Two travel consultants are bidding to become the world’s first round-the-world bikers using a scooter and a sidecar.
Reece Gilkes and Matt Bishop, who met at Flight Centre’s Oxford Street store in London, have quit their jobs to begin their 18-month marathon journey, spanning five continents, on Saturday with around 70 people who have signed up to join the rally.
The pair will be accompanied by a convoy of scooters, sidecars and other vehicles to Paris before they continue their journey around the world and try to become Guinness World Record holders.
The round-the-world trip aims to raise awareness of Unseen UK which operates the Modern Slavery Helpline.
In December Gilkes and Bishop travelled from London to Lands’ End, to John O’Groats before travelling back to the capital in a gruelling 2,200-mile training trip on 125cc learner bikes.
They had to endure 12 days of rain, extreme cold and up to 14 hours riding each day on journey.
A fundraising target of £50,000 has been set for the project.
The money will go towards the organisations – including Unseen UK – fighting modern day slavery and other human rights abuses.
To take part in the October 21, learn more about the expedition, or to donate to the cause, visit