Millennium-Ride.com
Press Release for the LA Independent
7 February 2002
World charity biker invites LA residents to join him
A round the world motorcyclist invites Los Angeles residents on a virtual world tour during the next few months. Simon Milward, a 36 year old Briton, has been riding his handmade machine through 29 countries since 1.1.2000. Along the way he has collected $56,000 for charity. His powerpoint presentations are taking place throughout the LA area until the Spring, and he offers his show freely to any and all groups who want to book him. California-based producer CTX has donated a digital projector for use on the nationwide tour.
Milward has ridden 70,000 miles through Europe, the Middle East, South and East Asia and Russia. Virtually join him for a visit to the smugglers market at Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan. Meet the Dalai Lama in India. Get a marriage proposal at Egypt’s pyramids. Ride through two civil wars. Nearly drown in Russia. Ride a lap of the historic Indy 500 Speedway. He has had three potentially serious accidents.
His motorcycle, the John T Overlander, was handmade in England in 1999. 90% of parts were donated, including an engine from Austria (Rotax 600cc air-cooled single), handmade British frame, Honda forks, huge Italian 11 gallon fuel tank, desert racing wheels, French internet tracking system, various parts made en route in the USA, Australia and United Arab Emirates, and numerous ‘battlescars’.
Milward aims to raise US$100,000 for two medical aid charities. One is Health for All which brings a proven African idea to Asia. Small motorcycles are used to deliver vaccinations for babies in rural areas of developing countries. The other is Doctors Without Borders, which won the Nobel Peace Prize two years ago, works for humanitarian aid in crisis areas worldwide.
From 1992 to 1999 Milward was General Secretary of the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations, a Brussels Belgium based rights group with half a million members. “Seven years with politicans and bureaucrats is enough to drive anyone around the world,” he grins. He has extensive contacts with American motorcycle organisations and addressed the Freedom Rally at the State Capitol in Sacramento on January 7th 2002.
His presenations take about an hour and have been received very well in other parts of the US. Donators over $20 get a pin and email updates. Over $200 gets a sticker on the bike and link on the homepage. All money raised goes to charity, Milward is spending his life savings. Milward is available for bookings to churches, schools and motorcycle groups throughout the State in January-April 2002. To book email him at
simon@millennium-ride.com Ends
Email:
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