The Fastest Man Around The World - May 6th 2005

[chewy22]

The Fastest Man Around The World - May 6th 2005
Ok I know it's a YAMAHA

Also as some of you may already know Nick is a friend of mine and I think you will be interested in this.


Motorcycling Adventurer Nick Sanders prepares to regain his record for the fastest circumnavigation of the earth on his Yamaha R1. After 20 years of adventuring, Nick Sanders can surely claim to be one of the most versatile adventurers in the UK. Nine years after he originally won the record, Nick is getting ready for his sixth round the world motorcycle challenge, and this time it's 20,000 miles and less than 20 days! Nick will only carry his credit card and his film camera, no change of clothes, no GPS, no maps and no tools.
Nick states that this next round the world challenge will be his last attempt, so it really is a case of nothing must go wrong. Men and Motors, soon to be part of ITV4, have commissioned a six part series covering Nick's attempt, which will be broadcast throughout October.
Leaving from the BMF National Motorcycle Rally in Peterborough on 22nd May 2005, Nick will be sent off by 80,000 riders as he attempts to reduce the 20,000 mile solo circumnavigation of the world to less than 20 days and set a new World Record!
True to his style, as if to ride 1,000 gruelling miles every single day for the record was not enough, Nick’s chosen route is far more demanding than the previous record, it includes India and South East Asia at the height of summer, where the temperatures go up to 50 degrees centigrade, which in his words, ‘is hot enough to fry an egg on the petrol tank!’
“In May, in India, it's hot enough to fry an egg on the petrol tank!” The fact that Nick has chosen a 2005 Yamaha R1, a renowned super sports bike, is not necessarily the obvious choice for this arduous touring challenge, but for Nick there could not be a better bike for the job. ‘In my opinion the R1 is one of the supreme touring bikes and I know from my previous attempts it has the performance to get me there.’ The bike is not going to be altered or modified other than fixing a small spare capacity fuel can in place of the pillion seat and enlarging the main fuel tank, so that together they give him non stop riding for up to 350 miles. The only additional technical support will simply be a tyre sealant in case of punctures.
Having initially been a schoolboy and junior national cycling champion, Nick Sanders turned semi-professional in the late 1970’s when he lived in France for three years. Between 1981 and 1991 he then embarked on a series of high profile cycling expeditions which took him to over 60 countries including journeys in South America, to the Source of the River Nile, across the Sahara and twice around the world by bicycle, the second time in a Guinness Record time of 79 days, averaging 171 miles a day. Nick then turned to motorcycling, and in 1992 he rode 38,000 miles around the world on an Enfield ‘Bullet’, taking seven months to complete the journey.
After which he then rode the 16,000-mile length of the Americas from Tierra del Fuego to Alaska in 30 days. On his second attempt around the world in 1997 Nick took a different route, travelling 20,000 miles in 31 days and reducing the record for fastest vehicle circumnavigation of the world by two days, earning him the title ‘Fastest Man Around the World’. He then rode around the world THREE more times on the Yamaha R1.
Nick's other journeys also include taking fee-paying riders across North America to Alaska, to the edge of the Sahara and twice on a 30,000-mile journey around the world.
Nick's website, www.motochallenge.com and supporter www.ukbiker.co.uk will be recording the world record attempt on a daily basis.

[jon]

He's one brave... nut. Best of luck to him, it'll be interesting to see how he gets on. I hope the updates come thick and fast!

(riding an r1 over 1000 miles a day, he must have massive forarms and a behind of steel)

[wyrdness]

I remember reading an interview with him in Bike magazine where he said that he'd been having a lot of trouble with the Inland Revenue. On one of his subsequent trips he sent his tax inspector a postcard from Death Valley saying "Wish you were here" :D

[GC-SV]

Roll on the programme, can't wait.

Interesting to hear M + M soon to part of ITV4.

I wish him luck but in all honesty I don't think it is possible.

[northwind]

What amazed me was the condition of his old R1 when I saw it at the bike show... I don't know how much was original but it wasn't in bad nick at all.

[Moo]

Wish him luck :lol:

[Scoobs]

Not going with him this time then Chewy???

Wish him good luck from the forum crowd. What a job!!!!

PS. He is gonna stink on his return.

[chewy22]

http://www.motochallenge.com/rtwdiary.htm Nick’s diary here. The Official start date is Monday 23rd early start/finish line in Callis France at 4 o’clock in the morning. Just got off the phone from him, He said will not be able to reply to e-mails as you would expect but looking forward to the odd text to keep him going throughout the journey

[chewy22]

STAGE 1
Ceremonial Start : BMF Show, Peterborough, Britain.
Actual Start : 4:00am Calais (France,Europe). Nick Rides south east to Montecarlo, then north to Prague and all the way across to Istanbul(Turkey, Asia) via Budapest and Buchrest.
Stage End : Istanbul
Estimated Time : 3 Days.


STAGE 2
Stage Start : Mumbai (India, Asia). In the peak of Indian summer, Nick will ride across the Indian mainland to the port of Calcutta on the Bay of Bengal.
Stage End : Calcutta (India, Asia)
Estimated Time : 2 Days.
STAGE 3
Stage Start : Bangkok (Thailand, Asia). This 1300miles of fantastic tarmac, Nick says he will ride Non-Stop. (....well, except pit stops !)
Stage End : Singapore (Asia)
Estimated Time : 1 Day
STAGE 4
Stage Start : Perth (Australia). A long ride in the australian outback. Nick rides north along the western coast upto Darwin passing through Carnarvon and Broome. From Perth he heads down south to Melbourne via Alice Springs and Adelaide. Back up and east to Sydney and Out.
Stage End : Sydney (Australia)
Estimated Time : 6 Day
STAGE 5
Stage Start : Christchurch (Pacific). Shortest Leg of the Journey. Nick rides about 600 miles to ride thru Wellington, the 1st of the Antipodal pair that he needs to get the record.
Stage End : Auckland )Pacific)
Estimated Time : 1/2 Day
STAGE 6
Stage Start : Anchorage (Alaska, N. America). The Longest stage of the journey. Nick ridesfrom Anchorage in Alaska to San Antonio on the Mexican Border, passing through Dawson Creek and Calgary in Canada and Denver in USA. He than heads east to end the stage in New York
Stage End : New York (USA, N. America)
Estimated Time : 5 Day
STAGE 7
Stage Start : Lisbon (Portugal, Europe). Back in Europe, Nick will finish this over 1200mile journey in less than 24 hours, passing through Madrid, the second of the Antipodal Pair.
Stage End : Calais (France, Europe)
Estimated Time : 1 Day
End of Record Attempt.

[chewy22]

http://www.motochallenge.com/rtwday1_indeximage.jpg




Latest Update : 24/05/05
14:48hrs GMT
"It's now 01:08 here, I've done 1383 miles. I've ridden non-stop for 26 hours. I am now in southern Germany , having left Innsbruck in Austria we are now on the A12 heading towards Regensburg , and then heading further east to Prague . I'll be staying in Prague tonight. Which is another 400 miles to ride. I am aiming for a total of 1800 miles, which will be in a total of 34 hrs. I am feeling very good. Bike is going well. Going to be riding until 9:00pm tonight."
PREVIOUS UPDATES :
21:19hrs GMT, 23/05/05
"I am in Marseille. I am just about to start riding through the night. It's full moon, so it's quite well lit. It's dry. I am riding well. I don't feel like a second power nap. I am feeling good. The bike is behaving very well. The Idea now is to go along the Cote D'Azur , which is…from Marseille to Nice to Monaco . Then I'll start heading north over the Alps upto Regensburg. We are now upto 680 miles."
18:59hrs GMT, 23/05/05
When I was riding down from 7500 revs to 6500 revs, I suddenly realized there was a tremendous vibration in the front wheel, and I didn't know what it was. It was as if I had hit a serrated road, but I don't think it was that. I don't know what it was. It has now happened a second time, so I am a little bit wary. I seem to be adjusting to whats happening.

