UK–Ukraine solo bike ride
Setting out from Hinkley Point Power Station in Somerset Steven cycled solo to Ukraine. It was his attempt at protesting the expansion plans for Hinkley and highlighting that investment in sustainable energy is surely a better idea – and what better way to represent sustainable energy than the bicycle. He also raised £1000+ through sponsorship for FORCE, an Devon-based cancer charity.
He found himself on some lovely roads through France, Germany, Czech Republic and Poland. Drifting through green landscapes and indudtrial estates, over huge bridges and drifting way of course on motorways. (Pre smartphones and GPS, paper maps only ;-) But he eventually got to the Ukrainian boarder after 2,000 odd miles and lifted his trusty Thorn bicycle aloft.
Hewanted to reach the Chernobyl site at Prypiat. Alas, he couldn't get into the exclusion zone – they weren't keen to let a solo cyclist through back then. Now things are very different, with paying tourists being bused directly onto the site on a daily basis.
In 2002, the year of this ride, the plan to expand Hinkley was refused by the County Council. In 2024 however, it’s all go, with construction happening apace. Greenpeace have stated that Hinkley is set to be the most expensive object on Earth. Best guesses say it could pass £24bn. Absolute madness.
Collaborators:
Focal Point Photo Services / St Johns Street Cycle / FORCE cancer charity
He found himself on some lovely roads through France, Germany, Czech Republic and Poland. Drifting through green landscapes and indudtrial estates, over huge bridges and drifting way of course on motorways. (Pre smartphones and GPS, paper maps only ;-) But he eventually got to the Ukrainian boarder after 2,000 odd miles and lifted his trusty Thorn bicycle aloft.
Hewanted to reach the Chernobyl site at Prypiat. Alas, he couldn't get into the exclusion zone – they weren't keen to let a solo cyclist through back then. Now things are very different, with paying tourists being bused directly onto the site on a daily basis.
In 2002, the year of this ride, the plan to expand Hinkley was refused by the County Council. In 2024 however, it’s all go, with construction happening apace. Greenpeace have stated that Hinkley is set to be the most expensive object on Earth. Best guesses say it could pass £24bn. Absolute madness.
Collaborators:
Focal Point Photo Services / St Johns Street Cycle / FORCE cancer charity