Professor Felix Schmid, of the School of Civil Engineering and the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education, completed a tough charity challenge in Septmeber this year: he cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats, climbed the ‘three peaks challenge’ and kayaked the longest lakes in England, Wales and Scotland.
Professor Schmid and Colin Flack, an honorary member of University staff, spent almost a year planning their ‘Ultimate3 Challenge’ for The Railway Children charity. Their challenge began in Padstow on 30 September and ended 18 days later at John O’Groats, a journey that, according to Felix, “included howling gales, copious amounts of rain, and character-building headwinds”. In addition to their cycling challenge, Felix and Colin also managed to climb Mount Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis, and kayak across Lake Bala, Lake Windermere, and Loch Ness!
More information about Felix and Colin’s challenge, and the Railway Children charity, can be found at www.ultimate3.org.uk, where sponsorship is still possible - and very welcome!
It is likely that the Railway Children Ultimate3 Challenge will be run again in summer 2013 – for 25 or 30 teams. If you’re up for the challenge, visit the website for more information.