As February leaves the New Year for dust, many are gradually realising in horror that their well-meaning resolutions lie in tatters. One Irishman who is planning to cycle the globe puts such procrastination to shame – and all in aid of Brainwave, the Irish Epilepsy Association.

Cavan native Simon Hutchinson will soon embark on an epic global journey in the form of the inaugural “World Cycle Racing – Grand Tour”, which incorporates a gruelling 18,000 mile competitive race, taking in 21 countries with a 154-day time limit. As the only Irish entrant, Simon plans to cover the route on his own, aiming to devour 130km per day. This means no camera crew, no support team and no armed guards on a journey that will see him saddle up to take on Eastern Europe, Peru, Bolivia, India, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the US, mainland Europe and of course Ireland. Most of all there will be no engine for Simon to lean on, with pedal-power being his only companion besides a series of GPS trackers to ensure no cheating (eat your heart out Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman).

What could drive Simon, a carpenter by trade, to turn his hands to this worldly endeavour?  Sure, up for grabs is the World Record for Fastest Person to Circumnavigate the Globe by Bicycle, but Simon’s drive lies deeper than this. Inspired by his cousin who suffers from a severe form of epilepsy, his overall aim is to raise awareness and funds, with Brainwave as the beneficiary.

“A lot of people don’t see the struggle. I don’t want to ram it down their throats, but there are 37,000 people in Ireland affected. People come up to me and say “My cousin, my brother, my sister has it …” It surprised me how many are affected and it just stuck with me. It’s such a personal journey too, to connect it back to my family.”

He has already had a taste of adventure, having taken part in a number of Irish cycling races to raise funds for Haiti and Motor Neurone Disease. In his spare time he also enjoys running six marathons over five weeks (2010). The idea to cycle around the world really took hold after he viewed a documentary by previous record holder Mark Beaumont (The Man Who Cycled Around The World).

“The documentary really just captured that idea that it’s possible to do it – on your own – and to also have a hell of an adventure – and raise money at the same time. No matter who you talk to – and some say I’m mad – I think that sense of adventure really connects with every individual.”

His journey begins on Feb 18^th with a departure from Greenwich Park, London, immediately after European Epilepsy Day on February 14^th. It is no coincidence that the latter falls on the same day as the dreaded and pressurised Valentine’s Day (see – you should have kept your Resolutions). As well as being celebrated by lovers the world over, St. Valentine is also the Patron Saint of epilepsy – some say he in fact suffered from it, others that he excelled at healing those affected.

Either way, it is unfortunate that a condition so misunderstood centuries ago still is to this day, with over 50 million sufferers worldwide. Simon’s journey and the work of Brainwave aim to break down the accompanying stigma and highlight that those with epilepsy can lead perfectly normal lives, and should not be treated differently.

All going well, Simon should arrive back on the 6^th of July, well before the Olympics kick off in London on the 27th, the richer for both an unbelievable experience and in donations to a good cause. If he finishes, he will likely be designated at least the fastest solo Irishman on two wheels.

Quiz Simon ahead of his departure this coming Saturday the 4^th February at 9am in Temple Bar Square, as he engages in a final funding push via a 24-hour static cycle!

Want to follow Simon’s journey or donate? See www.simonsepiccycle.com or http://www.mycharity.ie/event/simonsepiccycle/

For further information on epilepsy, research and upcoming events contact Brainwave at http://www.epilepsy.ie/