Graduates tell of their incredible cycle adventure

Two University of St Andrews graduates have returned to their alma mater to share their incredible 14,441 mile cycle journey from the top of Alaska to the bottom of Argentina.

Over 130 days Danny Beech and Chris Lally’s epic journey took them across the Rocky Mountains, through the tropical climate of Central America, across the lifeless Atacama desert and finally over the Andes on towards Patagonia.

Now they have returned to St Andrews to share their adventure in the hope that it will inspire others.

The pair, who narrowly missed the world record for the fastest time to complete the Pan-American Highway, were funded with a £6000 R&A International Travel Scholarship and a £5000 Alex Richardson Award.

The R&A International Scholarship encourages students to broaden their minds in new, challenging and imaginative environments by funding international travel for undergraduates or recent graduates.

The Alex Richardson Award was founded in 2009 in memory of University of St Andrews student Alex Richardson, whose untimely death occurred midway through his junior honours year.

Reflecting on their marathon journey Danny said: “It was a ridiculous trip. Over the 130 days much of it was just really hard and painful, but the trip as a whole has supplied us with an eternity of stories and memories. We’re incredibly lucky to have had such an opportunity.”

Chris said: “Cycling the Americas was an incredible journey. In some ways I am surprised we made it; I’m surprised the bikes made it. I definitely learned that cycling when you’re ill is the worst thing ever.”

Notes to news editors

Danny and Chris will deliver their presentation ‘Cycle the Americas – adventurers, athletes or just determined amateurs’ in the Medical School Lecture Theatre, North Haugh, St Andrews at 4pm on Friday 20 May 2016. The free presentation is open to all.

Caption: Chris (left) Danny (right).

Visit the R&A International Scholarship Fund and the Alex Richardson Award websites for more information.

Issued by the University of St Andrews Communications Office, contactable on 01334 467310 or [email protected].