1000 miles of nowhere

Ultra-distance rider at Cycle Show

A British cyclist plans to ride over 1,000 miles during this year's Cycle Show at London's Earl's Court. Jim Rees is making the attempt during the four day show between 9th and 11th October.

As Rees rides a static bike, his speed, distance and heart rate will be displayed on a large screen, allowing spectators to monitor his progress.
 
The show looks to sit nicely next to Rees’s previous completion of the Race Across America (RAAM).

He is part of Team Inspiration, an organisation dedicated to changing the mindsets of children from ‘can’t’ into ‘can’ do. Rees says growing up in Australia showed him that the Australian mindset is “excellent towards sport and life in general; here in the UK we are very quick to have a go at poor performance and aren't that great at celebrating our successes… until recently with the last Olympics!”

Rees’s participation in what is the longest-running ultra-distance bicycle endurance competition globally will raise money and awareness for the Wallace & Gromit’s Children foundation, an organisation focused on supporting children’s healthcare throughout the UK.

“Everyone on the planet has greatness inside of them. Unfortunately due to childhood? conditioning, we get our greatness dampened down by typical comments ?from parents, teachers and of course by our friends as we grow up, things such as: look before you leap, it's too good to be true, who do? you think you are… the list is endless!”
 
“I also want to demonstrate that a normal guy with all the same? challenges as everyone else out there, with a family and a job or business ?to run, that things are possible if you put your mind to it.”

This year’s show will have to astound if it is to top last year’s success which saw over 20,000 visitors experience the best of cycling worldwide. The occasion boasted a variety of exhibitors, test tracks, seated arena, BMX street course, a showcase arena and a cycling retail zone.

Rees remains optimistic about the future: “I'd like to get more involved with various sporting bodies and the government to drive a campaign towards having the right mindset to achieve in life.”