At 483 miles, I actually started to fall asleep and drifted very very close to a truck. So I had a power nap. What was interesting about the power nap which I use to use in 1997 was that a 15 minute power nap use to refresh me for several hours, and I was a bit concerned that this technique might not work for me anymore. Particularly because I am a bit older now. But it has worked and I am feeling fantastic. We've done about 550 miles and are now south of Lyon and on our way to Marseille, on the A6 moving onto A7. Am feeling really really good and am now going to do the next 6 hours, which will take me upto midnight.
12:19hrs GMT, 23/05/05
We left Calais at 10:45, we didn't get in to Calais until 2:00 in the morning from London for all sorts of reasons. We left at 10:45 from from the Hotel Beville in the centre of the Calais . We took the A26 …. The Auto Route 26, and then the A1. and now within two hours we are near Paris . The bike is going very well, I am riding it at about 6000 revs.

I am feeling absolutely fine, really good. Feeling very focused and I think the journey is going to go very well. If I carry on with this schedule, I will easily reach 1200 miles in the first 24hrs, may be more….so we'll see how we gonna' go. The route as I am planning for the next 24hrs now is Paris, Down to Lyon, Monaco, towards Geneva, and then towards Regensburg and onto Prague.

The weather is good. Light clouds, blue sky, traffic not too heavy. I am very glad to be actually on the road. It's going extremely well so far. No problems at all. and I am hoping to make to Istabul within 2 and ½ days.

[chewy22]

Latest Update : 24/05/05
21:46 hrs GMT
" I am upto 1653 miles in the last 34 hours, I have got another 1000 miles to go through the night, from Prague to Bratislava to Budapest and across Romania and Bulgaria to Istanbul . I am sleeping on the doorstep of friends of mine in Budapest because I am arriving there at 3:00 in the morning…and there Mum has left me a blanket. I'll sleep there for 3 hours before going onto Istanbul. It makes me think my journey is the exact opposite of the “Long Way Around” and it's 6 million budget. I am on day 2, and I am already running out of money! … but I am thinking of interesting ways of make the whole thing continue.
Jiten has just told me that we might not be able to fly the bike out of India because of the “dangerous goods” classification and the regulations at Calcutta customs. What are we going to do ? He says he is going to try and pull some strings with his friends back in India and see if there is anyway around this, but what if not ? What if we just technically cannot do it? I've just thought of a `Plan B'. I fly my bike from Istanbul to Bangkok , it'll take 3-4 days. The other people didn't do it, so I don't have to, although I want to. In the meantime I will fly to Mumbai from where I rent and continue to ride an Enfield from Mumbai to Calcutta , while my R1 is being freighted to Bangkok . The journey will continue the way it was planned at all odds."

[chewy22]

10:21 hrs GMT, 25/05/05
I am in Fzegede in south of Hungary on the way to Bucharest . The traffic is now two lanes so it's very slow moving, very dangerous to go fast, and very difficult. Just got of the N5. My schedule has slipped a little bit, right now I am on a 1050miles a day schedule. I was on a 2 and ½ day schedule at 1100 miles a day. This is a bit disconcerting.
By the time I get to Istanbul , I would have ridden 64 hours with only 3 half hour breaks. Incredibly, I feel very strong. I don't quite know why … but I am roaring and doing very well.

Latest Update : 25/05/05
18:20 hrs GMT
Days are mixing into one. I've now been going for all of Monday, all of Tuesday and am now riding into my third night. I'll be arriving in Istanbul at approximately 4:00 in the morning. This will give me 2 and ¾ days for Calais to Istanbul . The route I am now on is a two lane highway across the Carpathian Mountains . From Budapest , to Sibiu in Romania , it's been this two lane highway. I've been able to average only about 30 miles per hour. The traffic has been atrocious; the weather though is looking good. It's been hard taking over truck after truck, but in true Indian style I've managed to do it. The bike has been running very very well. I am still feeling good. I've had moments of tiredness, but have now stopped for a coffee. I think I've got 170 miles to Bucharest and roughly about another 360 from there to Istanbul .

[Quiff Wichard]

chew i am thoroughly enjoying this !!

dont think no one is reading it - maybe they just aint commenting
keep it up..

[chewy22]

Latest Update : 26/05/05
21:40 hrs GMT
I arrived in Istanbul late tea time (local time). I think it's worked out to just about 3000 miles in 3 days and about 5 hours. So we are on a 1000 mile a day schedule and 5 hours behind. I am very pleased about this because it's shown me what I can do. I had no idea I could do this. We're all capable of learning something new, and I this has taught me great deal from this. I had assumed I'd ride and sleep and ride and sleep. It never occurred to me I can ride and ride and ride. I have done that since Monday morning till now….which is Thursday evening. But I get to sleep now, for the first time this week. 77 hours non-stop riding.The time line has been something like this …. Tuesday night 9:00 pm – Prague , Bratislava at Midnight, Budapest at 7:00 am Wednesday. Then I carried across into Transylvania , and that's when I hit the slow tough path. There was torrential rain and storm last night slowing me down to less than 26 miles an hour following the trucks in the narrow lane over the Carpathian Mountains …. Is very difficult, very slippery. There was also a very close near-miss when a bus overtook me and missed an oncoming truck by inches. I was so close to it, it made me wonder if it had been hit the bus would have shunted back into me, anyway it didn't. Inches…. literally, two or three inches separated a mighty collision.In the dark last night, it's been slippy and under foot conditions. Very wet, the torrential rain didn't leave me for 8 hours. It cost me a loss of 4 hours. I have been filming and if I had not been filming I would have been 4 hours ahead. Anyway, I feel very strong, very good. The plan for stage two is now simple, Mumbai to Calcutta non-stop.
Dispatch from Budapest :
Nick met his friend Máté Gábor in Budapest over a quick breakfast, here's an update and pictures from Máté :
He was on his way from Prague to Turkey via Romania. So he just visited us for a quick breakfast, made an interview with us using his mobile studio, which we enjoyed a lot. We took some pictures of him leaving our house, and I helped him to find a faster way to go out of our beautiful city. Because of the traffic jam it was difficult to hurry, but fortunately we met a collegue of mine (Thanks for Cpt. Peter Krauth, training captain Boeing 737, member of Board of the Malev Hungarian Airlines). He was riding his motorbike too, so he then lead Nick further to save time for the new World Record!God save Nick!Gabor & Emese Mate + our daughter Vanda

http://www.motochallenge.com/budapest1.JPG
http://www.motochallenge.com/budapest2.JPG
http://www.motochallenge.com/budapest3.JPG
After 2980 miles, 76 hours and no sleep; Nick is now in Istanbul, and roaring to get to India !

[Viney]

Hes totaly mad. But huge respect :D

Whens he gonna get new tyres?

[chewy22]

Whens he gonna get new tyres?


