Us, our bike and our kit!

Alex Stedmon

Hi! I'm 39, a Registered Ergonomist, Chartered Psychologist and Lecturer in Human Factors/Ergonomics at the University of Nottingham . I’m a member of Derbyshire Advanced Motorcyclists, Institute of Advanced Motorists, British Motorcycle Federation, Motorcycle Action Group and the UKGSer's forum (see our 'Links' page for more information). I'm very interested in motorcycle ergonomics and will be conducting research into rider behaviour and advanced systems throughout the 'Long Way Up!'. I live just outside Nottingham with my wife, Donna, 5 cats and 4 chickens!

Ben Fitzpatrick

Hi! I'm 24, a professional engineer, currently studying for a PhD at the University of Nottingham carrying out research in the field of Advanced Composite Materials. I'm a keen mountain biker and currently ride a Trek 8900, custom built Coyote HT5, and a Giant MCM Team. However, these are mountain bikes and so I'll be riding pillion for the 'Long Way Up!' I'm currently living in Nottingham with no cats or chickens!

We know what you’re thinking … are they really brothers? Our names are different and we don’t even look that similar! We’ll not get into arguments over who’s the better looking out of us. Technically we’re half brothers but we don’t let that bother us!

Our bike & our kit

The idea of our challenge is to show what can be done with some basic kit and a single motorbike (partly because Ben hasn’t got a motorbike licence!). Only using one bike means we will have to travel very light! As well as walking equipment and fundraising material, we’ll also be carrying kit for our research into motorcycle ergonomics.

Triumph Motorcycles have been especially generous in loaning us one of their new Tigers, as well as kitting us out in their fantastic range of gear.