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Bahrain-based adventurer Nabil 'Nabs' Al Busaidi is attempting another wild feat but instead of enduring the blistering cold of the North Pole he will be braving the British summer on a bicycle.
The Sultan of Snow, the first Arab to walk to the magnetic North Pole, is attempting to cycle alongside his close friend Rick Ryan, who he met in Bahrain, for a charitable expedition known as Ride for Remembrance on August 8.
The 39-year-old from Hoora, said: "My friend Rick Ryan, a US Navy pilot, badly injured his leg last year in a parachuting accident and has since been in five separate hospitals and endured 14 surgeries to salvage the tissue and bone.
"The threat of amputation has been imminent no less than three times and he has been told that he will probably never run a marathon again.
"But despite his injury, Rick will attempt a 'record' 1,407 km arm-powered wheelchair crossing of Great Britain, from Land's End to John O'Groats, for four very worthwhile charities.
"Where do I fit in, I am keeping my friend company on this strenuous journey on my bicycle and three other individuals will drive alongside us in a van."
Rick, 43, who completed the New York City Marathon in a hand-crank wheelchair in November and his first push-rim wheelchair marathon in memory of Trooper Marc Diab of the Royal Canadian Dragoons last week, is hoping to raise $100,000 for T*A*P*S (military charity the Tragedy Assistance Programme for Survivors), Achilles Track Club, the Royal British Legion and Help For Heroes.
Nabs added: "We are hoping to cycle at least 100 miles a day so I expect Ryan to be exhausted. The support team and I will be there with him every step of the way for moral support and to aid him with anything he needs.
"I am not too concerned about myself as I am actually quite fit but I believe the hardest bit is getting my bottom prepared for sitting in the saddle. I can only imagine how Rick will feel."
Since his North Pole trip earlier this year, Nabs has experienced many bizarre encounters such as appearing on a popular Italian talk show, where he and the host communicated through interpreters. He was also featured in Turkish FHM, which he discussed at the Bahrain British Business Forum's lunch yesterday before announcing his latest adventure.
He said: "Why do the things I do? Stupidity compels me. If I really thought about everything I did before I did it, then I would think: "Wow, how stupid".
"But after it's done with, I feel really proud that I achieved something like that.
"Since my last adventure I have met many great individuals and been to many amazing destinations.
"My parents, Riyadh and Salma, didn't even know that I was going to the North Pole. They found out after I had finished and my mum was very emotional when I returned.
"Right now they are just glad that I am not going to the pole again and instead I am cycling for a good cause.
"The reason why I am doing this ...my friend asked and I said Yes! Mind you, after being to the North Pole, cycling across Britian is not really a big deal."
Both Nabs and Rick are confident and hope to hit their targets. Nabs added: "We both have strong reasons to complete the journey as quickly as possible. I need to be finished before Ramadan starts or it will get very difficult and Rick is starting his next job soon. Even if we cross Great Britain in 14 days we will still break the record as it is 17 days.
"Also as we progress, anyone that is able to assist in any way, especially with accommodation, physio and that sort of thing will be feted as a hero by the team."
Considering there are still some medical and physical uncertainties, any support is welcomed. A pledge link has been developed to base donations for Rick's successful journey across Britain. It is very simple to use. Users just click and promise. Then, once he completes the journey, the donation can be made. Supporters can also pledge directly at www.RideForRemembrance.org.
