EU Charity Cycle -- The Challenge
Trip Start
Mar 16, 2004
1
35
Trip End
Jun 13, 2004
Loading Map
Derry,
Ireland
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
As you know, the EU increases from 15 to 25 countries on 1st May 2004. This provides a unique moment in time in which to explore the ten new member countries, eight of which are former communist bloc countries.
I love cycling, camping, wildlife, travelling; so cycle touring is the perfect way to indulge myself in several hobbies at the same time. When I looked at a map of the new EU it was obvious that eight of the countries were perfectly positioned for a cycle trip so of course I had to start looking at the logistics such a trip. Adding in Malta and Cyprus makes the trip a little more difficult, but I feel it is worth the extra effort to include them just to experience all ten countries as they become EU partners.
I would have liked to include the candidate countries as well(Turkey, etc) but that would take too long and perhaps stretch my funds too far. I may make a detour or two though.
When I told people about my little trip several people said that I should do it as a sponsored cycle for charity. The idea had kinda been in my head, but my organisational skills aren't that good. Still I decided to contact a couple of charities and they thought it a good idea. Now I'm quite excited about the fact that someone will benefit from my wanderlust. It is also extremely encouraging that people are so prepared to give a little of their hard earned cash to these charities.
In 2002 I cycled from Cork to Morocco, but decided not to do it as a charity cycle as I thought it would put extra pressure on me to complete the cycle and who would sponsor me anyway.
Route map; Slovenia to Estonia
This time I feel really good about the fact that three charities will benefit from the generosity of people who hear about this trip. Whatever the final total is I think it will be a great reflection of the generosity that people still have towards charities.
The Route
The journey begins on 16th March. Yes,I know,you're all thinking, "Ye big ejit ye,it's the day before Paddy's Day". And yes,I should be drowning the shamrock in green beer, enjoying the craic in a packed bar and singing The Green Fields of France badly out of tune. However it could take a week to pysche myself up enough to leave the fun behind and hit the road.
But never fear, I will have a beer, I just don't know where?? I may well find a can of draught stout tucked away in a pannier, there could even be a can in each of them. I will be in Cyprus and should be somewhere in the northwest of the island on 17th March. I'm looking forward to Cyprus. The Cyprus Tourist Office has sent me a load of info about the island and cycling there and it seems a beautiful place.
After Cyprus I fly back to London, and have a quick connection to make for Naples. I sail to Malta and as its so small I'll probably end up birdwatching for a few days. Then its back to Italy and northwards to Slovenia. The real cycling starts now, from the shores of the Adriatic Sea to Gulf of Finland.
I'll wind my way between Ljubljana and Budapest, belt along to Bratislava, pedal to Prague, waltz to Warsaw, velocitate to Vilnius, ride to Riga, and top it off at Tallin.
On the way I want to try and learn a little about the people and their history. I will also work my route to include as many national parks as possible.
I reckon that will take at least ten weeks to about the end of June. However I have always wanted to reach the Artic Circle and I will be heading in the right direction??
