Beyond The Bike 'The Next Revolution'

You may remember back in 2011/12, our friend and city economist turned teacher, Stuart Block, cycled a tandem from South Africa to London. Crazy but true! The epic journey raised over £120,000 for Beyond Ourselves as well as other projects en route.

After three years back in full time employment, the three-four months per year of school holidays haven't been enough for Stuart so its time for some more adventures…

Setting off in September, Stuart plans to cycle to China on the same tandem (our beloved ‘Thandie'), following ancient and new ‘silk routes’ with his girlfriend and fellow teacher, Claire Le Hur, a cycling novice but languages expert!

Keeping the back seat of the tandem free for those they meet en route, Claire will be riding a bamboo bike, built by the African social enterprise that Stuart helped to set up during his original trip. Starting in Africa, they will follow the journey of key natural resources, such as Copper and Gold, along their supply chains to resource- hungry Asia and back to Europe, exploring their uses in the new economic super-powers; India and China.

There are a couple of group rides along the way for the adventurous amongst us; a ‘warm-up’ ride to Amsterdam at the beginning of September and then a 300km ride through Cambodia in 2016! Go to www.beyondthebike.org to find out more.

In case you’ve forgotten who Stuart is:

Stuart worked for eight years as an economist in the City, initially at Schroders before covering global themes at Citigroup. In 2009 he transitioned into teaching at Cranleigh School. The original ‘Beyond the Bike' helped to build and consolidate links for Cranleigh with Beyond Ourselves and Kawama Community School in Zambia.

And introducing Claire:

Claire teaches Classics at Colfe’s School and co-ordinates their outreach work. Claire speaks French, Spanish and Italian and is learning Mandarin whilst planning for the ‘Silk Road’ adventure. (I did say she was a languages expert!). Before meeting Stuart, Claire's experience of cycling was based on rushing to lectures at University. Her debut on a road bike was up the famous Col de la Colombière in the snow!

In partnership with Tutor2U, one of the world’s leading educational websites, and working with the British Council’s connecting classrooms programme, they will produce blogs, videos, skype lessons and other educational resources examining themes that have helped shape economic development over the centuries, including trade, technology and education.

The ride isn’t just because they are both teachers who have a passion for education through adventure.

The aim is to raise another £100,000 for Beyond Ourselves (the original partner for Beyond the Bike) and United World Schools, a similar educational charity focused in Asia, as well as some other potential projects along the route.

So let’s cheer them on, support them, maybe even ride with them?!