Meet the motorcycle adventurer looking to break a World Record

MoreBikes editor John recently met an inspiring, enthusiastic biker with a fantastic adventure planned. We’ll let him introduce himself… “Hello, I’m Omo Alokwe from London; a Business Change Analyst, golfer with a very dodgy swing, and a keen motorcyclist for close to 20 years. This November, I plan to make the journey from Land’s End (England’s southernmost tip) to Lagos (Nigeria’s westernmost tip), including riding round all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria, thus breaking the World Record for the Longest Journey by Motorcycle in a Single Country – currently 22,065.47 miles, set in China by Zhang Ying Fa. 

“It all started as a joke when I was asked what my BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) was for 2015. The adventure will cover 2 continents and 12 countries (England, France, Spain, Morocco, Western Sahara, Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin and Nigeria). Travelling to Lagos, then riding in and around Nigeria before riding home, I’m looking at doing around 40,000 miles in 16 weeks. The longest ride I have done to date was just under 1700 miles in four days, and in the company of a friend. This ride is nearly 25 times longer and I’ll be riding on my own. The mileage is quite frankly daunting, but I’m very excited at the same time. This will be a proper test of endurance for me, and I am so looking forward to it.

“It’s going to be exhilarating thanks to the different cultures, extremes of temperature, and of course the terrain that I will encounter on the trip (snow-capped Pyrenees, Sahara desert and tropical rain forests). My kit and motorcycle should be able to cope, and I’m currently researching the best options, as well as preparing myself both physically and mentally for the challenge. I’ve been going over maps, talking to other long distance bikers and attending bike shows in preparation for this epic journey.

“I’ll be using this opportunity to increase awareness and raise funds for Medicine San Frontiers (MSF), aiding the humanitarian work they do in more than 60 countries around the world, and their continuing efforts to curb the Ebola virus in West Africa. I will visit MSF sites along the route on the way to Nigeria. A series of fund raising events are planned, including a charity golf day, and I’m also taking part in the MSF Fun Run on the 25th April in London’s Regents Park (places are still available if you fancy a go).”

Omo will be sending us regular blogs during his journey, so you can follow his progress as he tackles this fantastic adventure. To support the vital work of Medicine San Frontiers, donations can be made at: www.justgiving.com/omoalokwe All the money goes directly to MSF to enable them to continue their ongoing work with populations desperately in need of medical assistance and humanitarian aid around the world.