Perth Australia
Anchorage Alaska

And thats it

[Quiff Wichard]

wheres he gonna get a haircut

Turke wud be good- he can get a massage at the same time !!!! and the hair in yer ears burnt out with meths !!

[chewy22]

Stage 2 :
Nick in Mumbai Dispatch 2:
Ikbal from Istanbul
After 2983 miles and 76 hours of no sleep riding, Nick is revving for Stage 2 : INDIA. Now in Mumbai, Nick plans to meet the Royal Enfield Club of Mumbai while he waits for his R1 to arrive.
"... he had some interviews with the Turkish TV channel and press. The Istanbulis were so fascinated to have Nick in Istanbul and to have met the (soon to be again) fastest man around the world."

[chewy22]

Latest Update : 27/05/05
In Istabul.
I've had a good night's sleep, and am feeling very strong. I can't explain how after so little sleep I still feel so good. I think it's because I really want to do this project, because there is nothing more important to me at this moment then completing this journey in record time. There seems nothing more important in life. It has to have great intensity for it to have chance to be successful.

I have to say it's a great challenge to beat the previous record, It has really given me something to go for. I am comfortable with the first stage. I don't think I could have done it better, but I am 4-5 hours behind the record breaking schedule. I don't quite know where it's going to be made up for, certainly not in India . The plan for India is to head go to go east upto Vishakapatnam via Pune and Hyderabad , and then north an east to the port Caluctta on the Bay of Bengal , which in all is about 1350 miles. It's day and night riding again, and I have to go non-stop because I have to make up for time lost on stage 1, because I loose time every time I stop to film, and because I am getting lost. It's inevitable without GPS, and every time I get lost, I loose time in finding my way back.

[chewy22]

Latest Update : 30/05/05
In Mumbai.

I'll be glad to move on and am looking forward to riding across India. It's always like this, having to deal with the paperwork. It was unfortunate arriving on a weekend and then hitting a Bank Holiday in the UK but I'll be away soon riding through the night. Ihave no intention of resting but will ride absolutely non stop for the 1350 miles from Bombay to Calcutta via Hyderabad. My Indian sources tell me that Bombay to Calcutta via Delhi means going through Bihar - the poorest and most dangerous state in India and that is definately out. Bombay via Nagpur means riding on a recently surfaced road which by all accounts has been done badly so we've decided on Hyderabad.

At the moment I am very homesick and miss my kids but that is part of what I do. Leaving my family is the hardest part of this adventure. The idea that I can get home quicker is the one thing that keeps me going.

[chewy22]

Monday 30th May 2005
Blame it on the Post. We called up our associate in Mumbai hoping to hear that Nick had already started riding and was now on his way to Pune enroute to Calcutta, but instead got handed the phone to Nick himself. Nick is stuck in Mumbai, separated from his bike only by a missing letter from the RAC which should have already been here. The Indian AA insists it's their normal procedure to ratify the carnet du passage with a letter from the issuing authority sent directly to them. This letter from the RAC in London has still not reached them, and they are concerned that Nick's carnet might be forged and he might sell the bike in India , as against taking it out with him as he leaves the country!! Nick's frustration at this was only doubled because back home here in Britain we have been on a bank Holiday weekend and the RAC office is closed. Nick will now just have to wait patiently until Tuesday, then another 4 and ½ hours after Indian offices open, for the offices in London to open, and then get RAC to fax the letter to the Indian AA as soon as possible. Until then, we hope Nick soaks in the Mumbai Experience !

[chewy22]

Latest updates on Nick and his progress on his around the world challenge.
Thursday 2nd June 2005
For 5 days now, Mumbai has been like a large waiting room for Nick, as he tries, day after day to get his bike out of the customs, and get on the road again. First it was the weekend, then the bank holiday, the case of missing RAC letter and most recently internal filing errors by the Mumbai Customs. It's amazing how bureaucracy can bring and adventure to such a grinding halt.

The Mumbai customs has assured Nick that the bike will be given to him today. We truly hope so. Nick is restless and now just wants go, but he adds “I knew this would happen, it happened the last time. I hate it, but this is what makes this journey such a challenge.” Hopefully Nick should be on his way to Calcutta toda

[chewy22]

Just to keep you up to speed when the bike is in transit ie flown between countries and in customs the clock is stopped.

[chewy22]

stage 2 started

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After a week of waiting, Nick is now on the road. He now rides from Mumbai to Calcutta, 1350miles.



Latest updates on Nick and his progress on his around the world challenge.
Friday 3rd June 2005
What a relief … after a week long struggle, frantic phone calls and frustrated waiting, Nick is now on the road and riding. We have received news from our Indian contact that Nick started riding from Mumbai at about 7:00pm India time. He will be going to Calcutta via Pune, Solapur, Hyderabad , Vishakapatnam and Bhubaneshwar. More news on his progress as we get it.

[Richie]

:D Great news,

Keep us posted as this is riviting reading...

[chewy22]

Thanks Richie

STAGE 2
Stage Start : Mumbai (India, Asia). In the peak of Indian summer, Nick will ride across the Indian mainland to the port of Calcutta on the Bay of Bengal. Stage End : Calcutta (India, Asia) Estimated Time : 2 Days.
1350 miles from Bombay (Mumbia) to Calcutta non stop

Friday 3rd June 2005 What a relief … after a week long struggle, frantic phone calls and frustrated waiting, Nick is now on the road and riding. We have received news from our Indian contact that Nick started riding from Mumbai at about 7:00pm India time. He will be going to Calcutta via Pune, Solapur, Hyderabad , Vishakapatnam and Bhubaneshwar. More news on his progress as we get it.


PHOTO GALLERY http://www.motochallenge.com/rtwgallery.htm

[OF.uk]

Like to see him try it on an sv :lol: :lol: :lol:

Seriously though, respect to the man 8) , thoroughly enjoying the updates Chewy

[chewy22]

Goog god is an R1 not a big enough challenge.

Latest update

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NICK'S DIARY ENTRY
22:44 hrs GMT on 03/06/05
I am about 200km on the Bombay side of Solapur, It's 2 o' clock in the morning. I am riding very well. It's extremely dark, the road is extremely busy and it's a two lane highway and incredibly dangerous. There are trucks everywhere. If I leave a gap in front, obviously and oncoming truck is going to try and overtake and I have to ride over to the left hand side or I'll get hit. If I am riding behind a truck, I am obviously doing 28mph. It's probably the most dangerous road I have come across in a long time. But India is a great country and I am actually making progress. I'll be in Solapur by 4-5 o' clock in the morning and then I am going to make my way to Hyderabad and I should be there about lunchtime. I'll keep on through the day and then I'll be going onto my next night when I reach the east coast of India and make my way north east to Calcutta

[chewy22]

Latest Update : 04/06/05
11:30 hrs GMT on 04/06/05


It's 4 o' clock exactly. I am in Hyderabad . I left Mumbai at about 7:30pm last evening. I've been riding through the night. I think the temperature has touched 45 °C, may be more … may be 48 °C. In fact, the lowest temperature last night was 31.5 °C. The road through Maharashtra was very difficult. Trucks were down to 22mph and I was constantly overtaking. Incredibly busy. Subsequently, as I went to Karnataka the highway improved substantially and I made up some lost ground. I am trying to make 350 miles per 12 hours, which will give me 700 miles every 24 hours. This is about 300 miles down my 1000 mile a day schedule. It's about 1400 miles from Mumbai to Calcutta . I am not far off the schedule for India and am pleased. I am very exhausted.

