A keen rugby fan cycled for two years, across two continents and covered 43,000 while planning for his journey to be in back in the United Kingdom in time to watch his native South Africa team in the World Cup.
But after all that effort, Ron Rutland witnessed what was perhaps the biggest shock and upset in the history of the sport.
Mr Rutland, 41, was shocked when his team were beaten 32-34 by minnows Japan – who hadn't won a Rugby World Cup match in 24 years.
Mr Rutland chose to do the cycle trip to raise money for the Laureus Foundation after his friend, Nix Haynes was diagnosed with cancer.
Ms Haynes passed away while Mr Rutland was completing the trip.
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