‘Because It Is There’ – A Zero Emissions Odyssey
I recently became acquainted with Kevin Shannon who is setting out in March 2010 to ride around the world on his Zero Emissions Odyssey. We are very keen on this idea as we too started AW with the goal of producing a publication with a minimal carbon footprint and to follow and promote human-powered sports and expeditions around the world.
Because It Is There is the brain child of Kevin Shannon, a 23 year old graduate, who, looking to do as most graduates do, to go traveling. Not satisfied with simply hopping on a plane and jetting off to some exotic location for his gap year he was looking for something different. After buying a book from a local charity shop about a man who cycled from London to Beijing, he was inspired.
Because It Is There is a zero emission circumnavigation of the globe by bicycle and boat, cycling approximately 38,000 miles across 5 continents and sailing across 2 oceans, and arriving back on my doorstep around 3 years later. During this time he will be facing extreme sub zero temperatures, scorching heat, thirst, hunger and physical and mental exhaustion.
The nature of his journey will enable Kevin to meet, interact and immerse myself in different cultures from every corner of the globe. The route will take him from the UK, through western Europe, eastern Europe and into Russia and across to Siberia, he will then head south through Mongolia crossing the Gobi Desert and into China and continue down to Southeast Asia, crossing to Australia. Then, Kevin will travel to South America where he will head north following the west coast until he enters the USA. From there his plan is to head towards the east coast of Canada, heading across the US diagonally. At the Atlantic Ocean he will join the crew of yacht once more for his final ocean crossing back to the UK.
Through the expedition, Kevin is attempting to raise £1 Million for Combat Stress, a charity that helps combat veterans with mental health issues brought about by there time serving in the British Armed Forces. A percentage of the funds raised will also go towards setting up a new department within the charity, called Adventure Quest. Adventure Quest is a 9-month therapy program which includes fortnightly expeditions to the Britain’s National Parks and culminates in a 520 mile (840km) walk across the Pyrenees Mountain Range.
You can follow Kevin on Twitter at Kev_Shannon.
We look forward to updates in the coming months on your planning and following your adventure starting in March.
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