Today I was asked by my good friend and current paddling partner Dave what I thought was the percentage chance that I was going to die on this trip. It was not the first time a question about the dangers of the trip had been put on the table but it was the first time anyone had asked for my opinion of the % chance.

He said “20” and I said “whaaaat!”, then he said “okay at least 10%.”

I think that there is maybe a one percent chance that I will die on this five year journey around the planet without a motor. The largest risk to my life is also quite ironic, getting hit by a motor vehicle. Conveniently the odds of anyone dying in a Motor Vehicle Accident are 1 in 100. I consider that risk a serious one as I will be quite vulnerable when traveling by bicycle or pogo-stick along busy roads.

The next most likely way that I will die is in a good old simple accidental injury, crash, or fall. I feel I’ve done a good job at not hurting myself while doing some quite adventurous things so I feel my odds are more favourable than those for the general public, which are 1 in 36. I will of course be wearing my helmet and safety gear which will also help my odds a bit.

Have you ever asked yourself what the chances are you will die? I’m sorry to break it to you but the chances are 100%. What are you waiting for? Don’t be afraid to take risks! Go follow your dreams and you will be amazed at what happens. My only advice would be to do it healthy. Life is short and you should live it to the fullest, but do it with your health in mind. Life is so much fuller, happier, and fun when you make life decisions prioritizing your physical and mental health. The odds are high you will die from Cancer. 1 in 7 high. Show your love to your friends and family by being healthy and go preventcancernow.ca.