It's simply a question of dehydration and I am drinking. The bike has been performing brilliantly, but it's running at 99 °C as a norm and goes up to 105 – 108 °C as soon as I stop. I am riding the best riding of my life and I am feeling extremely strong. But also, this is probably the hardest day I have ridden in years. Now I am going to go through the night to Vijaywada and onto the east coast of India and then ride straight through tonight and all day tomorrow to reach Calcutta before midnight on Sunday and straight into customs. I'll fly out to Bangkok on Monday or latest Tuesday morning depending on the flights I get.

Every time I stop in the villages, it's like being a celebrity; or rather the bike is being a celebrity. I get surrounded by upwards of 100 people immediately.

[chewy22]

Latest Update : 04/06/05
20:43 hrs GMT on 04/06/05


I am in Vijaywada. I am following a fast bus. The bus is going really well. This is the sort of ride where you're either writing a foreword or your obituary. But I am flying.

I've recovered completely from really bad dehydration and sun-stroke after 3 hours of rest. I am okay now, and am riding quickly to catch up on time. I think I am on something like 600 mile schedule. However hard you work in India , you're going to lose time, but this is the place where around the world project gains real credibility. It's like “Prove whether you can ride a bike or not.” I am going to ride through the night and try and get to Calcutta by midnight on Sunday.

http://www.motochallenge.com/gallery_istanbul12.jpg

[chewy22]

Latest updates on Nick and his progress on his around the world challenge.
Sunday 5th June 2005 It's been a day of ups and downs. When Nick called first, he seemed elated on the dual carriage way he was now riding, but just hours later, the tarmac seemed to have suddenly ended (see below), and to quote Nick - "this is the worst road I have ever encountered in India in all my journeys here.” We can only hope that the road undone is only a short patch and he is back on good tarmac soon. If he is very late, the Indian roads could have cost him the record. but like we said before, it only gets better after India . The motorway from Bangkok to Malaysia is supposed to be superb, Australia and America give him the best chance to makeup on lost time, and then he has to sprint his last stage from Lisbon to Calais . It's a daunting task, but we are confident that Nick can do it, because if there is anyone who can, it's him.















20:43 hrs GMT on 04/06/05


There is a routing problem and I am now heading north up to Calcutta , on Chennai – Calcutta road. This is a section of road that has not been developed. And it is absolutely terrible. It's the worst road I have ever been on in India in all my driving. My average riding speed here is 17-23 mph. At the moment if I carry on through the night again, which is the 3 rd night, then I get into Calcutta at 8 o' clock, I would have lost 12 hours on the record schedule. This is the worst road in India . I have 12 hours, any later and I could lose the whole day. If I lose the whole day, I might have to retire. This must be the worst road in India . I am going to ride through the night … and just going … and see what I can do.

[chewy22]

Been away for a few days so a little late in the updates but here you go now.
1000 miles behind.
Nick is in Calcutta, and a 1000 miles behind schedule. India we knew spelt trouble, but this bad ? Will he be able to climb out of this pit, and get back on the road to success ?

Tuesday 7th June 2005
Having had the previous messages about his sun-stroke, and the discouraged message just after he had come upon the terrible road on the way to Calcutta , we had enough cause to worry about our man, not having heard from him for 18 hours after he had promised to call. But there you are, that's Nick. Once he's on a mission, and he has his eyes set on it, you can't get his attention until he is done with it. That he indeed is. Stage 2, undoubtedly the toughest part of the challenge is now over.

Nick reached Calcutta Monday morning, and rushed straight into the freighters to get his bike into customs, wasting as little time as possible. In the end, he is still a 1000 miles behind his 1000 mile/day record breaking schedule. But is he concerned? Yes. In doubt? No. He says 'I knew India was going to be bad, and I had factored it in. I am confident I can make up for lost time in the next few stages and get the record."
STAGE 3
Stage Start : Bangkok (Thailand, Asia). This 1300miles of fantastic tarmac, Nick says he will ride Non-Stop. (....well, except pit stops !) Stage End : Singapore (Asia) Estimated Time : 1 Day
Stage 3 Started 24 hours 1300 miles:Nick on his way to Singapore now.
We now know that Nick has started riding from Bangkok to Singapore. We've all been keenly waiting for this stage because the superb roads here offer Nick a chance to make up on some lost mileage. In the next 24hrs, we'll know how he has

[chewy22]

I am now a little concerned about Nick there has been no news for the last two days when he should have finished (stage 3) 1400 miles in 24 hours.

[Cloggsy]

I am now a little concerned about Nick there has been no news for the last two days when he should have finished (stage 3) 1400 miles in 24 hours.

:shock: <gulp>

[chewy22]

He is OK Stage 3 compleated in 24 hours

He rode 1200 miles from Bangkok to Singapore dead on 24 hours so he has made up 200 miles - QUOTE NICK better than nothing - so I reckon I'm approximately 800 miles down on a 1000 mile a day schedule. Plus, as the previous team record is about 20,500 miles in 19 days 8 hours I also need to gain 500 miles and half a day. Well, as I am riding really well I am confident, but one mistake and it's all over. There's so much yet to do it's scary and it all has to be ridden perfectly. The standards of the game have been raised and I enjoy the opportunity to do likewise. The Thailand section was in the night, 80% good roads, not a motorway and just not as fast as I remember but so much better than India. I could only speed up in Malaysia. Australia will give us some ‘like for like' roads and I hope to make up another 50 miles a day - 300 miles - plus an overnight to Sydney from Melbourne. There's less chance of hitting a Kangaroo on that section, so I might make up 200 miles, an extra 500 in total, so I should be only 300 miles behind. Then I shall still have to make up an extra 500 miles and lose half a day if I am to beat the present team record, in which case it'll be all down to going for it on the last leg and I want 1200 miles a day on that. I'm actually enjoying it but it is hot, very dangerous in the wrong hands and just one thing going wrong messes it all up - the book, the film and the PR - quite a pressure. It's Sunday now and I have a day off while the bike goes through customs. It should be out tomorrow (Monday) when I hope to fly imediately to Perth to prepare for the arrival of the bike. At least I can film here whilst I'm waiting. I hope people appreciate my little story, don't suppose they all will, but what the hell, it's a life that's been lived as best I know how.

[mattSV]

I hope people appreciate my little story, don't suppose they all will, but what the hell, it's a life that's been lived as best I know how.

Appreciate the story (looking forward to the DVD), and really appreciate the updates Chris - keep them coming.

[chewy22]

STAGE 4

Nick is now in Perth from Singapore today. Ready to start Stage 4 it will take Nick on a marathon ride across Australia from Perth to Darwin, then down to Adelaide, Melbourne and to Sydney for stage end. Depending on the route Nick decides to take once there, he will ride a min. of 5000 and max. 5900 miles in less than 6 days.

[Anonymous]

Respect! This is awesome! i'd love to do something like that. I swear before im too old im gonna take my bike, a credit card which a huge limit and just **** off and do it.

What a guy. need to change my signature now... Dan Walsh AND Nick Saunders!

:lol:

[chewy22]

Nick’s diary STAGE 4 Australia

I am extremely enthusiastic about the next stage and will need to maintain a minimum average of 1100 miles per day to have a good shot at the record. I am going along the west coast of Australia to Darwin and coming down the central part. It's simply a question of doing nothing apart from riding, though I am little worried about the danger of hitting kangaroos.
Overall, my spirits are high and I'm feeling good and rested at this half waypoint in the challenge.

