D Friday, September 11, 2009 METRO The journey Around the world on 1 Adventurer who set off for short ride pedals 45,000km across 37 countries By Jo Steele marriage in Nepal. But he has also dipped in Indias Ganges river and climbed Mount Everest. Mr Iwasaki, originally from Mae- bashi in Gunma, funds his travels through street performances. Most travellers and adventurers need money but instead of giving up an opportunity to travel the world I want to clarify that dreams can come true if you have a strong will, he said. My strong will is very important and I hope this trip will prove that. I wanted to travel but didnt want to use airplanes because I wanted to see and feel everything with my own skin. The intrepid traveller is currently in Switzerland waiting to climb Europes highest peak, Mont Blanc. After that he plans to cycle through Africa and both Americas before finally heading home to Japan. Dreams come true if youre strong willed FOR most people, hopping on an air- plane is the easiest way to see the world. But one eager tourist went about it the hard way. Keiichi Iwasaki left his home eight years ago with just 1 in his pocket and has now cycled more than 45,000km (28,000 miles). He set off on a tour of his native Japan but enjoyed himself so much he caught a ferry to South Korea. Since then, the intrepid traveller has cycled through 37 countries without returning home. The 36-year-old gets around on a Raleigh shopper. He is now on his fifth after two of them were stolen and the other two broke. On his travels, he has been robbed by pirates, arrested in India, almost died when he was attacked by a rabid dog in Tibet and narrowly escaped Incredible journey: Keiichi Iwasaki stops to admire the mountains in Nepal Pictures: SWNS Peak performance: on Mt everest Crossing borders: Visiting turkey Magic trip: Performing in India london calls: View of the thames High rider: Snow in tibet index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html24.html25.html26.html27.html