Charity bikers set off on epic American adventure

10:35am Friday 29th August 2008

A BIKER sets off today on an epic 4,000-mile American adventure to help bring education to the children of Guatemala.

Sports-science graduate Mark Ellis, 23, of Glebe Avenue, Enfield, and friend Greg Hardes, 21, will pass through eight countries, glimpsing the dramatic rocky cliffs of California, vast deserts and sierras of Mexico, and the volcanic peaks and rainforests of Guatemala. They plan to cycle 60 miles a day and be home for Christmas dinner.

The pair, who will record their adventures and illustrate them on a blog, are raising money for international development charity Plan.

They have so far raised £1,500 of their £5,000 target, visiting UK landmarks such as Brighton Pier and fixing their bikes to the floor for sponsored stationery eight-hour bike rides.

The entire trip was self-funded and the money is going on building permanent classrooms at the Candeleria Yalicar school in Guatemala, which the pair plan to visit on their way.

The pair have been donated hybrid bikes by mountain bike company Muddy Fox.

To visit their blog see www.onyerbike08.com