Meet Your Crew
John Phelan
My name is John Phelan, and Battlefield Cycling is my passion project—a unique way to combine my love for military history with my passion for cycling. As a former lieutenant-colonel in the Australian Army Reserve, I had the honour of commanding the 42nd Battalion, The Royal Queensland Regiment, a unit with historic ties to the 42nd Australian Infantry Battalion that fought on the Western Front from 1916 to 1918.
People often ask me how I came up with the idea for Battlefield Cycling. It wasn’t a single moment but a journey of reflection that began as I stood on a once-devastated battlefield, now peaceful and still. A place where thousands of brave men fought and fell during World War I. The contrast was overwhelming: a beautiful, tranquil setting scarred forever by unimaginable sacrifice and tragedy.
Amid the sadness, a thought began to take root. What if I could honour those who fought so courageously by sharing their stories in a meaningful way? And what if I could do so while blending two of my greatest passions—cycling and walking?
That moment of inspiration became the foundation of Battlefield Cycling. It’s more than a tour; it’s a journey of remembrance and discovery, offering others the chance to explore historic battlefields while reflecting on the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who came before us. For me, it has been a transformative experience—one that continues to inspire and connect people in profound ways.
Neale Dewar
Hailing from Brisbane, Neale is a retired Royal Air Force Group Captain who continues to share his expertise as part of the Directing Staff at the UK’s Joint Services Command & Staff College. His distinguished military career spans service in both the Australian Army Reserve—where he first crossed paths with John and Michael and the Royal Australian Air Force. A graduate of the UK Advanced Command and Staff Course and NATO Senior Course, Neale also holds an MA in Defence Studies from King’s College London.
With a lifelong passion for military history, Neale serves as our expert guide for Waterloo 1815. Since transitioning from full-time service, he has embraced life in the scenic west of Scotland with his family. There, he enjoys exploring the region’s rich history through walking, cycling, and active involvement in local heritage and archaeological groups.
In addition to volunteering as a guide at The Black Watch Museum in Perth, Scotland, Neale is a proud member of the International Guild of Battlefield Guides, where he continues to share his deep knowledge and enthusiasm for military history with others.
Michael Brown
Michael Brown is a major in the Australian Army with extensive experience training both Australian and international personnel for peacekeeping missions across the globe. With a diverse academic background, he holds a Diploma in Electrical Engineering, a Bachelor of Professional Studies with a focus on military history, and a Bachelor of Laws.
On our journey, Michael will bring history to life by sharing vivid accounts of the battles fought at the sites we visit. He’ll also be our logistical powerhouse, driving the support van and ensuring we’re always well-fed, hydrated, and ready for the day’s adventures.
With a wealth of experience in group coordination, Michael has a knack for keeping everything running smoothly, making sure we’re all in the right place at the right time—with a smile along the way! 😊