Chris's Challenge

The Cycle Strongman Expedition will be an extraordinary journey focused on exploring human capabilities, cultures and landscapes. In undertaking this expedition I have two aims. The first is to circumnavigate the planet in the most environmentally responsible manner possible using human power and the elements. The second is to promote sustainable living while challenging traditional environmental values. It is hoped that the CSX will inspire others to make positive lifestyle choices that will benefit the environment and future generations.

How is this going to be achieved?

In March 2009 I plan to cycle from my front door in Newcastle, Australia using a highly specialised bicycle fitted out with touring gear in an attempt to circumnavigate the planet covering each of the six major inhabitated continents. The planned expedition route will pass through Australia, Europe, Africa, South America, North America, and Asia. The route will cover approximately 75,000 kilometres, travel through more than 50 countries, cross eight seas, two oceans, six deserts and pass over seven mountain ranges.

The entire journey will be documented on the CSX website:

 www.cyclestrongman.com

Regular expedition updates, blogs and photographs will be posted on the site throughout the journey which will be connected to a direct RSS feed where others can subscribe.

The CSX team has approached a number of media outlets which have written and plan to write articles about the expedition. These include local newspapers and radio outlets as well as national papers such as the Sydney Morning Herald and magazines such as 'G' magazine and Australian Geographic to name a few. The CSX is also looking into potential sponsorship into carbon offsetting parts of the journey where small unavoidable amounts of emissions are generated.

Through the CSX experience I hope to:

Encourage positive attitudes towards cycling, by promoting cycle touring and cycling as a sustainable form of transport throughout the world;
Inspire others to think about the impact of their lives on our fragile environment and ecosystems that support us and advocate for change;
Raise awareness and promote co-operation between other cultures and highlight the similarities rather than our differences;
Partner with similar aid and development organisations in an effort to educate, learn and build sustainable global communities; and
Document the journey and landscapes encountered through the CSX website and Share these experiences.

Why am I undertaking this expedition?

The expedition started as an inexpensive way to see the world that aligned with my strong environmental and social conscious and grew into a vehicle to challenge others. I believe that gearing our societies to become sustainable, while maintaining our current standards of living, is going to present a monumental challenge. This will require a huge shift in our attitudes towards the way in which we approach social and economic development and the way we value the environment that supports us. Even more challenging is maintaining this standard of living while millions more in developing countries seek similar standards as developed countries.

The CSX is a way to challenge others to become more environmentally aware and bring sustainably into the forefront of our psyche.