Travelling Around the World by Tuk-Tuk!

Hola, mate! How's tricks? Hanging in there, are you? Good to hear! Motor over to the coffeepot and pour yourself a robust mug of South American coffee. Grab a virtual treat while you're at it, why don't'cha? Say...I know you are one who is up for a challenge, right? Well listen to this...

Two British teachers have broken the world record for the longest journey in a tuk-tuk after pushing their vehicle the last 43 miles (70km).

Richard Sears and Nick Gough, currently in Peru, have travelled at least 23,300 miles (37,500km) in aid of grassroots education projects in Africa, Asia and South America.

If they can get their motorized rickshaw through northern Chile they will become the first people to have driven a tuk-tuk around the world.

They set off from London on August 13, 2012, and have crossed 37 countries.

 

However, the pair hit problems in South America, meaning they had to use a harness to drag the 800kg vehicle over the record line.

Luckily, after three days, they found a mechanic and are now pressing on through the Andes. Their vehicle - which they have named Tommy - has a top speed of only 34mph (54kph).

Richard Sears, from Guildford, said he hoped the trip would highlight the fact that many children in the developing world still do not have access to education.

He said: "The world's leaders have made a commitment to achieving universal primary education by 2015, but despite this pledge over 57 million primary-aged children worldwide are still out of school.

"Many more are in school though still cannot access quality learning opportunities."

The pair's tuk-tuk journey is scheduled to finish in Rio de Janeiro next month and they hope Guinness World Records will verify their feat soon after.

The men, who are both 28, have both taught at the Royal Grammar School in Guildford, Surrey.

The tuk-tuk is one of the favourite modes of transportation in Thailand and I have ridden them many times. Mind you, there is nothing like being in bumper-to-bumper traffic in Bangkok and getting stuck between two diesel city buses. Cough! Cough! Gasp! Gasp!

See ya, eh!

Bob