Time elapsed 162 hrs
Distance covered 5533 miles

[chewy22]

Australia
Nick is now in Perth and awaiting the arrival of his bike from Singapore . We've been informed that it'll be given to him Friday morning, round about 9:00 am local time. He will, as before, start riding as soon as he gets it. The road for him in Australia is at the least 5000 miles long. Nick will ride from Perth to Darwin and then on to Sydney. Nick has a few choices on smaller sections of his over all route, such as the choice between Highway 1 and Highway 95 from Perth to Port Hedland. He knows the Pros and Cons, he says he will take the decision instinctively as he leaves Perth.

The Australian stage brings to him the opportunity to make up lost mileage. Endlessly straight, largely empty and with no speed limits, on these roads he really can ride heads down. But Alas, mighty Kangaroos pose a serious threat. Kangaroos are large animals, and freely roam on an around the roads. Given the flat landscape, it's not difficult to spot one from a distance in the day, but they completely write-off any chance at riding after sun down.

Nick starts his Dawn to Dusk Australian stage on Friday. We'll keep you updated !

[chewy22]

Stage 4 Starts: Nick is now riding day 1 of his journey in Australia. http://www.motochallenge.com/rtwsatge4_excerpt.jpg
After delays by Australian Customs in releasing the bike because of new quarantine laws, Nick finally set out to start stage 4 from Perth at about 5:45 am local time. Nick will be averaging a minimum 1100miles a day in Australia , and would have ridden in all at least 5000 miles before stage end in Sydney hoping that he will be able to cut his setback of 800 miles to at least half of that by the end of stage 4.Stage 5 takes him to New Zealand
http://www.motochallenge.com/rtwstage4_leavingperth.jpg

[chewy22]

Stage 4: 2200 miles in 48 hrs !! Nick is now on his way to Adelaide.
This is what happens when you let a mad endurance rider let lose in Australia ! Nick has done 2200 miles in just 48 hours...and he is not stopping yet. The man is going on and on. After keeping us out of touch and in anxiety for all 48 hours, we are finally informed and only excited at the news. Go Nick Go !!
http://www.motochallenge.com/rtwstage4_leavingperth2.jpg

[Scoobs]

Is there going to be a TV show about this?

Awesome feat.

Well done (so far) Nick.

[Quiff Wichard]

really enjoying this cloggs

is there a dvd ?? I enjoyed the ewan mcgregor one immensely but this knocks that in to a cocked hat..

dont suppos ehe has the time to video etc and who cud keep up with him to video his progress!!!!

[chewy22]

Is there going to be a TV show about this?

Awesome feat.

Well done (so far) Nick.

QUOTE NICK AND QUIFF WICHARD ( :lol: ) good forum name.

Men and Motors, soon to be part of ITV4, have commissioned a six part series covering Nick's attempt, which will be broadcast throughout October. Also if he breaks the record a DVD and a book.

[Scoobs]

QUOTE NICK AND QUIFF WICHARD ( :lol: ) good forum name.

Men and Motors, soon to be part of ITV4, have commissioned a six part series covering Nick's attempt, which will be broadcast throughout October. Also if he breaks the record a DVD and a book.

Nice one Chewy.

[Cloggsy]

really enjoying this cloggs

:? Eh :?: :-s

[chewy22]

Latest updates on Nick and his progress on the around the world challenge.



Stage 4: Nick is going for it ! He is now averaging about 1100 miles a day !
We still have very little information, as Nick rides long and hard in Australia. His messages barely let us know that he is there and going for it. On last call Nick was south of Alice Springs, and halting in a road house for the Night. He will now be going south upto Port Augusta, from where he'll take Highway 32 to Sydney. A Detailed Update is due when he gets to Sydney.












Tuesday 21st June 2005
Continuing on the short unclear conversations that we have been having with Nick, we know that his is now about 300 miles south of Alice Springs . Nick really is just riding now. Not even up to making conversations. He rides as far as he can, then sleeps after sun down for just as little as it is dark for, and rides on again. He did pause long enough to tell us that he'll give us full details of the stage once he is in Sydney . We estimate he will be in Sydney on Wednesday evening Australian East Coast time. So keeping looking for a much detailed update on stage 4 then !


NICKS DIARY ENTRY A little out of step but what do you expect.
Latest Update : 15/06/05
In Perth
The challenge of going around the world fast on a motorcycle has changed considerably since 1997 and it won't actually be possible to do it for much longer. The cost is becoming prohibitive and post “9/11” the amount of paperwork has seriously increased. Also, this event has become very professional, unlike when I instigated it eight years ago. Then, I just went for the previous record of 33 days by car and beat it by a couple of days - it was more relaxed than now. The bike got held up in quarantine but is now released and I am all set to pick it up tomorrow before 07.00 and I start my first full day in Australia. Very nervous about the wildlife even though I've been here many times before - it never gets easier and the roos and emus are of course impossible to predict. Some night riding is needed but hopefully not too much. I have no predictions about my time around Australia but I am going for the fastest safe time I am capable of. Will call in to the office a couple of times a day and try to do some filming but it will be a squeeze. My head is good though and I'm looking forward to completing the fourth stage safely.

[Quiff Wichard]

really enjoying this cloggs

:? Eh :?: :-s

oops I meant chewy !

[chewy22]

UPDATE

Time elapsed 279 hours
Distance covered 10563

Thursday 23rd June 2005
After almost two days of anxiety and nerve-wracking wait here in the HQ, we have just received news that Nick is now in Sydney. The short message relayed by the freighting company read: "Nick asked us to inform you that he finished Stage 4 with 5030 miles covered in 4 Days and 21 hrs. The bike is already in the freighting process."

Stage 4 is now over, leaving another dangerous stage behind . If India had extreme weather and poor road conditions, the free-roaming livestock of the Australian outback offered an equally formidable threat. Even though Nick has come through unhurt after 4 days 21 hrs and 5030 miles on the road , the kangaroos have taken their toll. Instead of recovering lost mileage and improving the overall average , after stage 4, Nick has fallen further back, and is now about 1000 miles behind his schedule to break the record.

While optimism still runs strong here at the HQ, we cannot deny that the chances of Nick regaining his record are now dangerously low. Stage 5 in New Zealand offers no chance of recovering any distance and in stage 6, the only chance Nick now has of recovering his mileage is on the American Interstate Highways. These roads are incredibly safe (compared to those in Asia), but they also impose strict speed regulations. As a result, the only thing Nick can do in North America is to ride for about 7000 miles with as little rest and sleep as possible, maintaining the highest legal speeds that the American roads will allow him. This will be his last chance to make up lost time and in effect, his last chance to get the record.
Latest updates on Nick and his progress on the around the world challenge.
Monday 28th June 2005It's five days since Nick finished stage 4 and handed his bike to the freighters in Sydney, but as of today he is in Christchurch, New Zealand and still waiting for the bike to come out of customs. This is a wait that's highly undesirable, but unfortunately, almost routine now. Of the 8 customs in 4 stages that he has dealt with so far, only Istanbul and Bangkok worked in a time frame that seems right. As soon as Nick is handed the bike , he will ride from Christchurch to Auckland riding through Wellington which is the first of his two Antipodal points required for the circumnavigation record. The other Antipodal Point will be Madrid in the Final Stage - Stage 7. From Auckland, Nick flies to Anchorage in Alaska (North America) and rides almost 7700 miles in 7 days. The route as of today takes him to New York via Calgary, Salt Lake City, San Antonio and Atlanta; but Nick says if he is making good time, or needs more mileage, he might dip further south into Mexico.

