Biker bids for kick-start

IT all seemed so exciting for round-the-world motor cyclist Philippe Rahmani . . . waved off last April in Monte Carlo by Prince Albert of Monaco, broom-brooming away on a 120,000-kilometre journey across 100 countries spreading the message of ''hope aboutEurope''.

But 12 months on it's a different story.

Frenchman Philippe, a 35-year-old executive with a company promoting international sports events, is stranded halfway through his journey in Hongkong after getting word that the French company that was sponsoring him has gone bankrupt.

He explained: ''I actually received the bad news while I was riding across Australia. But I stuck to my schedule and arrived in Hongkong, hoping to raise funds and complete the China and Russian Far East sectors before proceeding to Alaska and then on tothe American continent.

''I have had some publicity in the past month in Hongkong but so far I have had no response from it. I keep being told that a mention in Keeping Posted about my plight would be my best bet to get some financial assistance pretty quickly.'' Well, well, we are flattered. Although our own claim is that the impossible we can manage. Miracles, such as is called for in this particular case, take just that bit longer.

Anyone who is prepared to kick-start/bankroll (take your pick) Philippe back on track can contact him on 526 5936 (telephone) or 810 4463 (fax).