Despite Disliking Cycling, Lanarkshire Couple in Late 50s Pedals 19,000 Miles Around the World for a Heartfelt Cause

The British couple Bob and Deborah Gulliver, in their fifties took up the open road that lay in front of them and embarked on a global cycling odyssey. However, the cycling mission has not been a part of their hobby or personal accomplishment, since they participated in the two-wheel adventure around the world to raise funds for Children’s Hospice Across Scotland (CHAS). 

Traversing over 30,000 kilometers, the duo cycled across continents and their story thus escalated from reluctant cyclists to commit themselves for a charitable cause. On the way, they have encountered varied challenges, however, it is their commitment to the noble endeavor that propelled them to cover the mammoth distance. 

CHAS charity sparked adventure in the reluctant cycling duo

Challenging their admission that they “aren’t all that keen on cycling”. The couple from Lanarkshire initiated their epic around-the-world biking fundraiser initiative in March 2022. Spanning 21 months, the couple’s journey was completed on December 11 by traveling from the hearts of Europe to the landscapes of the large parts of West, Central, and Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the US, and then back to Europe.  

Pinned on their cycle, the Gullivers covered in total of 35 countries and 30,200km to raise funds for Children’s Hospice Across Scotland (CHAS), the charitable institution that takes care and supports children suffering from life-shortening conditions. 

Bob Gulliver shared why they ran high on motivation that propelled them to complete the grueling distance with Daily Record, “Whenever we felt exhausted, we would think of the children supported by CHAS across Scotland, and that would always spur us on. As parents ourselves, it is heartbreaking to hear how many families have a terminally ill child. We told CHAS that we are going to continue to do crazy stuff for them.” Even though it has been a great experience to come back to the charity at Fife after the long journey, the news of children passing away in their absence has been heartbreaking. 

Some of the challenges and triumphs along the way 

Initially, the couple adhered to cycling in tandem style and were equipped with a Hase Pino Tour tandem. Even though the cycle had a semi-recumbent design, it failed to meet the trust of the couple since the two-wheeler broke down between Thailand and Las Cruces in the US. The untimely collapse of the cycle prompted them to switch to two individual Koga Randonneurs touring bikes. 

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Unfettered by the mechanical challenges, the Gullivers proceeded forward on their journey, having a meager idea about the other daunting hurdles that were awaiting them. They have witnessed earthquakes in Australia and heavy rains on the way. Apart from natural calamities, their physical health had started to surrender as they suffered from bouts of gastric illness, and eye and ankle injuries.  

However, what they did not expect at all was to be at the gunpoint of an assailant in Florida that tested their mental resilience after a long tiresome journey. But the couple swiftly adapted themselves to the unexpected twists that came their way and reinforced the belief that pursuing something big and great is seldom possible without overcoming hurdles. 

Their cycling journey in support of CHAS has helped 458 children, 1686 family members, and 579 bereaved family members. Drawing inspiration from the number of people on whom their cycling endeavor had left a positive impact, they are all set to continue with their mission in the future. 

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