Causes

"Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage.

What makes the concept of World Heritage exceptional is its universal application. World Heritage sites belong to all the peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity."

With my passion for travel, history and cultural diversity my mission is to is not only to endure the rigors of overland travel solo on a motorcycle, but to help us all re-discover our world's cultural heritage and the importance of helping and supporting the humanitarian needs of our World Neighbors to make the world a safer place to live and travel.

Travel is the ultimate therapy. And a lot of us could use it. My journey and travels are an example of the importance of pursuing one's passion and dreams. And while many people fantasize about taking a year off to travel the world, today it is an especially risky proposition. Next time you visit the supermarket, gas station or school take a look around. I notice many people are unhappy, trapped or afraid. And it's no wonder. Newspapers are filled with stories about terrorist attacks, threats to civilian safety, deadly virus epidemics and international troops jockeying for the next war. People are more afraid to leave the comfort of their own home let alone the country. Told by the federal government to stockpile water, duct tape, batteries and plastic sheeting people have become numb or simply afraid to leave home.

But it is safe to travel. And there are plenty of reasons to smile. And I'm going to reassure all of us that we all can smile despite war, sickness, terrorism, poverty and hunger. We need to learn to understand more that we are all in this together. Perhaps I'm a self-appointed ambassador of good will.

I urge all of you to learn. If you can't travel, no worries. Come along with me through this website. I'll take you on the ride of your life - vicariously, of course.

On my journey I will visit dozens of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can review the entire list here. But even more important is the World Heritage in Danger list. There are 33 sites UNESCO has identified where armed conflict and war, earthquakes and other natural disasters, pollution, poaching, uncontrolled urbanization and unchecked tourist development pose major problems to these World Heritage sites. Dangers can be 'ascertained', referring to specific and proven imminent threats, or 'potential', when a property is faced with threats which could have negative effects on its World Heritage values.

You can support World Heritage by making a donation directly to UNESCO (I've donated directly as WorldRider), getting involved in education (as I have done with this site) or becoming a World Heritage Partner.

WorldRider Donations & Gear
At the end of my journey I will donate any remaining funds donated to WorldRider to UNESCO World Heritage and I will hold an online auction of all my gear both sponsored and purchased on my own and donate those proceeds to UNESCO. A portion of proceeds from my book and DVD sales will also go to UNESCO World Heritage.