keep up to date with Will’s adventure via the Super Cycling Man page on Facebook.
Photo - Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it’s Super Cycling Man Will Hodson meeting year three pupils at Braddan School.
