World Bicycle Relief (WBR) has congratulated GCN (Global Cycling Network) presenter ‘Hank’ James Lowsley-Williams on completing a cycling challenge aimed to raise money for its charitable work. The organisation is also calling to action bike owners who are able to donate to its cause.
WBR’s work mobilises people in developing countries through ‘the Power of Bicycles’. Its purpose built ‘Buffalo Bicycles,’ each specifically engineered for rugged terrain over long distances, cost just £120.
The Buffalo Bike empowers users – whether students, doctors or entrepreneurs – with life-changing mobility. Healthcare workers in rural communities have been the first line of defence in this unprecedented year, for which bikes are playing a vital role as a method of transport.
A longtime supporter of WBR, GCN has taken the popular ‘Everesting’ challenge and quite literally turned it on its head. Presenter Hank tasked himself with descending to the depth of the deepest point on earth – the Mariana Trench – in just one day. At 11,034m (36,201 ft), it is approximately 2km deeper than Everest is high. In order to hit 11,034m however, Hank needed to climb just as much as he descended.
Yesterday, Hank completed 36 repeats of Porlock Hill in Somerset, South West England, taking 14 hours elapsed with a riding time of 12 hours 30 minutes. At just 1.6 miles long but 304 metres high, the average gradient of the climb is 12% with a huge maximum gradient of 25%.
With £4,439 of funds currently raised, WBR and GCN still need to raise an additional £15,561 to hit their target of £20,000. A generous donor has agreed to match this by an additional £20,000.
GCN has previously raised money for WBR through challenges both on two wheels and off – including fellow presenter Dan Lloyd cycling 1,484km in a month in December last year, and shaving his hair off.
GCN presenter ‘Hank’ James Lowesley-Williams, said “I’ve done some tough challenges on a bike before, seeing how far I can push myself mentally and physically. Many of us ride for fun and fitness but others need bikes for access to schooling, healthcare and goods.
“That’s the real challenge right now, sustaining the work that WBR does and getting bikes to people who need them.”
WBR UK Chief Executive, Allison Dufosee, said “Hank’s challenge wasn’t an easy one, and he did an incredible job to complete it. We are truly grateful to have the support of GCN to help us empower rural communities around the world through the humble bicycle.
“Our programme partners urgently need more bikes for healthcare workers right now, so we still need to hit our fundraising target. We’re encouraging all those who have enjoyed the benefits of cycling during lockdown to donate to this cause to help us continue our work.”
