Garry McGivern’s press release, which went out a few days before Garry left on his epic ride to Australia.
14,000 miles by Bike from Bognor to Brisbane
For Cancer Research UK
On Saturday, 29th October 2011, Felpham man Garry McGivern will be setting off on a 14,000-mile charity cycle ride to Brisbane, Australia, in aid of Cancer Research UK.
Intrepid cyclist Garry will leave Felpham on Saturday afternoon and start his journey towards Dover, where he will catch the ferry to France.
His amazing journey will take him across Europe from France to Bulgaria and on to Asia from Turkey to Bangladesh. Due to border restrictions, he will then have to fly from Dhaka to Kunming in China, where he will resume his ride through Asia. Passing through Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. Another flight from Bali will take him to Darwin, Australia, where the final leg of his journey will be a 2500-mile ride to Brisbane: Garry’s e.t.a. is in May/June next year.
Garry will be carrying a load of over 100 lbs of equipment on his bike. He intends to camp in Europe – once he crosses into Asia he expects to stay in guest houses, but will continue to carry his tent as back-up.
Garry is making the trip in memory of his wife Josie, who died of breast cancer in December 2007, aged only 42, and is doing the ride to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. Garry is an experienced rider, having done many long-distance rides, including another for charity, when his 1500-mile ride around the coast of France raised over £5,000.
Garry said, “I’ve been thinking about riding to Australia for a couple of years now but have not done anything about it. Then, a few months ago, I hurt my back and found it very hard to walk or even do anything. but I was absolutely fine riding my bike! So I decided I’m not getting any younger, best go on this journey while I still can and, in the process raise some money for Cancer Research UK.
“My wife died of cancer, and we all know somebody who has had this horrible disease, so it’s a very worthy cause. I’m planning to cover about 80 miles a day: this target came about when I gave up smoking some nine years ago, and after a few weeks of not smoking, I managed to cycle from home to Swanage in Dorset – a distance of 80 miles – and then cycle back the next day; that has been my daily target ever since.
“One of my biggest worries on this trip is the loneliness, but with emails and texting, I’ll keep in contact with family and friends – and I’m sure I’ll meet plenty of interesting people en route.”
If you would like to sponsor Garry, contact him via the website or click on http://www.justgiving.com/garry-mcgivern. Alternately, text BIKK50 £1 to 70070.
For further information about Cancer Research UK visit: www.cancerresearchuk.org
ENDS
