Youngsters at Thornhill Primary School were visited by Joe Spedding on Friday 14th March, a representative of the FEAT 1st project (Families Enjoying Active Travel). Accompanying Joe was adventurer Alastair Humphreys, who went along to the school to give an inspirational talk about his 4 year cycle trip around the world. Alastair, 37, now from Kent, was born in Yorkshire, and he started his mammoth adventure from his front door in Skipton. He cycled through Europe to Istanbul, through the Middle East to Africa, travelling south to Cape Town. He then sailed across the Atlantic to South America and continued his journey from Patagonia (at the bottom of South America) to Alaska, then across Asia from Siberia and finally back home to England. Alastair travelled 46,000 miles on a regular mountain bike, through 60 different countries on a budget of just £7,000.
After his interesting talk, Alastair cut the ribbon to the school’s new bike shed, which was funded by Durham County Council’s Local Motion. The FEAT 1st project aims to have a positive impact on travel habits amongst kids, teachers and families. Joe explained, “The whole point of the project is to encourage the children to walk, cycle or scoot to school and to encourage regular exercise”.
To find out more details on Alastair’s cycle adventure visit www.alastairhumphreys.com.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
