Couple ready for amazing rickshaw ride (From Watford Observer)

Couple ready for amazing rickshaw ride

3:20pm Wednesday 17th June 2009

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A student doctor is preparing to pedal his way into the record books by becoming the first person to ride a rickshaw from Britain's most westerly point to its most eastern tip.

Simon Etkind, 24, of Thelusson Court, in Radlett, will attempt to cycle the rickety, three-wheeled contraption from Lands End, in Cornwall, to Lowestoft, in Suffolk this summer.

“It's the knowledge that what we're doing might help lift some people out of poverty that will keep me going as I pant and sweat towards the finish line.”

Simon

Together with fiancée, Lianna Hulbert, the young couple hope to set a new world record by cycling 1,500 kilometres in just 24 days, in the rickshaw.

The couple, who are getting married later this year, say they are looking forward to setting off on their three-week challenge on June 29.

And Simon says the pairs “Rickshaw Odyssey” will definitely be a joint effort.

“One person will pedal, while the other will do the map reading. We'll then swap every hour or so, so both of us get a chance to put our feet up.”

Simon, a former Watford Grammar School for Boys pupils, will graduate as a doctor in June. However, pedalling a rickshaw up a Cornish hill could yet prove to be his biggest challenge.

The couple have already completed a practice ride from East London to Radlett.

And Simon says the practice has “whetted his appetite”, even though the hill between Elstree and Radlett provided “quite a challenge".

He said: “Rickshaws are not too hard to pedal on the flat, but going uphill is really tough.

“Many people do sponsored cycle rides, we thought we'd be a bit different and highlight the Indian connection by using a cycle rickshaw.

“It certainly won't be easy, but we hope that it will raise money to enable people in India to lift themselves out of poverty.”

The pair are taking on the remarkable ride to raise money for UK-based development charity Action Village India (AVI).

AVI supports some of the poorest and most disadvantaged people in Indian society.  Simon said: “For us, pedalling a rickshaw is an amazing way to spend a month together on the open road, journeying and camping across southern England.

“But in India pedalling a rickshaw is a hard earned living.

“It's the knowledge that what we're doing might help lift some people out of poverty that will keep me going as I pant and sweat towards the finish line.”

Anyone wishing to sponsor the pair can contact Action Village India on 020 7247 6406, or visit www.justgiving.com/rickshaw_odyssey.

Alternatively visit Simon and Lianna's website www.rickshaw-odyssey.org.

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