Great Britain's Jim Rees, who rode 3,000 miles across America in 10 days and 20 hours in 2009, aims to set a new world record for 24 hours of continuous cycling with a goal of completing 1,000 miles on a Wattbike during next week’s Cycle Show in London.
To accomplish his goal, Rees needs to rack up around 250 miles a day during the Earl’s Court show, which opens to trade next Thursday (8 October) and lasts until Sunday (11 October).
“I enjoy being a normal guy who achieves things that people think aren’t possible," said Rees, a motivational speaker when he's off the bike. "If you have the right mindset you can achieve anything, and through the things I do and say, I hope I can influence people positively, particularly children.
“I am a big supporter of the Cycle Show and I wanted to have a go at a tough challenge to also help benefit the Wallace and Gromit Foundation, which helps very sick children," he added.
The 46-year-old Rees plans to tackle RAAM again in 2011, and started training on a Wattbike at home last month.
Cycle Show visitors can guess how long it will take Rees to complete 1,000 miles, and will have a chance of winning prizes. He will be located in the entrance walkway of the show and there are more opportunities to win with Wattbike through the indoor time trial.
Any visitor entering the 500m time trial can win a trip for two to Club La Santa in Lanzarote or a trip to the Tour Down Under with Sports Tours International. Prizes will be drawn from all participants and there are bonus prizes for the fastest riders. The bar is currently set at 27.29 seconds, the current 500m world record on the Wattbike.
For more information, visit www.cycleshow.co.uk.
