Well-Mad Ride cycle challenge sets off round the world

Issued by University of Leicester Press Office on 9 February 2011

Jpeg images and logos available from pressoffice@le.ac.uk

Ian Reeds, a former elite racing cyclist, now an archaeological technician working at the University of Leicester, will be cycling through countries as far flung as Australia, USA and China, and while ‘well-mad’ may be an apt description of such a crazy challenge, the name actually represents the two cities on his route at opposite ends of the world, Wellington (New Zealand) and Madrid (Spain).

Ian hopes the ride will raise £50,000 each for the MS Society, a UK wide charity supporting people with Multiple Sclerosis, and the Leicestershire and Rutland charity Hope Against Cancer, which currently funds 14 cancer research projects at the University, with four more planned for 2011.

Ian is a former racing champion who competed in most of the top UK races.  He was both regional champion and rode for England.

For his current round-the-world adventure Ian is riding a specially-built bicycle and will visit schools as he goes along, posting interviews and pictures on his website so that children - and adults – worldwide can learn more about the lives and customs of their global peers.

“I want to go to the schools in places I pass through and tell them about the ride and take films of the children’s daily life,” Ian said.   “They can go on my website and schools here in the UK can use them so that kids here will know what their lives would be like in other countries.”

Other unusual features of Ian’s ride are the solar panels on his panniers so that all his electrical equipment can be automatically recharged as he goes along.

Ian said: “During the run-up to the Challenge I have to keep fit.   I can’t train for that distance.   But, strangely, the older you get the further you can cycle.   Your stamina levels increase, though you don’t have the same speeds as a younger person.

“During the ride itself, the quantity and type of food is important.   If you’re doing it every day you try and avoid junk food because that fills you up but it’s not nutritional.   You have to make sure your weight doesn’t drop too much and you do have to look after yourself.”

Ian Reeds’ Blog, his progress round the world and information about Hope Against Cancer, the MS Society and sponsors of the Well-Mad Ride can be followed on: http://wellmadride.org/, where there is also an opportunity to donate to the charities.

Sponsors for the Well-Mad Ride global cycle challenge are:  the University of Leicester, Hullabaloo Visual Communications, Websters Cycles, Stanfords Map Shop, Pick Everard architectural and engineering partnership, Cyclemagic, Eurostar and Cotswold Outdoor.

More information is available in the press pack here: http://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/press/media-centre/well-mad-ride

Notes to Editors:  Further details are available as follows:

	The Challenge:  Ian Reeds, ian@wellmadride.org
	Hope Against Cancer:  Gaile Lloyd-Jones, tel: 0116 270 0101, email: Enquiries@hfcr.org,
	The MS Society:   Lee Armitt, Temporary Press Officer, tel: 020 8438 0840, email: pressofficer@mssociety.org.uk.