By Dr Robert Davis
The first ever recorded round-the-world ride on a recumbent pedal cycle was completed yesterday when 52-year-old Richard Evans returned to London to be welcomed by supporters outside the cycle shop he departed from in April.
Richard Evans took six months off work as a School Travel Adviser at Hammersmith and Fulham Council to cover 22,758 kilometres. With 30 days off the bike to relax and meet friends and family, he rode an average 153 kilometres per day when cycling. Although Richard tried (unsuccessfully) to record the ride with the Guinness Book of Records, the purpose was fun and not record breaking.
Evans, who has completed both Paris-Brest-Paris and London-Edinburgh-London randonee events said:
“I just like riding my bike! This was a holiday and an adventure seeing interesting places, meeting interesting people and making new friends. It is not for charity, but donations to RoadPeace would be welcome for those who want to give something.”
Evans had set off outside the Bikefix cycle shop in Lambs Conduit Street, Holborn, less than six months ago on Saturday 5 April 2014 cheered on supporters.
For the full story on Richard Evans’s adventure, go to http://laidbackaroundtheworld.blogspot.co.uk/ and see and his regular tweets at https://twitter.com/laid_back_rich.
Dr Robert Davis is chair of the Road Danger Reduction Forum.