British Adventurer Squash Falconer Finishes “The GO Trek”, Sets New Elliptical Cycling Record

San Diego, CA (July 17, 2013)— ElliptiGO Inc., creators of the world’s first elliptical bicycle, today announced that British adventurer Squash Falconer has completed “The GO Trek” on an ElliptiGO. Starting in Liverpool, UK on April 30th, Falconer’s nine-week, 3074-mile journey through five countries establishes a new record for the longest distance travelled in one journey on an elliptical bicycle. For the majority of the trek, Falconer was accompanied by fellow British adventurer, Dave Cornthwaite, until an unrelated injury left him unable to continue after traveling nearly 2,000 miles. Determined to finish the trek, Falconer pushed on by herself for the final two weeks, ending her adventure in Paris in July. Falconer’s effort surpassed that of former U.S. Marine Rick Hermelin who set the mark of 2,926 miles in 2012 by riding across the United States in 100 days.

“Dave and I always talked about doing an adventure together,” recalls Falconer. “So when he suggested we take on a 3000-mile journey on elliptical bicycles, I simply said ‘yes!’ We quickly realized that encouraging that same attitude in others could get them to try new activities, so getting people to ‘Say Yes More’ became a primary goal of ours on this trek. We’re also very proud to have achieved our goal of raising £3000 for CoppaFeel!, a charitable organization that approaches breast cancer awareness with a unique and engaging spirit.”

The record-breaking effort lasted 67 days and took the duo across the UK, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, and France. The pair chose to begin the record-setting journey at Everton Football Club because the ElliptiGO is an integral part of athlete training there. En route, Falconer and Cornthwaite made more than 20 public appearances to help promote healthy lifestyles and to raise awareness about breast cancer. Highlights from the trip included organizing a cycle event in the heart of Hyde Park with the London City Police, giving a lecture at the oldest running club in Holland, touring Holland with “the fitness Prince” Pieter-Christiaan of the Dutch Royal Family, running in the famous Ulm Minster stair race in Germany, and serving as the pace vehicle for Frederik Van Lierde during the marathon stage of his IRONMAN® France-Nice victory on June 23rd.

Even though the Trek included 9 days of more than 100 miles of riding and only 9 rest days, Falconer reported that, “unlike when I climbed Mt. Everest or did an extensive cycling trek by regular bike, this is the first expedition I’ve been on where I haven’t lost condition. In fact, I became stronger and fitter each week because the ElliptiGO gives an all-over body workout. My concern at the start was that I would increase bulk and muscle in my thighs and bum – that hasn’t happened at all – I’ve just become leaner and more defined in these areas, which is great.”

According to Cornthwaite, “riding two thousand miles on an ElliptiGO was another life-affirming experience. Seeing new things and meeting some outstanding, generous, kind, intimidating-in-a-good-way people is what travel is all about. ‘Say Yes More’ is more than just an idea, it’s something we’ve talked about to everyone we’ve met en route and it’s caught on.”

Falconer finished her 3,074-mile journey in Paris directly under the Eiffel Tower. An international group of ElliptiGO riders joined her on the last leg of her trip, riding through Paris from the Arc de Triomphe to the Eiffel Tower, and celebrating the end of a long but worthwhile journey. “It was just an amazing trip. There were so many unexpected things we encountered along the way, I met some incredible people, and saw some incredible places. I’ll never forget it and now I have a world record to show for it,” stated Falconer.

Although his trip was cut short, the trek was still long enough to count as Cornthwaite’s 8th adventure in his Expedition1000 project, an ambitious series of twenty-five journeys of at least 1000 miles in length, each one using a different method of non-motorized transport. In total, he has covered 16,201 miles over 8 treks and is well on his way to raising £1,000,000 for charity. 

For more information about The GO Trek, Squash Falconer, and Dave Cornthwaite, visit www.thegotrek.com.

For more information about ElliptiGO and its products, visit www.elliptigo.com or follow them on Twitter @elliptigo and Facebook at www.facebook.com/elliptigo.

About Squash Falconer
Squash is a record-breaking adventurer, mountaineer, speaker and presenter. In 2004, at the age of 23 she climbed Aconcagua in Argentina, but the 7000m peak was just the beginning of Squash’s adventures. In 2008 she descended Cho Oyu by bum board. In 2009 she became the first British woman to paraglide from the summit of Mt Blanc. In 2011 she topped that achievement by reaching the summit of Mt. Everest. Website: www.squashfalconer.com

About Dave Cornthwaite
As a British adventurer, author and motivational speaker, Dave has broken five world records, written three books and completed more expeditions than you have fingers – most of them with a sense of humor. The ElliptiGO ride is the 8th adventure in his Expedition1000 project, an ambitious series of twenty-five journeys of at least 1000 miles in length, each one using a different method of non-motorized transport. His journeys so far have included skateboarding across Australia, Stand Up Paddleboarding the length of the Mississippi, kayaking Australia’s Murray River, sailing the Pacific, pedaling a 4-wheeled bikecar across the American South and, most recently, swimming 1001 miles down the Missouri River dragging his gear on a raft. Website: www.davecornthwaite.com

About ElliptiGO
ElliptiGO, Inc. is the San Diego-based company that created the world’s first outdoor elliptical bicycle. Combining the best of running, cycling and the elliptical trainer, the ElliptiGO® delivers a high-performance workout experience that closely mimics running outdoors while eliminating the impact. Elliptical biking is an effective way to build cardiovascular fitness without aggravating injuries and is great for everyone from the weekend warrior to the elite athlete. The ElliptiGO provides the most comfortable, fun and efficient way to get outside and be active. The full line of ElliptiGOs is available for purchase at select retailers nationally and internationally, and through the company’s website: www.elliptigo.com.

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Media Contact:
Erika Dessert
erika@elliptigo.com
858.876.8677