Alex cycling from London to Istanbul for Cancer Support
A local cyclist with a passion for travel is gearing up for a 2,500-mile charitable ride across Europe at the end of April.
Alex Ford is planning to cycle from London to Istanbul in Turkey, and will take in several major cities in as many as 13 different countries as part of his route.
He is raising money for Cancer Research UK in support of his father, who has lung cancer.
Mr Ford said that he had been inspired to undertake such a challenge due to his previous experiences hitch hiking around the world as a solo backpacker.
‘I probably did about 3,000 miles in total over two years. I love travelling and I love cycling so I know I can do it.’
He had decided to begin the trip at the end of April due to longer days, as well as more favourable weather conditions.
He said he had not settled on a definitive route yet, but planned to take in most of central Europe – including Germany, Poland and Hungary – before heading south through countries including Croatia, Albania and Bulgaria and then onwards to Turkey.
Some of the cities he plans to visit during his trip include Rotterdam, Krakow and Budapest, and he said that he would use the city stops as an opportunity to wash clothes, catch up on sleep and relax in between cycling.
‘Outside of the cities I will be camping. I’m carrying all my stuff with me in panniers on the bike.’
While he acknowledged the physical and mental challenges posed by the ride, Mr Ford said that he felt prepared due to the training he had already undertaken, as well as his general level of fitness.
‘I’ve been cycling laps of the island as that’s all you really can do in terms of long distance training in Guernsey, plus I work two jobs which require a decent amount of fitness.’
He estimated the trip would take approximately three and a half months to complete, and was not planning on rushing it.
‘If I’m tired at any point I’ll stop, I don’t mind if I do 80km in a day or 20km, I want to be able to take breaks and enjoy the experience as much as possible.’
He has set up a fundraising page on GoFundMe which has already raised more than £1,300 for Cancer Research UK, and he hoped to eventually break the £2,000 barrier.
‘The idea to raise money came after the idea for the trip, it’s a cause that’s obviously very close to my heart with my dad and it’s given me even more motivation,’ he said.
‘I’m so excited to get going.’
Mr Ford’s GoFundMe page can be found here.