[Quiff Wichard]

all those places and canteven stop for an ice cream !!!.
great to read-

keep it up Nick !

[Scoobs]

all those places and canteven stop for an ice cream !!!.
great to read-

keep it up Nick !

What Quiff said. :thumbsup:

[chewy22]

Stage 5 Over :In 17 hrs 15 minutes, Nick has reached Auckland.
Nick has now reached Auckland after riding 1000kms in 17 hrs and 15 minutes. Apparently he took a wrong turn and lost two hours in the process of realizing he is on the wrong path and finding his way back. This sets Nick a further more daunting task of recovering over 24 hours of riding in Stage 6. The chance that Nick can reclaim his record is still there, but is very slim.

[chewy22]

NICK DIARY ENTRY

I was about to do the maths on this one but he has allready done it to work out what he has to do see below.

" Feel tired but in great health and getting ready for the last week when I plan to ride 1350+ miles a day - mostly because I just want to get home, as well as get the record. This whole event is as much to do with patience as it is to do with speed. "



Dont forget he has to do 20,000 miles in 20 day to get the record

Time Elapsed : 296:15 hrs
Dist. Covered :11214 miles


So he now has less than 7 and a half days to do the remaining 8786 miles makes a min of 1250 miles a day.

[Scoobs]

So he now has less than 7 and a half days to do the remaining 8786 miles makes a min of 1250 miles a day.

COME ON NICK.

[chewy22]

In Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland , over 1000 kilometres from Christchurch. The time taken would have been 15 hours 45 minutes but ended up being 17 hours and 15 minutes due to me taking a wrong turn in the dark and being convinced I was going north, when for 120 km on a very windy road I was going south west. Really annoying, but I had to laugh. I am actually riding more strongly again. The lack of any animals on the road gives me more confidence to push hard, although last night there was black ice on many stretches and all you can do is ride upright and not brake and it seemed to work. The bike has developed a rumble at high speed and I think it's either a tight spot on the chain or a valve, or even the tyres, as they are virtually flat. The tyres, incidentally, are Continental Attacks. They've done 6000 miles and the back is OK for another 500, while the front is easily good for another 1000. And that's on hard, rough quartz-embedded tarmac. And they still grip well. Meanwhile, the bike is now packed for shipment and I fly to Anchorage tomorrow. I feel tired but am in great health and getting ready for the last week when I plan to ride 1350+ miles a day - mostly because I just want to get home, as well as get the record. This whole event is as much to do with patience as it is to do with speed. Got some great film, this could be a good movie; we shall see. Must have done 12,000 miles or so in about 12 days; I think we can improve on this. The bike arrives in Alaska on Tuesday 5th - the only freight flight we could get.

[wheelnut]

So the Conti attacks have got the thumbs up from a lunatic :D At least he is wearing them out in a week rather than years :P

Great story Chewy, thanks to Nick

[chewy22]

Stage 6 : Nick now in Alaska waiting for his bike to arrive and to have it serviced.
Latest updates on Nick and his progress on the around the world challenge.
Monday 4th July 2005After a brief stop-over in LA between flights, Nick is now in Anchorage, Alaska . Stage 6, the longest stage in the journey, contains almost 7000 riding miles. The pressure on Nick to perform is now very high, particularly since this is his last chance to reclaim the record. If he does not deliver the high, 1250 miles a day average, he could be coming back home empty-handed. If Nick does manage to maintain his minimum target of 1250miles every 24 hours for 7000miles, he may well set a new record in endurance riding for the fastest 7000 miles over land, ever! To ensure that the bike performs as well as Nick is expected to, there will be a full service, tyre change and possibly a new chain and sprocket set before he starts riding again . Nick is also scheduled to have a tyre change in Salt Lake City .
Nick now waits in Anchorage for his bike to arrive. Tension is building up since this stage, the longest in the entire journey, is also Nick's last chance at the record. In all five stages so far, Nick has lost time and this is the one last stage where he has any chance at making it up. Nick's R1 will get a full service and a new set of Conti Attacks before he hits American tarmac.

[chewy22]

NICKS DIARY ENTRY

In Anchorage, Alaska


The bike arrives Friday and Don's Motorcycle Shop is opening late to service the bike - air and oil filters, chain and sprockets and Continental Attack tyres. The service is scheduled for one hour with four guys working on the bike simultaneously. Then it's the crunch stage which will decide whether I get the record or not. I need to ride a minimum of 7000 miles in six days to catch up but am planning more.

If I arrive in New York in 6 days' time, that leaves only 30 hours left to do to get from Madrid to Calais via Granada.

I feel strong and focused and with a revitalised bike I think I have an excellent chance to recover my title. It's been a hard journey when I have been riding - probably amongst the hardest riding I have ever done - and having to break the rhythm is also hard, but that is part of the challenge of this particular adventure.

[Scoobs]

I've said it before and I'll say it again.

COME ON NICK.

I can only imagine how completely knackering this is. I have done 500 mile days for 2 - 3 days in a row and been mullered.

GOOD LUCK FELLA.

I want a signed copy of the DVD when you've done it. Course I will pay!

[chewy22]

BIKE LOST !!The R1 went missing in transit. Now being redirected.
Just had news that while Nick patiently waited for his bike in Anchorage , the bike with a mind of its own was on its way to Korea ! After a lot of frantic activity to locate the bike, we'd been told that because of weight issues on the United flight, it got bumped off, and was mysteriously put on a Korean airline. It is now being redirected back Alaska . Talk about delays!
Latest updates on Nick and his progress on the around the world challenge.
Friday 08 July 2005This is why motorcycling around the world is such a serious undertaking. Not that motorcycling long hours and coping with constant weather, landscape and cultural change is hard enough, you also have to have the patience to deal with the logistics and organization of the entire journey. The latest delay, the most unexpected of all so far, has been the fact that Nick's R1 went missing mid-transit. You entrust your bike to people who are professionals at freighting, and hope things will fall into place. Mostly they do, and sometimes … like now, they don't. From what we understand, the bike was booked onto a United Airlines flight to Anchorage from Auckland , due to arrive in on Wednesday. It didn't. Not suspecting anything serious, and with the now usual “another delay!” attitude, we just decided to wait another day. But soon we realized something was amiss, and indeed, the bike was missing! After frantic activity and many phone calls, not to mention panic, we now know that for weight limitation (we suspect over booking) on the United flight, the bike was bumped off the flight. For reasons not explained to us, it was then put onto a Korean airline ... on its way back to Asia ! The freighters now assure us that the bike has been located and is being redirected to Anchorage . It is expected to arrive in Alaska on Sunday evening. This freighting delay from Auckland to Anchorage will now be longer than what we thought was the worst ever 6 day delay from Istanbul to Mumbai. Times like this you wish you were Richard Branson, with your millions and a fleet of airline behind you. On the flip, how dull would that be? The funniest bit though, is that by the end of the trip, Nick's R1 would have traveled more miles than Nick himself!


