Many dream of spending a year or more traveling around the world, and some do it, but not often on a bicycle.

Leon McCarron, a 23-year-old filmmaker and cyclist who calls himself "The Cycling Reporter," is doing just that.

The Northern Ireland native has traveled 5,500 miles on his Santos Travelmaster, carrying only his filming equipment and essentials, following a route that will take him through North America, New Zealand, Australia and Asia.

Footage of McCarron's interviews along the way will be used for a documentary and he also is hoping to raise about $15,000 for UNICEF during his journey.

McCarron has many more miles and cities to go before reaching his destination, possibly Hong Kong. When he stopped in Danville on Sept. 16,  he had been on the road four months, starting in New York City, minus a four-week break in Seattle.

After a particularly difficult climb, coupled with a grueling 80 mile per day pace, McCarron has been staying with Danville residents Ross and Yvonne Jannesen while recuperating from a knee injury. He describes the Jannesens, whose daughter is his colleague, as "very kind and gracious" to take a virtual stranger into their home.

Strangers have helped McCarron often on his journey. After chatting with people in grocery stores across the country, he has been invited into their homes. In poor weather conditions, he says, churches have provided welcome shelter.

 McCarron is paying for the trip from his savings, so he keeps on a tight budget of about $5 per day by cooking and camping, avoiding established campsites because they are "too expensive."

He spent two and half years working as a cinematographer and cameraman, saving "every penny" in preparation for this "expeditionary documentary."  Inspired by bicycle trips through Western Europe and the United Kingdom, he wanted to do something on a much grander scale as a personal adventure, professional challenge and to support UNICEF, a cause in which he deeply believes.

McCarron said he believes that the bicycle can be a sustainable transportation method and wanted to challenge himself to lower his carbon footprint and learn whether touring in such a manner was "livable and viable."

He says he has appreciated the time to think while cycling and that it has been a very "eye-opening" and "humbling" experience.

Other than one flat tire, thieving raccoons and dogs that chase after his bicycle, McCarron said his journey has been fairly smooth. 

He said he often has to force himself off the bike, because he is reluctant to lose his pace. If all goes well, McCarron said he plans to leave Danville this week and continue his journey.

Follow McCarron's route and progress on his website as he writes and shares footage and photos about his experiences.