Member Article

Cyclists aim to set new Guinness World Record

Cyclists who are aiming to set a new static relay Guinness World Record from the Ricoh Arena this weekend have already raised enough funds to build one classroom at a secondary school in Africa.

As part of the fundraising marathon on Saturday (June 21), cyclists will be trying to create a new Guinness World Record for the most participants in a static cycling relay within 12 hours which currently stands at 379, achieved by Konica Minolta Business Solutions (Hong Kong) Limited in Hong Kong last year.

Teams and individual cyclists have signed-up to the challenge to help the Memusi Foundation build the only secondary school within a 200-mile radius of the southern Kenyan town of Magadi.

Running alongside the challenge, teams of six will also begin their mission to cycle for 24-hours non-stop from 9amwith the whole group attempting to collectively ride to Kenya and back from the E.ON Lounge at the Ricoh Arena – a total of 12,236km.

Angela Perkins, head of sales at the Ricoh Arena, said £10,000 has already been raised for the Memusi Foundation via JustGiving which is 29 per cent of their target.

“The brilliant efforts of everyone so far means we have already secured the building of one classroom which costs £7,000,” she said.

“For us to achieve the static relay Guinness World Record each cyclist will need to complete their 1km in 113 seconds with a changeover- and we’ve got the changeover down to five seconds in our office!

“We have full confidence and belief that we can set a new record and we are excited that this will be a key part of the day.

“The endurance element of cycling for 24-hours will start on the main stage in the E.ON Lounge. Individuals will be allocated a team on arrival and we will have the World Cup matches shown on TV screens and spinning instructors coming along throughout the day and night to keep everyone on course.

“To cycle 12,236km to Kenya and back means the target for those who have signed up so far is to reach 18km an hour but that is only a guide.

“Spectators are welcome to come along as well and just to make it a little more competitive, the Memusi Foundation is offering two individual volunteering places to visit the school in Kenya to an individual within the team which cycles the furthest distance and an individual from the highest fundraising team to see first-hand where the money which is raised has gone.”

Matthew Norton, founder of the Memusi Foundation which supports communities who are working to escape poverty through education, said the cycling challenge would be an unforgettable experience.

He said: “100% of donations to the Memusi Foundation go to the end cause and we have already secured enough to build a classroom – incredible. Every penny counts to us and will help continue the educational opportunities that we provide.

“I know it is going to be an experience never to forget. I have experience of other challenges like this, but I am so excited by the Guinness World Record element – what an achievement it will be for everyone!”

People can still sponsor the Ricoh Arena team of Angela, Liz Cooper, Jenny Shortt, Justine Hewitt, Jenni Ford and Sarah-Jayne Fulton at www.justgiving.com/onyourbike2014

For further information or to register for the challenge, email onyourbike@ricoharena.com or visit www.ricoharena.com

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matt Joyce .