NICKS DIARY UPDATE
Latest Update : 06/07/05
In Anchorage, Alaska
I have just heard about the terrible bombing in London . Just wanted to say how terrible I feel about this and both Jiten in the office and myself on the road offer our condolences to everyone concerned. This is a cowardly attack and surely cannot be in the name of any God. I have traveled around the world many times and have found Muslim people to be amongst the most courteous of people, I think you will find that they are as upset as is everybody else. Journeys like this - motorcycling around the world, anybody who goes around the world overland - ordinary travelers - must also never stop because all of us return with a more comprehensive understanding of people and people's needs and are ambassadors for a better world. My condolences.

[chewy22]

H.Q UPDATE

BACK ON THE ROAD ! Stage 6 begins as Nick clocks 600 miles in the first 12 hours.
Finally after flying to Korea and China; on Sunday the bike arrived in Anchorage. After a quick service, our man is now on the road. In the last 12 hours he has done 600 miles. If he keeps up this pace for 6 days, Nick would have set up a new record for riding 7000 North American Miles in 6 days. This would also bring his Fastest Circumnavigation of Earth record well within grasp
In Anchorage, Alaska
The USA AND CANADA ROUTE

FROM........................To.................... ...........Miles
Anchorage via Fairbanks.Tok.............................525
Tok.................Dawson Creek..........................1300
Dawson Creek....Eureka (BC border)....................680
Eureka..............Jnc Hwy 90.............................180
Jnc Hwy 90........Salt Lake................................530
Salt Lake ..........Jnc Hwy 70.............................150
Jnc Hwy 70........Hwy 191 - 180........Hwy 10.......600
Hwy 10..............El Paso..................................230
El Paso..............Chihuahua Torreon...................500
Torreon..............San Antonio............................500
San Antonio..........Houston.......................... .....200
Houston..............Louisiana border......................130
Louisiana border.....Mississippi border...................260
Mississippi border.....Mobile................................1 00
Mobile...................Montgomery............... ..........170
Montgomery...........Atlanta...................... .........170
Atlanta.................Greenville................ .............175
Greenville...............Charlotte................ ............100
Charlotte...............Washington................ .........400
Washington..............New York..........................250



NICKS DIARY UPDATE
12th July 2005 I left customs at 12:30 and went straight into Don's Motorcycle shop where a bike service was done remarkably quickly. Tyre change, oil change and new front & rear sprockets and a new chain … all this in 1 hour. I left from there at 1:30 pm and then rode to Fairbanks carrying on in the easterly direction and then turned south east towards Tok. I've just done 592 miles in 11 hrs riding, but we have to put in 1 hour of service. The record clock does not stop for service. So I've done almost 600 miles in 12 hours. Bang on the 1200 mile day schedule. It's now half past Mid Night, the sun has just gone down. I am now going to ride through the night to reach Dawson Creek by noon today. Dawson Creek is at the end of the Alaskan Highway . I feel really good, really focused. I realize what is really necessary and the efforts involved. This was the half day of what is going to be 12 half days

[Red ones]

Tyre change, oil change and new front & rear sprockets and a new chain … all this in 1 hour.


....or all day if he goes to my local Suzuki dealer! (What's the phone number for this place, it may be quicker for me to go there!!!!)

Great stuff - keep it up!

[chewy22]

NICKS DIARY ENTRY

Latest Update : 13/07/05
On the Alaska - Canada Highway, North America
Did 1700 miles in the last 35 hours - Anchorage to Fairbanks and then just 300 miles short of the full length of the Alaskan Highway . There were lots of road construction so I couldn't manage the last 400 miles as it was late so I checked into a hotel and have started being a bit more clever in looking after myself – i.e. my second hotel room on the whole trip! - 4 hours sleep and then off to catch up with my schedule. As long as I am in Salt Lake City for 09.00 Thursday I am on schedule for 3 x 1200 mile days - which means 300 miles tomorrow morning and then 1400 miles over the next 26 hours, 2 thirds freeway and no construction. I filmed a lot today in Alaska but am not filming at all tomorrow. Am on the wireless internet in my room, 12.30 midnight will sleep between 1 and 4 then off when I get to see what animals are out there - that's the important bit, the locals say this last part of the Alaska – Canada is the worst for animals and knowing when to back off keeps you adventuring for a long time. Welcome to the team, Dave Marsden and his company Z Power. Dave is a friend and has invested money into the production of the Broadcast Film and DVD. Dave is the worlds largest supplier of Kawasaki parts for 1970's and '80's Kwakers and wants me to ride a Kawasaki - what do I do?! I Feel very confident. I Am on the verge of grabbing back 200 miles from my 1000 miles deficit. This will happen. I haven't come this far to go home empty handed.

[chewy22]

Tyre change, oil change and new front & rear sprockets and a new chain … all this in 1 hour.


....or all day if he goes to my local Suzuki dealer! (What's the phone number for this place, it may be quicker for me to go there!!!!)

Great stuff - keep it up!

Had my bike serviced up there a couple of years ago nice guys.Also they are the ones that Ewan and Charley used if you look close at the DVD.
I think they claim they are the most northan bike dealers in the world.

[chewy22]

STAGE 6
3500 MILES IN 72 HOURES NICK IS GOING STEADY AND GAINING BACK LOST TIME AND MILAGE

Stage 6: Going steady, Nick is slowly gaining back lost miles and time in US.
Now well into the penultimate stage, Nick is steadily clocking up the much-needed miles as he rides south to the border with Mexico. However, since it could take 4-6 hours to get across the border, Nick may skip his quick dip to Torreon and Monterrey and stay ‘Stateside'. On last call he was to reach Salt lake city in 4 hours.





NICKS DIARY UPDATES


On the Alaska - Canada Highway, North America
After 1980 miles since yesterday, one three hour sleep and the full length of the Alaskan Highway, I found friends. Heidi and Charles met up with me and kept me talking and they are such great mates whom I've known since my first expeditions in 1996. I usually end up on a sofa, which is better than any motel (see http://www.alaskahotel.com ). I'm behind on my schedule so I'm going to have to ride all night to get to Salt Lake City for my tyre change; that'll teach me. It's really hard catching up stray hours at this part of the project but meeting good friends, real live people who think and care about you, is the closest I get to a normal life just now, so it's important to me. But I'm late, really paranoid, got to go!

Latest Update : 15/07/05
In Salt Lake City, USA
I'm at Wright's Bike Shop in Salt Lake City; great people – they are being so helpful. Tyre changed by Tim in minutes plus oil and filters. Back on the road in 40 minutes flat. have just worked out that I have ridden a confirmed 3500 miles in 76 hours, two thirds on the Alaskan Highway and crossing the Rockies, one third on the Interstate. Tomorrow it's all Interstate, so I hope to ride 600 miles in a 12 hour period. I have actually hit the 1150 miles a day schedule; that means I have clawed back 550 miles, so now I'm only 450 miles down on the record. Have to go, more later.

[chewy22]

Stage 6 Over and in great style!! 6800 miles in just over 6 days and 3 hours.
HQ UPDATE
What a fabulous biking blast from Anchorage to San Antonio and back up to Toronto. Probably the fastest ever 6800 miles in North America, ever, at a mind blowing daily average of over 1100 miles a day. After a last minute changes to the route, Nick skipped his short dip into Mexico, and then for freighting issues, had to end his stage in Toronto instead of New York.


