The Flying Cyclist

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By Jonny

A few of you may know Chris Marris. He has rode with myself, Lennie (via a Perth – Merredin return training trip), Carlos, Meg’s, Shun, John Phillips and others at some of this years cyclo-sportif events and also came to and supported Lisa Wood’s India fundraiser.

Please support Chris, the flying cyclist http://www.flyingcyclist.com.au/ , as he sets out to break the Guinness World Record for the ‘Fastest time to cycle trans-Australia from Perth to Sydney (male)’ while raising money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service – an attempt which is eight per cent longer than the recent le Tour de France and is planned to be completed in one third of the time !!!

The ride, scheduled to start 28th August 2010, aims to raise over $15,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

The current record, set in October 2006, stands at 8 days, 10 hours and 57 minutes, held by Australian, Richard Vollebregt.
Chris aims to make the crossing in under 8 days, about 10% faster than the current record.

The attempt will see Chris make the 4,000km journey across Australia on a road bicycle, calling on every muscle in his body and every ounce of determination in the process. He will be physically cycling for more than 20 hours per day, for up to eight days straight. Sleep will be a luxury for Chris, as he travels some 550km per day – the equivalent of Paris to Amsterdam or Perth to Coolgardie.

The world record attempt will be equivalent to swimming the English Channel 14 times straight, doing 45 consecutive marathons, or enduring nearly 1 million pushups. Obviously the need for food will be great, with Chris expected to need 10,000 to 12,000 calories a day. That equates to around 7 weeks’ worth of food over a 1 week period. Other endurance cyclists report soreness in their jaws from eating so much.

That will be the least of Chris’s concerns as he battles sleep deprivation, arguably the biggest obstacle of the ride.

To make a donation to the Royal Flying Doctor Service please ensure ‘Chris Marris’ or reference #98742 is entered in the comments box. https://www.thankq.net.au/donate/v211/Donate1.aspx?ref=5638860728&pid=3

8 thoughts on “The Flying Cyclist”

  1. Have contacted Chris to see if there is an opportunity for anyone to ride with him on the first part of his journey as a bit of a send off.

    Will let you know what he says. Leave a comment if you are interested.

  2. You can ride with him for the beginning of the trip. Contact Ian Wee at PIHC as they are running the show.

  6. Is he using his TT bike?? As i thought that record is held by conventional road bike..
    Still awesome either way! Good luck Chris

  7. He’s taking his conventional road bike as well but pretty sure he is going to use the TT for as much of it as possible. He’s previously rode from Perth to Adelaide on his BMX so probably nuts enough (sorry Chris) to do it.

  8. Arrrrr… The Financial Controller has opted for a night out on Saturday. looks like my cunning plan has been shattered.

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