Anyone who has ever hailed a rickshaw in central London will know it's not the quickest way to get from A to B.
But for one Woodford Green couple speed is not the essence, as they prepare to take on a record-breaking 1000 mile journey in the world's most laid-back vehicle.
Crystal Wilde reports.
For young love birds Lianna Hulbert and Simon Etkind, life is not about where you end up, but the route you take to get there.
The couple from Mayfield Avenue have therefore chosen a zany way to get to their destination, as they saddle-up for a record-breaking zigzag journey in a three-wheeled recumbent rickshaw.
If they succeed, Lianna and Simon, both 24, will make history by being the first to pedal their sweet chariot from the most westerly to the most easterly points in Britain.
From Lands End in Cornwall to Lowestoft in Suffolk, the determined team aim to cycle just under 1000 miles in 24 days to raise money for UK-based charity Action Village India (AVI).
AVI supports six partner organisations across India - where the rickshaw is a principle mode of transport - offering training and support to over 300 self-help groups.
The couple, who are getting married later this year, are looking forward to the challenge of a month on the road together.
Lianna said: "It will definitely be a team effort, one person will pedal, while the other will do the map reading.
"We’ll swap every hour or so, so both of us get a chance to put our feet up.”
Simon, who is graduating as a doctor in June, added: “Rickshaws are not too hard to pedal on the flat, but going uphill is really tough.
"Many people do sponsored cycle rides, but we thought we’d be a bit different and highlight the Indian connection by using a cycle rickshaw.
"Rickshaws are a common sight in North India, but we expect our EcoChariot rickshaw to cause quite a stir in the English countryside.”
The couple have already tested their legs in a number of practice rides, one of which was from Farringdon, via Whipps Cross Hospital, and back home to Woodford Green.
But when they hop abroad for the real thing at the end of this month, the pair will have to abandon home comforts all together and rough it in a tent every night.
Lianna said: "In India pedaling a rickshaw is a hard earned living.
"It’s the knowledge that what we're doing might help lift some people out of poverty that will keep me going as I pant and sweat towards the finish line.”
"I would strongly encourage Woodford residents to sponsor us, even if its a small donation.
"In India, a little can go a long way."
Anyone wishing to sponsor Lianna and Simon can contact Action Village India on: 020 7247 6406, or visit: justgiving.com/rickshaw_odyssey.
Alternatively go to Simon and Lianna's website www.rickshaw-odyssey.org, where the couple will also be blogging about their adventures.
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