Adventureous cyclists have been riding around the world for many years. In fact once the bicycle was invented human nature being what it is , I'm sure it wasn't long before the first intrepid sole decided to use it for global circumnavigation.
However next year Feb 2012 will be the first official around the world cycle race. And just like the Tour de France before it the first individuals will be primarily hardy soles from the adventure cycling fraternity wanting to pitch themselves against numerous perils in essentially unchartered waters.
Check out the official site at http://worldcycleracing.com/
Although I am not now officially joining the other competitors in the UK to start the Around the world I will be starting and finishing my Around the World from Nelson, New Zealand.
I want to be one of these pioneers and have created this blog as a record of my progress both in training for the event and of my experiences competing in it.
I will be filling the requirements of participation by travelling 29000kms on my trusty bicycle around the world in a predominately Easterly direction. I will pass through two points on the globe directly opposite each other. These points will be Madrid, Spain and Wellington, NZ
I will be unsupported carrying all my gear on my cycle. My wife plans to meet me in Vietnam and do six weeks of cycling with me.
As can be seen from the above website other cyclists will carry trackers so that you can easily follow their progress. You wont have this luxury with me as I'm too tight to pay for all the trackie thingies so you will have to follow my progress by following my blog. I'll try to make it as easy as possible by posting maps.
As all competitors in the WCR can plan their own routes the final outcome will not be clear until near the end of the event as everyone will be encoutering different cultures,terrains and local weather conditions.
Although gruelling who could turn down the opportunity to suffer on a bicycle to this extent. Whats the old saying? Its only in suffering that we truly know we are alive.
I'll let you know as I progress.
