Red2Green

Set up in 1997, Red2Green is a registered charity, working to increase opportunities in learning, leisure and work for people with a wide range of disabilities in Cambridgeshire including mental health problems, learning disabilities and autism spectrum conditions.

Red2Green run a number of services, enabling people with disabilities to learn new skills, enjoy a wide range of leisure activities, make new friends, gain confidence and prepare themselves for employment as well as raising awareness of the potential of people with disabilities to make a positive and valuable contribution to society.

 

Allow me to introduce myself by saying what I’m not.

 I am not a Tour De France cycling pro or even any grand tour cycling pro. I’m not an Olympic, World or European athletics champion.

I’m not in the top ten rankings in the worlds of tennis, golf, motor sport racing, snooker or darts.

I don’t flip motorbikes backwards, leap from tall buildings with parachutes or travel at supersonic speeds.

I’m not famous or even a minor celebrity who’s been on a talent show.

Of my 15 minutes of fame I’ve probably had 3 minutes

I don’t have ripped muscles, or surfer looks. I don’t heal fast from wounds and I have to watch my weight and work twice as hard at it.

 So who am I?

 I’m a middle-aged father (admitting to being 41 years of age) who’s been around a bit. I have a receding hairline with flecks of grey.

I have a wrinkle too many on my face and sometimes its great to just stay in bed a bit longer on Sunday.

 I first got into the outdoors life at the age of 28, with snow sports. Unable to devote sufficient time to that I picked up a basic mountain bike and cycled off over hill and dale wearing a pair of trainers and a fleece-lined tracksuit. I’m pleased to say this developed quickly with tuition and since then I have developed into a competent mountain biker riding x-country trails all over England, Scotland and Wales but mainly in the Mecca that is Derbyshire.

 I’m a keen road cyclist completing sportive events and cycling around France

 I found solitude and altered my perception of life by hiking, climbing and wild camping in the mountains of the UK, the Atlas mountains in Morocco and the Karakoram Mountains in Pakistan.

 I have cycle toured and camped in remote areas of Pakistan, China and Kyrgystan in extremes of climate to altitudes of 15’000 feet.

 So it’s fair to say I’m a little bit of an adventurer/ traveller.

 My future goal

 In 2012 I will compete in the worlds first, the worlds longest, and the worlds most demanding cycling race ever!

 And did I say to complete it in the fastest time ever?

 The Concept:

On the 18^th February 2012 the 18,000-mile Global Bicycle Race will begin in London. Based on Guinness World Record’s rules for Fastest Circumnavigation by Bicycle, the world’s cycle tourers and world record challengers will start at the same time from Greenwich Park, London – the prime meridian and home of Greenwich Mean Time.

 

Choosing my own route, I will pedal my restored/ updated 1992 Kona Lavadome mountain bike 18,000 miles (29,000 km) around the world in the same direction.

The riders, press, and public at large can follow the progress and experiences as the challenge unfolds. Live GPS tracking on the race website should be gripping and will be accompanied by reports of conditions and events that I face.

 

I aim to finish 160 days later just before the start of the 2012 Olympics.

 

The winner of this race may claim the Guinness World Record currently held by race organiser Vin Cox (163 days).

 

 Who will be interested in it?

 

Armchair adventurers, people interested in travel, adventure, cycling, or outdoor leisure. The cultural diversity, which will be encountered, will capture the imagination of many, while at the same time the physical and mental challenges and achievements will inspire.

 

 Simple isn’t it!

Well…. No….not quite.

 Motivated by the challenge, the adventure and competition I will need significant support from generous sponsors in both funds and equipment who share my spirit of adventure.

So in summary then!

I’m competing in this challenge and will suffer pain, sweat, stress and tears. I’m competing in this challenge and will feel fear, thrill and danger. I’m competing for the joy, laughter and achievement.

But most importantly it’s about the adventure that everyone wants to do in his or her lifetime and I would like to invite you as a sponsor to share in that with me.

If you feel you are able to assist or know someone who may also be able to assist, my contact details are as follows.

 Stephen Phillips  Email phillips140569@sky.com

 

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