Dr Steve Fabes set off from London on the 5th of January 2010 on an epic solo journey around the world. He aims to travel the length of six continents, crossing the greatest land masses on earth… all by bicycle. The journey is projected to take a whopping four and a half to five years during which he will travel through around 50 countries and cover some 80,000 km (50,000 miles) - a distance equivalent to twice the circumference of the earth and over 80 times the length of Great Britain.

Steve will trace a route through regions affected by the Neglected Tropical Diseases and will witness firsthand their effect on local populations. These are 14 largely ancient infectious diseases grouped together by the World Health Organisation. Once widely dispersed, they now thrive in impoverished settings, especially in the heat and humidity of tropical climates. An estimated 1 billion people – one sixth of the world population – are infected with one or more of these diseases and they all cause severe disability and life-long impairments as well as an enormous economic burden for endemic countries.

Cycling The 6 is raising money for Merlin - the only specialist UK charity which responds worldwide with vital health care and medical relief for vulnerable people caught up in natural disasters, conflict, disease and health system collapse. If you go to the Merlin website you will see chronicled true energy, true action, true contribution. To make a donation please visit the Cycling The 6 Just Giving Page and give as generously as you can.

 Visit Steve's blog to keep up to date with his progress around the world.

"An epic challenge and one that will touch many lives through the work of the charity Merlin. God's speed!"

Bear Grylls - Adventurer and host of the C4 documentary 'Born Survivor' who became the youngest Briton to summit Everest

"A hugely ambitious and inspirational journey that will surely test Steve's resolve and determination to the limit. I wish him all the best on this remarkable challenge"

Sir Chris Hoy - Triple gold medal winning Olympic cyclist

"Cycling the 6 is an incredible challenge that will test the physique and spirit of one man beyond endurance, beyond the normal span of most extreme adventurous journey's and benefiting a great charity. Steve deserves our respect and support."

Neil Laughton - Expedition leader and Everest mountaineer