The Bike Ride Of The Century Will Finish It
The end of a century is still five years away, but bicyclists already are planning the group bike tour of the millennium.
For up to 250 motivated and financially secure cyclists, the first day of the 21st century will mark the beginning of a one-year, 23,000-mile, 50-country, aroun- the-world bicycle adventure.
Organized by former Spokane resident Tim Kneeland, Odyssey 2000 promises to be one of the most ambitious organized bike tours ever undertaken.
“I can’t think of a better way to start the new millennium than by exploring the planet,” said Kneeland. The ride is scheduled to begin in Los Angeles and traverse across five continents, three oceans and numerous islands.
To take advantage of the best odds on weather and riding conditions through both hemispheres, cyclists will travel south and east, through the Americas and across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe and Asia. The last leg of the trip will be across Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii before returning to Los Angeles in time for a New Year’s 2001 celebration.
The general itinerary for Odyssey 2000 calls for five days of cycling and two days of resting and exploring each week, although extended stops are planned for major attractions such as the Great Wall of China and the Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Each cycling day will average about 77 miles.
“We have structured the trip with a lot of freedom,” said Kneeland. “With changing climates and politics we expect a lot of unknowns, but we know there’s plenty of knowns.”
Cyclists will be followed by 34 staffers in support vehicles to provide charter transportation, lodging, food, medical support, personal gear transport, hot showers, and a custom bicycle as well as detailed information about every country that will be visited.
Participants need only bring clothes and personal belongings for one year.
The cost for Odyssey 2000 is $36,000. But Kneeland says you can save $5,000 by signing up in 1995.
A bit pricey, you say? Fifty-nine adventurers from 19 states and Canada have already signed up. They range in age from 11 to 69. Almost half of the participants are women and many are biking for charity.
“The response for Odyssey 2000 has been overwhelming,” Kneeland said. “We think it will close by the end of next year.”
For information call (800) 433-0528.
xxxx ODYSSEY 2000 Starts: Los Angeles, Jan. 1, 2000 Cost: $36,000, with a $5,000 discount if you sign up in 1995. Participants: 250