Team to circumnavigate the world by tandem bicycle

On Wednesday June 8, Pulborough youngster George Agate will set off on the journey of a lifetime alongside his friend John Whybrow to attempt to become the first team to circumnavigate the world by tandem bicycle.

The aim is to set the Guinness World Record (GWR) and to raise £100,000 for charity. The record and route has been approved by GWR and after over a year of careful planning the boys are only a few months away from departure, and they cannot wait to get on the road.

George and John met whilst studying at the University of Kent in Canterbury and have always had a thirst for adventure. The idea was dreamt up during their time in Canterbury, where they will start and finish this life changing expedition.

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Their route around the world has been meticulously planned, taking them out of the UK and across mainland Europe into Turkey, through parts of northern Iran, along the coast of India, from Bangkok down the Malaysian peninsula to Singapore, across the southern coast of Australia, up the length of both islands of New Zealand, from San Francisco into Mexico and all the way down the Pan American highway through Central America to Columbia, a short stint in Morocco and then crossing into Gibraltar and Spain, crossing the Pyrenees and a final sprint up the length of France back to the UK.

The historic entrance gates to the Canterbury Cathedral will act as their starting line on 8th June 2016 and their finishing line approximately 9 months later.

“We’ve always wanted to travel together and travelling by bicycle is such a great way to see the world, I can’t wait to get to the start line,” said John.

George added: “The ride is going to be riddled with challenges, both physically and mentally, but overcoming these will be a great achievement.”

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They have gathered support from around the world coming in all forms, shapes and sizes, as they test run new and prototype equipment in the ultimate challenge.

Help has also come from closer to home, with Barretts of Canterbury becoming their lead sponsor, helping the team in their final preparations before their departure.

The boys were inspired by their patron Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ pole to pole circumnavigation as well as Mark Beaumont’s record breaking circumnavigation of 2008. They hope to inspire others to get outdoors and enjoy the many rewards of cycling and an active lifestyle. John and George are aiming to raise £100,000, which will be split across their three chosen charities; Porchlight, Great Ormond Street Hospital and Water Aid.

George and John will be keeping everyone back home up to date with their travels and experiences through the website and blog at www.thetandemmen.com as well as through their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds @TheTandemMen

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