A remarkable and inspiring Dutch born 41 year old Australian man with CF is planning an epic bicycle journey across Europe in order to raise awareness and funds for CF Research. His name is Walter van Praag. The Great COFE stands for Cystic Orient Fibrosis Express. The route was inspired by a brochure of the Orient Express Bicycle Tour and roughly follows the 4000 kilometer route of this famous train journey. Walter and his team hope to average 60 kilometers per day and will visit many towns in many European countries.
With him will be a writer, a medic and a physical therapist and other people coming and going. The ride is open to anyone who has knowledge of CF issues or media related skills. Most of the people on the ride will be totally self-funded, however the team is seeking organizational advice, funding and sponsors to help arrange press conferences, venues and support infrastructure for the ride – particularly a support vehicle or van. Approximately $50K - $100K in goods and services is required. Support along the way is expected, and all surplus funds will be donated to Cystic Fibrosis Research.
Currently the plan is to leave Paris on July 28, 2007 and arrive in Istanbul on October 6, 2007. If you are interested in joining Walter for a week or two please contact him! However, due to the possibility of cross-infection, other people with CF cannot come along for the ride. For full details and updates on the planning please visit this site: http://cofe.pledgepage.org/
