Doctor sets off on five-year round-the-world odyssey

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By Lara Dunn | Tuesday, Jan 5, 2010 3.00pm

Today Dr Steve Fabes sets off on a daunting solo five-year pedal-powered journey around the world, taking in some of the poorest and most neglected countries as he travels the length of six continents.

The 28-year-old is hoping to cover 50,000 miles aboard his custom-built Santos Travelmaster 2.6 Cromo, a variant on the same model of bike used by fellow Briton James Bowthorpe to beat the round-the-world record last year.

Dr Fabes' planned route will provide a harsh challenge, including passing through the Alps in winter, tackling the mountainous east of Africa and following the spine of the Andes through South America. Extremes of temperature, altitude, long climbs, deserts and jungles will all be part of the journey.

Among a flurry of round-the-world expeditions, Dr Fabes’ stands out for its humanitarian angle. The planned route, although not set in stone, will take the doctor through a number of regions affected by Neglected Tropical Diseases.

These are 14 infectious illnesses grouped together by the World Health Organisation which affect an estimated one-sixth of the World’s population, causing disability and lifelong problems as well as being a huge economic drain on already impoverished countries. 

Dr Fabes hopes the ride will raise awareness of the suffering caused by these diseases, and the help required. The ride also aims to raise £50,000 for medical charity Merlin, whose work in conflict torn, disaster stricken and vulnerable third world countries is crucial in helping to alleviate suffering.

Currently working in the intensive care unit and renal department at Guy's and St Thomas’ Hospital in London, Dr Fabes hopes the trip will allow him to expand and use his specialist knowledge of tropical medicine and infectious disease. For more information about his journey, visit www.cyclingthe6.com.

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User Comments

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  • that seatpost will be broken shortly doc

  • Holy shit.

  • Good luck to you Dr Fabes, I wish you a safe onward journey and every success in raising the profile of your cause.

  • Fantastic trip and fair play to him for having a go at raising some funds for the sick, but personally I'd like to see someone do this just for the sheer joy of the experience, and cast off the charity millstone which invariably dogs these endeavours. Enjoy the trip of a lifetime Doc, but spare the transient whoosh of second hand obligation as you pass by. Set up the direct debit and then go ride your bike with a clear conscience. And if it's not clear, increase your direct debit till it is. Dis / cuss (me)!

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