Septuagenarian Cancer Survivor Rides 21,000 Miles Around the World on an Electric Bike

Hayles visited 28 countries to raise awareness of cancer prevention and benefits of staying active

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 11, 2019 — David Hayles, a 73-year-old self-proclaimed “mad old English hippy,” made a one-dollar bet with a friend that he could ride his electric bike around the world in less than two years. He did it in 16 months and collected on the bet. See video here.

David Hayles, 73, rode more than 21,000 miles around the world on his Pedego electric bike.

In April 2018, Hayles set off on his Pedego Platinum Interceptor electric bike to ride around the world. He left from the Reform Club in London, the same place where the fictious Philius Fogg departed in a hot air balloon in Jules Verne’s novel, “Around the World in 80 Days.”

Hayles returned to the club in August 2019. On his round-the-world trip, he rode more than 21,000 miles. He visited 28 countries, including England, Wales, Ireland, Canada, USA, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Miramar, India, Nepal, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Czechia, Germany, Luxemburg, Belgium and France.

Most days he rode 50–85 miles. Some days he rode more than 100 miles. He enjoyed Germany’s perfectly smooth roads and dealt with bumpy unpaved roads in various country sides. He came home with his Pedego Platinum Interceptor ready to hit the road for more.

A survivor of cancer and two heart attacks — as well as a tracheostomy and today lives with a hole in his neck — Hayles shared his message of staying active and preventing cancer with everyone he met.

What delighted him the most about his travels is how friendly, helpful and supportive people were in every country. He was surprised how many people wanted to get selfies with him, including Chinese and German police officers.

When he’s not riding his electric bike, Hayles is the world’s leading expert on Scagliola ornamental plastering. He has restored plaster décor at Buckingham Palace, the U.S. Capitol, other State Capitols and for Royal families in the Middle East. He teaches on the subject in Venice and around the world.

About Pedego Electric Bikes

Pedego® Electric Bikes is the Number 1 electric bike brand in the United States, according to Navigant Research. Sold at more than 125 Pedego-branded stores in the United States and additional branded Pedego locations in Canada, France and the U.K., Pedego Electric Bikes start at $1,895. The 250 to 500-watt motors empower riders to conquer hills and breeze through headwinds, cruising distances up to 60 miles on a single battery charge. The twist-and-go throttle gives riders instant manual control over their speeds while the pedal assist functionality automatically adds power to their pedaling.

Available in hundreds of color combinations, Pedego’s high-quality, innovative “pedal or not” models include cruisers, tandems, commuters, fat-tire bikes, mountain bikes, cargo bikes and a convenient electric folding bike. Pedego electric bikes deliver fun, exercise and a green alternative for transportation — transforming lives with fun and delight. Free test rides are available at every Pedego store. Founded in 2008, Orange County, Calif.-based Pedego inspires riders to say, “Hello, Fun!”

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