Fundraiser retraces 7,000km route cycled by Girl Guides in 1939

An Australian man is retracing a 7,000km bicycle voyage made by two Girl Guides in 1939, in order to raise money for WAGGGS and to support women's empowerment.

Robin Brown set off this morning from Our Chalet World Centre on a journey retracing a 7,000km route that was bicycled in 1939 by two British Girl Guides – Robin's mother, Freda Cole ("Bill") and her friend Doris Rowberry ("Berry").

The route meanders across Europe, starting in the UK and ending in Norway.

Fundraising opportunity

In 2010, Robin retraced the first half of the 1939 route, from the UK to Switzerland via France and Italy. Now he is completing the second half, from Switzerland to Norway via Austria, Germany, Denmark and Sweden.

He is using the excursion as an opportunity to raise money for his BillBerry Bluestocking Fund, which supports WAGGGS and Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 3.

Robin will also donate 80 Euros to WAGGGS for each Girl Guiding or Girl Scouting organization that provides him with accommodation along the way.

Pacific empowerment

He is particularly enthusiastic to raise money for Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting in small Pacific nations.

"I have become convinced that once basic needs of livelihood are provided UN MDG 3: Promote gender equality and empower women is the key to strong development," Robin said. "With my wife and my sister, I have started a fund for MDG 3 in developing Pacific nations to which we have so far donated $20,000. I am hoping to raise some money during the ride. I am asking for donations to WAGGGS for its work in the Pacific."

Robin has also founded a non-profit organization called Foundation for Effective Markets and Governance.

Robin's website For more details and to see Robin's route, visit his website, BillBerry ride blog. The website also features Robin's mother's journal from the original 1939 journey, and Robin's own journal from his 2010 voyage.