Teenager Austen Parker to Cycle 30,000 Miles Around the Americas to Raise Funds to Fight Juvenile Diabetes

HOUSTON, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Austen Parker, 18, will embark on a 5+ world-record-setting 30,000-mile journey on a bicycle to raise funds to combat Juvenile Diabetes.

His journey will traverse the Northern and Southern Americas and will be filmed and documented 24/7 with two cameramen, a helmet camera and a dashboard camera in a support vehicle that will follow Parker on what he's calling the "Epic American Trek."

"It's my passion to help those who suffer from Diabetes and reduce the death toll from this terrible disease that kills 4 million people a year worldwide," he said.

On day one, Parker will cycle to a Hospital in Houston, TX and meet with children and families coping with Juvenile Diabetes. Afterward, he will bike south into Mexico and into South America, making his way around the coastline of the North and South American Continents and plans to arrive home in October, 2013.

There are 35 cities designated on Parker's immense itinerary, where he will stop and explore, "tasting wacky foods, visiting famous landmarks and exploring different cultures."

Prior to arriving in the cities, Austen will spend nights camping out in the wilderness, including in the Amazon Rainforest!

Every day, when Austen has completed 100 or more miles, he will keep a video blog or a written blog on his website, discussing what he experienced that day and how he feels about what is ahead.

"Whether I'm in pain, worried or thrilled about what lay ahead, my blog is sure to keep you wanting to know what adventures I'll be facing next," he said.

Parker believes his epic trek will make one of the world's top reality shows! The vision of the documentary is a blend of the television shows "Man vs. Wild" and "Bizarre Foods." Each episode will show the harsh conditions and rough terrain of the many areas that he travels and will capture the danger and excitement of unexpected events, adventure and more!

Final preparations are being made for Austen's journey.  Prime sponsorship opportunities are available for companies seeking a high-visibility return on donations of money, equipment, or supplies.  For sponsorship information, contact Austen's team leader Chris Parker at [email protected].

CONTACT: Chris Parker
(424) 634-7551
[email protected]

SOURCE Austen Parker