ATTEMPTING TO GO AROUND THE WORLD IN A RECORD-BREAKING 20 DAYS ON A MOTORBIKE

April 18, 2005

There’s a chance to meet legendary biking adventurer, Nick Sanders, at The Midlands Big Bike Show at Stoneleigh Park in Coventry on 7 – 8 May, only a week or so before he sets out on what he hopes will be a record-breaking, 20,000 miles, round-the-world ride.

Nick isn’t new to taking on challenges but this one is probably the hardest he has had to face as he’s not only taking on the distance, he’s also racing against the clock; his aim is to complete the ride in less than 20 days.

On Sunday, 22 May, nine years after his original attempt to be the fastest rider to circumnavigate the globe, he will be embarking on his latest adventure. The route is daunting – unlike previous record attempts, it includes India and South East Asia during the height of summer. To give you some idea of the enormity of the challenge, India in May can reach temperatures of 50°C, high enough to fry an egg on the petrol tank of Nick’s 2005 YZF R1.

Nick will be traveling light – very light indeed. In fact, Nick won’t be carrying any luggage at all – no spare clothes, no maps, no GPS, no tools; in terms of technical support, he’s limiting himself to one item, some tyre sealant just in case of puncture. The challenge is so arduous he expects to lose around 14lbs in weight. The schedule is tight; he plans to ride from Bangkok to Singapore in 24 hours and cross Australia in just six days – he aims to cover one thousand miles every day with only 20 minutes a day allocated to re-fuelling and rest stops.

Preparation has involved regular training in the gym, running and cycling and a ride in early April to Morocco and back. Everything is on track for success as Nick explains:

“I now feel fresh and ready to go. This is the last time I’ll make this attempt, so it really is a case of nothing being allowed to go wrong.”

Followers of the world record-breaking challenge will be able to keep up-to-date by looking on the websites www.motochallenge.com and www.ukbiker.co.uk where Nick will be posting his daily achievements.

Besides setting a new world record, Nick will undoubtedly draw attention to his Moto Challenges. Moto Challenge tours are unique, individually-designed, escorted bike expeditions across the globe. They appeal to riders with an exceptionally adventurous nature. They’re for people who want to push themselves to the limit in places they’ve never heard of before let alone seen. For more information on 2005/2006 tours, click on www.motochallenge.com or call 01650 511 701 or email office@motochallenge.com

Thousands of bike enthusiasts from across the East and West Midlands will be visiting the Midlands Big Bike Show – it’s the first, dedicated show of the season in the region with displays of touring, performance and custom bikes. Show highlights include the second round of the Carole Nash HEAD2HEAD trials competition, pitting two of the best, up-and-coming young stunt riders against the age and experience of two major stars. There will be a chance to meet some of the biggest names in speedway and see the thrills of the finest exhibition riding guaranteed to leave the audience breathless.

Tickets bought in advance are £8.50 for adults, £4.50 for children and senior citizens. On the day, entry will be £10 for adults and £6 for children and senior citizens. The ticket hotline is 0870 904 2003. The show is open from 10am – 5.30pm. Visit www.bikeshowseurope.com for a full update.

ENDS

Note to editors:

1. We have electronic images to accompany this release and are offering tickets as competition prizes.
2. Press Passes available upon request.

Mandi Doyle, The M Partnership, Tel: 01584 881 311
Email: mandi@tmpartners.co.uk