NICKS DIARY ENTRY



Latest Update : 18/07/05
In Toronto, Canada.
I have never felt so pleased with my biking performance as I do now. In six days and three and a half hours and I rode from Anchorage, down the full length of the Alaskan Highway and then descended across the USA to the Mexican border. Then from El Paso to San Antonio I headed in a straight line to Toronto - 6800 miles. It just wasn't easy. Since Monday 12.30 till now, sometime Sunday Central Time, I have had seven hours of proper sleep. The rest has been cat naps and as soon as my head hits my tank bag I sleep on my bike I am asleep in seconds; that is how tired I have become. More than this , today I started falling asleep on my bike as I was riding. Every few minutes I would fade out and for a brief few seconds, I would be riding my bike on the highway, asleep. I have a strange awareness it's happening, but not initially. For the first two or three seconds I am out for the count – just sitting, balancing , holding the accelerator grip firmly but well asleep. And then I wake up, catch the bike just before it starts to veer off somewhere and carry on. It's a type of madness that motorcyclists understand; I don't know who else does. This has been amongst my hardest ever riding. I will get this record by a few hundred miles and a few hours, but right now we are head to head almost to the hour. Never mind the filming etc; but what a great job Kevin and Julia did when they set their record in 2002 . I haven't smashed it, more like snatched it at the last moment, although it's not over yet, but the hardest work is done. I'm too tired to write more. I just want to thank anyone who has been watching. Let's make the last week enjoyable.

[Scoobs]

:shock: and double :shock: :shock:

Keep it up dude.

[Quiff Wichard]

still readin it all chew..keep it up.
very very interesting....there are people interested out here.just dont wanna derail too often.

[chewy22]

Stage 7 soon :
The global journey
nears its end as Nick prepares to do
Lisbon - Calais in
under 24 hours.


Stage 7: Nick on his way to Lisbon. Adrenalin levels high for the final sprint.
Nick now prepares for the next stage in Lisbon. He will be riding from Lisbon to Calais in less than 24 hours to reclaim the record. This will be the most thrilling end to a global journey, that with its ups and downs, fast rides and shipping delays, filming, flying, waiting and the endless test of human spirit to endure, has been truly epic. Our prayers and best wishes are with Nick

NICKS DIARY UPDATE

Latest Update : 20/07/05
In Toronto, Canada.
I am still taking in what happened on the last stage from Anchorage to Toronto. I honestly didn't believe I could ride like that. I thought that at a certain age your abilities decline but at 47 I am riding twice as well as I ever have. Six days is a phenomenal time for that leg. The Alaskan highway was full of slow road construction works and the Midwest suffered the effects of the latest hurricane - I was riding in rain that was so heavy it was like a curtain. That lasted on and off for two days. No tickets, not one, thankfully. No trouble with the bike. I am at Toronto airport about to board a flight to New York to connect with one that will get me to Lisbon for the start of the last leg. Depending on the total number of miles ridden we will decide whether to ride Lisbon to Calais via San Sebas tian or via Valencia, the latter being about 300 miles longer. I intend to fly like an albatross, so I'll be riding safely and smoothly but quickly.

[Richie]

:notworthy: =D> \:D/ Go Nick Go, Go Nick Go..

[chewy22]

Well bugger me he has done it, Nick is again the fastest man in the world on a bike around the world. Just tried to get through to him but he has cut his phone off as you would expect. I will give him a try again in the morning.

From HQ
After a long wait to hear from Nick, we finally had a phone call yesterday from London. Nick said he was fine, and he'd got the record. In typical Nick style, he had got the record well before noon on Saturday, had taken the ferry across to GB, ridden to London and slept the night, before he called us to tell us that he'd done it ! Never mind that, we're all sipping the bubbly here. We know that it was a close call, and according to Nick, he got the record by just about an hour, but rode 200 miles in excess of the previous record. All facts and figures to follow soon, once Nick is back at H.Q. on Wednesday. Keep looking.



http://www.motochallenge.com/rtw_stage7.jpg

[Cloggsy]

=D> :notworthy: =D> :notworthy: =D> :notworthy: =D> :notworthy:

Brilliant...

[Scoobs]

=D> :notworthy: =D> :notworthy: =D> :notworthy: =D> :notworthy:

Brilliant...

:stupid:

What he said!

Don't forget to lead Nick to this thread.

Well done!

[Stormspiel]

Well done that man

Close call but he got there in the end, looking forward to Documentary Etc. :D =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D>

[chewy22]

=D> :notworthy: =D> :notworthy: =D> :notworthy: =D> :notworthy:

Brilliant...

Don't forget to lead Nick to this thread.


Allready done that :D

[Richie]

:D :D 8) Yet again Nick never fail's .....

I now look forward to the DVD.... maybe for Xmas.... 8)

Well done again Nick.
And Thank you Chewy22 for all the info and up dates... made brill reading.

[Biker Biggles]

Nice one.Selling the bike?One carefull owner.Low mileage.Dry summer use only? :lol: :lol:

:winner:

[chewy22]

Don’t forget in March 2006 he will be attempting to regain his old record from
:Tierra del Fuego to Alaska
The previous record he held had stood at 47½ days. But was smashed by over 12 days.


Previous World Record:
47 days and 12 hours
New Record to beat is.
35 days
The Trans Americas route coveres almost 27,200 kilometres (17,000 miles) of tough riding, rugged terrains and extreme weather conditions. The ride runs through Alaska, Canada, USA, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina down to its province of Tierra del Fuego.
This World Record attempt is officially called by Guinness, "The Trans-Americas by Motorcycle". It is the ultimate endurance motorbike ride through North, Central and South America.

[Stormspiel]

Just thought i'd ressurect this, looking through MCN and he's got a DvD and book out, Page 33. Any chance of a signed copy chewy22 :lol: ????

[haggis]

It's being repeated on the telly again, I saw the India stage a couple of days ago. Brilliant adventure story.

Best of luck to Nick on the Trans-America ride too.

[Stormspiel]

What channel ?? what time ?? i wanted to watch this but hadn't seen it advertised anywhere so obviously i've missed a few :roll:

[haggis]

Men & Motors.

The next one is Friday 8pm, or (probably a repeat) Sat 4pm. My tellybox tells me no more than this, sorry. :(

[Peter Henry]

Very much belated...but RESPECT to all involved in this project! Simply awesome! :wink:

[skidmarx]

anyone know if this is available on DVD?

[Stormspiel]

anyone know if this is available on DVD?

Page 33 in MCN gives details of how to order the DvD with or without copy of hardback/softback. I've left my copy at home or i'd tell you.

[skidmarx]

Xmas pressie for me then from me ta!

[will]

i got this email from chewy as part of a mailshot. gives some more details on book/dvd etc:

Nick a close friend of mine is now the fastest man around the world by motorcycle. Using his Yamaha YZF R1.
He made the trip in 19 days 3 hours and 25 minutes with a total mileage of 19,650,
reclaiming his original record set in 1997 of 31 days that was beaten in 2002.

As you may know from the SV1000 forum I travelled to Morocco with Nick on one of his tours, and I'm now delighted to be able to offer you this chance to buy the book and/or DVD of the story of his record-breaking round the world trip in 2005.

Nicks latest book and DVD ‘Journey Beyond Reason fastest man around the world’ are available for sale now at www.chewys-stuff.co.uk/ custom Suzuki SV parts. This could make an ideal Christmas present for a biker family member or friend.

Note from Nick 15th November

The new improved version DVD will be finished in
about 2 and half weeks so could you ask your clients to expect a short
delivery delay. The film is 2 hours 20 mins long.

Note - please check your ability to play UK region DVDs before ordering.