Jetsettersblog

On 1 March 2011, Hong Kong-based Morgan Parker and Simon Lock will embark on a 100 day enduro-adventure, travelling 20,000 kilometres through ten countries starting from Hong Kong, all in the name of charity.

Parker and Lock, who are successful corporate entrepreneurs, represent Wheel2Wheel, an independent non-profit foundation that aims to shed light on relatively unknown grassroots charities throughout the region.

The first expedition sees Parker and Lock (with film crew following), riding BMW F800GS enduro motorbikes, tackle some of the world’s most challenging terrain, dangerous territories and harsh climatic conditions as they pass through Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Timor Leste, and Australia.

“The idea of spending 100 days riding a motorbike through some of the world’s most diverse landscapes is thrilling, but to be able to introduce to the world these ten truly inspiring organisations means everything to me” said Morgan Parker.

Similar in length and format to Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman’s popular television series, “The Long Way Round”, the main difference for Wheel2Wheel is their carefully selected local charities they will visit along the way.

Wheel2Wheel has spent the last 12 months carefully selecting one small organisation in each of the ten countries that is successfully addressing one of that country’s most pressing issues. This strategic philanthropic jigsaw puzzle includes 10 amazing stories embracing critical environmental, social and humanitarian topics.

100% of the money raised by Wheel2Wheel will be passed directly to the ten selected charities.

“In today’s super-connected world, our ability to harness multiple media distribution avenues creates an effective platform for the charities, sponsors and donors to benefit from the expedition” said Simon Lock.

To prepare for what will be an epic mental and physical challenge; Parker and Lock have already begun a comprehensive health and fitness regime spending two hours every day either in the gym, running, cycling, swimming, rowing or hiking and to ensure they are prepared for whatever might happen during the expedition, they are undertaking combat training, orienteering, first aid, photography and mechanical education courses.

Wheel2Wheel combines adventure, self-discovery, philanthropy and entertainment in a never-seen-before way. It heralds a new era in social activism and networking and will showcase natural wonders and human endeavour, bridging cultures, extending recognition to champions of charity and hopefully provide a lasting influence to motivate others.

To feed your curiosity please visit www.wheel2wheel.tv

More about Morgan Parker & Simon Lock
During Morgan’s 15 years in big-time Asian real estate development and investment banking he has worked for Morgan Stanley, Macquarie Bank, Lend Lease and most recently as President of US-listed real estate company Taubman in Asia. His corporate achievements have propelled him to Board positions with numerous industry bodies and to become one of the region’s highest profile real estate figures.

Simon’s private company The Lock Group has developed some of the regions biggest fashion events and marketing campaigns through his companies Spin, Australian Fashion Innovators (AFI), Tropfest and Propeller Productions. He was the founder of Australian Fashion Week and has been festival director of the Singapore Fashion Festival and Hong Kong Luxury Week. Most recently he has been the Managing Director of IMG Fashion & Models for Asia Pacific.

More about The Journey
On 1 March 2011, Morgan Parker and Simon Lock will embark on a 100 day expedition through some of the most beautiful and at times most inhospitable terrain in the world. The ride starts from Morgan and Simon’s home base of Hong Kong, continuing into China, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Timor Leste and finally, Australia. Morgan will finish in his hometown of Brisbane while Simon carries on to Sydney.

Along the way, Morgan and Simon will be visiting each of the ten carefully selected charities supported by Wheel2Wheel. The guys will meet and film the principals and beneficiaries of each organisation. They will discuss the challenges and opportunities for the future, whilst gathering more knowledge on the issues.

Morgan and Simon will be riding the incredible looking BMW F800GS enduro motorbikes. While completely set up to be self sufficient there will also be a support vehicle travelling with them.

The journey will fill the senses: from the chaos of crowded, polluted urban metropolises, the desolation of obscure dirt roads, the thrill and grandeur of mountain terrain, the serenity of coastal vistas, and the vastness of the Australian Outback. The guys will travel past and through national monuments, sacred sites, precious rainforests and natural disaster areas – from cities of millions to fishing villages of a few.

Whilst the route has been designed to include all the must-sees, along with the ten charities, a day on the road for Morgan and Simon will be built around opportunity and spontaneity. Accommodation will be whatever fits right, from sleeping under the stars to the comfort and security of 5 stars.

The logistics of the journey are enormous from visas to carnets, border crossings in communist countries, water crossings from island to island, bike servicing and break downs, security concerns not too mention the physical and mental challenge of being in the saddle for 100 days.