Man begins round-Ireland charity journey

An Englishman today sets out on a round-Ireland charity ride on his "Tall Bike".

Rob Martin, 41, from Leicester, will complete his six-week, 2,000-mile journey in Dublin in early June.

His custom-built "Tall Bike" is almost 5ft high and was constructed by welding together the frames of two bicycles. It has a maximum speed of 30mph.

The machine is the brainchild of UK-based community cycling group Cyclemagic, which aims to use the novel machine to encourage people to ride bicycles.

Mr Martin, a children's cycling instructor, hopes to raise thousands of euro for Focus Ireland and UK-based Shelter.

He said: "I hope to do about 50 miles a day and see where that gets me."

Rob leaves Dublin today for Arklow, then Enniscorthy, Wexford and Waterford. "I hope kind strangers along the way will give me a bed for the night," he added.

Roger Lovell, director of Cyclemagic, said: "We're always on the look-out for innovative ways to raise awareness of cycling. There's no doubt that Rob's trip will do just that while raising money for a great cause at the same time."

Cyclemagic is a Leicester-based not-for-profit community enterprise promoting cycling to children with disabilities or with poor backgrounds.

It runs projects such as cycle training, bike maintenance classes, and special needs and disabled cycling.

It uses all kinds of unusual human-powered machines such as recumbents, pedal boats and work bikes.

Born in London, Mr Martin has Irish parents. He intends to visit some relatives on both sides of the border during his trip.

People can track Rob's progress around Ireland on www.cyclemagic.org.uk.