It is almost a year since I restarted the ride in August 2020 and in that time, I have ridden through Central and Eastern Europe right into the heart of Central Asia. With 13,000 km already under my belt, I am approaching a very exciting point in the ride: the half-way mark!

More than ever, I find myself reflecting on the vision underpinning the ride. These past few weeks of relishing Kazakhstan’s spectacular mountains and streams with fellow CanLiver Kate, have been an important reminder of how important it is to share this ride with others, and encourage people to set their own goals and challenges.

With this in mind, I am very excited to extend my own global virtual challenge to anyone and everyone across the globe!

During the weekend of 17-18th July, I call on all friends, supporters and joiners across the world to devise their own routes beginning and ending with the letter B, which can be completed in any way you choose, be it by road, trail or sea. It has been very exciting to see quite how varied and creative B-2-B can be when extended to a global context.

The team, who offer continual support for the ride, will all be leading their own sessions during the weekend. My mum will be leading a troupe of cyclists from Bristol to Bath. Kira has plotted an enviably scenic route along the Spanish coast from Burriana to Bennicassim. Remarkably, my 87-year-old grandfather Graham will no doubt turn a few heads as he cycles from Barnes to HMS Belfast. Further afield, Jeremy will be sauntering between Books and Bassoons in Washington DC. Perhaps the most laudably creative interpretation is from Philip who will be switching from a Bb clarinet to a Bass clarinet throughout Saturday.

I pass the baton over to you! All you need to do is follow these four easy steps:

1.       Choose a route beginning and ending in "B" to complete any way you choose.

2.      Invite your friends and tell the Bristol2Beijing community about your plans through Facebook/Instagram (tag us at @Bristol2Beijing or #B2Bchallenge) or just sending us an email (contact@lukegrenfellshaw.com).

3.       Share your expedition with a photo, route description, and event summary (can be as simple as one or two sentences).

4.      Amplify your impact by wearing my favourite colours (pink + blue) or by donating to our selected charities.

I am really looking forward to seeing how creative people get with their routes and prizes will be awarded to the most original expeditions and the largest teams!