A few years ago I set a Guinness World Record for cycling across America. It was a great experience and I raised a lot of money for various charities - though my main concern has always been to raise awareness and money for Lupus both in the US and in the UK.  The following year I cycled across Africa in the world's longest race from Cairo to Cape Town - another amazing experience. 

Unfortunately I contracted malaria and tropical sprue during this trip - made cycling in extreme conditions even more difficult I can tell you - and I had to spend a few days in hospital in Arusha!  I was able to still finish the tour and place sixth overall - but it took quite some time for my body to completely recover.  I remember writing home to my parents saying "I now know how Marie feels.  Every joint in my body aches"  So at least I now have a slightly better understanding of some of the problems faced by lupus sufferers.

 As I said though I am now fortunate that I am feeling fitter than ever and totally ready for this challenge.  When I discovered that my 2010 world record had been broken I decided it was time for me to set a new one myself - but this time by cycling across Europe!!

The record went well and with the help of friends Chad, Jesse and Dean I was able to beat the previous record of 39 days and set a new one of 22 days. It was awesome!

Since then I have been fortunate enough to participate in several more endurance rides and races. My latest was last season winning the Hoodoo 500 solo.

I purposely haven't asked for any donations since the World Record in 2013 but I believe it is time to try to raise some more money as well as awareness for this great charity in the UK. My next challenge is the TransAm Bike Race - it's a solo race across America from Astoria, Oregon to Yorktown, Virginia - over 4200 miles.  I am ready to go and so excited!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

My journey can be followed via my website www.YesHesMad.com, facebook, twitter, blogs, Instagram and my GPS tracker.

So please dig deep and donate now.

Thanks a lot

Paul