Rollo sets off on epic 1,200km bike ride to put Bristol's Green Capital bid on the map

Bristol businessman Rollo Lewis set off on Wednesday on his 1,182 km bike ride from Bristol to the current European Green Capital, Vittoria-Gasteiz in Spain.

Members of the city council’s cabinet waved him off from the Council House - Council Leader Simon Cook and his deputy, Jon Rogers, joined Rollo on their bikes for the very first stretch as he cycles out of the city.

The ride is expected to take 15 days and finish in Spain in time for the announcement taking place there of the 2014 winner on June 29th.

Rollo is doing the ride on behalf of Green Chameleon, the green design agency in Bedminster he set up last year with partners Tom Anderson and Nathan Riley.

As well as raising awareness for Bristol’s bid, their aim is to raise £10,000 in sponsorship for two sustainable charities that they currently work with – Raw Foundation and Haller.

“After all the preparation, it will be a relief to hit the road on my bike. I’m determined to raise awareness for Bristol’s bid and raise a large amount of sponsorship for our chosen charities at the same time, “ says Rollo.

“I’d like to thank all those people and businesses that have sponsored me so far, and appeal for more donors via my website.”

The online campaign ‘Rollo’s Ride’, designed by Green Chameleon, will be tracking his progress during the challenge, updating his blog and helping to spread the message.

To find out more about Rollo’s ride or donate to the charities, go to www.greenchameleondesign.com/rollosride.

To add your name to the supporters list for Bristol’s Green Capital bid, go to www.bristolgreencapital.org/support.