After 34 Months, 51 Countries and Nearly Two Circumnavigations of the World - BMW Motorcycle Couple now Weeks from Breaking the Toughest and most Demanding Guinness World Record of All
BMW World Record Challenge
(PRWEB) February 2, 2005 -- BMW World Record Challenge: Simon and Monika Mewbound, participating in one of the most demanding and exciting adventures in the history of motorcycling. After 2 years, nine months, 132000 kilometers and 51 countries challenging both the endurance world record of 161000 kilometers and the countries world record of 102 countries they finaly have the endurance world record firmly in their sites and now they are just weeks from breaking their first world record. The greatest distance on two bikes in one journey
Incredibly Simon and Monika commenced this double record challenge without any knowledge of motorcycle maintenance and Monika riding her sponsored bmw f650gs only passed her motorcycle test and obtained a license weeks before their journey start amazingly this is monika first ride on a motorcycle.
In the next few days they will depart Tehran Iran and continue south east en-route their forth continent australasia via UAE, Bahrain, Pakistan, Tibet, Nepal and Burma. they expect to amass another 30,000 kilometers and break the guinness world record in February 2005. They will complete their second circumnavigation of the earth when they arrive in Sydney Australia August 2005.
Their first circumnavigation of the world from east to west namely dublin Ireland to St. Johns Newfoundland Canada took 18 months and took them across Scandinavia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Siberia and Japan. They rode north of the Arctic Circle 3 times on three continents and during their time in North America they crossed coast to coast not once, but four times and visited every state of the USA and every Province of Canada. Their BMW bikes as you would expect have successfully taken them around the world on one of the most difficult and recognized routes.
Wherever we have been, we have been well-received by kind and generous people. In Kazakhstan, a new state of Russia, they were unexpectedly given an apartment stocked with food, a tour of the city by the Department of Tourism and taken to a traditional dinner banquet where they were served horse testicles and sheep's eyes. The mayor of the city presented them with a beautiful handmade rug. In his speech he said to the Newbounds, Your adventure and courage are what we in Kazakhstan aspire too."
In Mongolia we rode 1600 miles off road and lived amongst the nomads. In North America we visited all the sites including the Mardi Gras in New Orleans and the Grand Canyon. In North America we experienced unparalleled generosity which meant being adopted in almost every town, state and province they visited. In Rome, Italy they had an audience with the Pope, in China we camped on the Great Wall of China.
Simon and Monika are quick to say that through their adventure and experiences to ride two BMW motorbikes around the world is a incredible life changing experience. When people see our dusty and heavily laden BMW motorbikes bikes it brings out the best in them, it makes them smile, it makes them dream, it makes them in what ever way possible want to be part of our adventure. The Newbounds have no doubts about completing the trip even though what they have undertaken is a serious test of their ability, endurance, diplomacy.
"We have the drive and enthusiasm and we ride new generation BMW motorcycles. We are a great team and we have no doubt we will achieve our goals. Living the dream and experiencing the world's rich diversity of culture is what we have both looked forward to. Every single minute of each new day provides a new and invigorating experience. For us, Simon and Monika Newbound, freedom is a soul with wheels. We call our bikes "Dream-Maker" and who could disagree?"
Simon and Monica are not on some selfish wish fulfillment trip but to raise money for Ward 15 of the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital for children have been victims of abuse! One hundred percent of all donated monies raised will be given to their charity.
For Donations:
Royal Manchester Children's Hospital
Ward 15
Hospital Road
Manchester, England m27 4ha
Equipment and Motorbikes:
We chose the BMW bikes because of the extensive dealer net work, their unparalleled reputation in the field of adventure travel. Simon says he wanted shaft drive because it was maintenance free and the shaft would easily out last 30 chain and sprocket sets. The fuel injection system allows them to cope with high altitude and various octane changes.
Monika chose the F650GS because it's light weight and you can fill the petrol tank full whilst it is on the side stand. It has a low centre of gravity and more than anything, because of their lack of mechanical knowledge, they both insisted on bikes that where low maintenance, all terrain and work perfectly at high altitudes.
Their decision has been totally justified because after 130,000 kilometers their has not been a single mechanical problem and Simon says it was 51000 miles before the R1150GS needed its first tappet adjustment.
They use Gamin GPS and BMW GPS systems which is essential for navigation and auto routing. BMW navigation systems provides safety assurance as we can have exact routes and data points entered before the days journey starts and their GPS units provides proof of their track logs.
Metzler Torrance Tyres provide durability and grip in all terrains and weather conditions.
Camping equipment including tents and sleeping bags are provided by expedition specialists Terra Nova Tents located in Derbyshire England.
Motolight auxiliary lighting provides additional low level lighting which is so essential for safety whilst riding in every weather condition and terrain.
Simon and Monika use Bill Mayor Saddles which allows them to be comfortably seated for up to 12 hours and 1000 kilometres per day.
Jesse Luggage Systems provide the aluminum Panniers which provide security, waterproof storage and quick release. They are robust and perfectly designed for such adventures and with a capacity of over 500 litres gives Simon and Monika the storage they need.
Pictures available on request
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