A WARRINGTON man is planning to cycle 3,500 miles across the USA, and then a further 3,000 miles through Europe back to his home.
Wayne O’Brien, 51, of Orford, is planning the major trek to raise funds for two charities – The Tim Parry Johnathon 
Ball Foundation for Peace and Help for Heroes, an Army initiative to help those wounded in conflict.
A senior lecturer in Television Production at the University of Chester’s Warrington campus, Wayne is getting students, family and friends involved in sponsorship.
He said: “I am 51, unfit and fed up, so I’ve decided to go for a bike ride.”
Wayne, who is divorced, has two sons – Daniel, who is in the Army, and Thomas, who works in retail. He decided to take the challenge as an adventure and the opportunity to get fit and help worthwhile causes.
He starts his trip in June and will cycle solo the 3,500 miles from San Francisco to New York. He will have no back up crew and will carry a tent for sleeping.
“I am really looking forward to the challenge,” he said.
He hopes to complete the leg in about 42 days, cycling between 80 and 100 miles a day.
Then he will fly to Malaga in Spain, and cycle to Gibraltar, before cycling through Europe back home to Orford by the end of August. Staff at Peninsula Barracks are arranging a reception on his return.
Wayne is now in training for the trek visiting the gym and cycling about 20 miles a day.
He said: “It’s something I’ve wanted to do for ages, so it’s now or never. The fact that I’m doing it unsupported is a little scary, but that’s part of the adventure.”
Wayne and his students are producing a series of promotional videos to publicise the ride and he will transmit his adventures on the web.
Anyone interested in sponsoring him should call Wayne on 07967192471 or email [email protected]
