Meet the man cycling 425 miles to Paris dressed as an orangutan

Meet Peter McEvoy.

He’s a long-distance cyclist from Alfreton, a long-time regular supporter of the Sumatran Orangutan Society, and someone who is genuinely passionate about protecting orangutans and the forests they call home.

On Monday 7 September, Peter will put that passion into action as he sets off from Sheffield on a 425-mile cycle to Paris. He’ll spend seven days in the saddle, travelling through the UK, crossing the Channel and eventually arriving at the Eiffel Tower on Sunday 13 September.

And he’ll be doing the whole journey dressed as a full-body orangutan.

It is, by anyone’s standards, an unusual way to spend a week. But for Peter, there’s a serious purpose behind the slightly surreal sight of an orangutan pedalling through the countryside.

Support Peter’s 425-mile challenge →

Turning heads for orangutans

Peter has supported SOS since 2020 and has followed our work closely over the years. He is particularly inspired by the work we support to protect rainforest, restore degraded landscapes and give wildlife the space it needs to return.

The idea for his challenge came after reading our supporter magazine, The Long Call, where he saw other SOS supporters taking on challenges to raise money for the rainforest.

“I saw people who’d run to raise money for the rainforest,” Peter says. “Whilst I’m no runner, I do enjoy a long bike ride.”

He wanted to do something himself. But Peter was concerned that simply asking people to sponsor a long-distance bike ride might only raise a few hundred pounds. He wanted to find a way to make his challenge stand out, start conversations and ultimately encourage more people to care about the animals and forests he cares so much about.

So he came up with a rather ingenious solution: he’d become an orangutan.

And it seems to be working.

“I’ve certainly been turning heads, and gathering smiles, cheers, and horn pips, as people see a bright orange, hairy Orangutan on a bike.”

While practising for the challenge around Derbyshire, Peter has discovered that the costume is about much more than getting a laugh. People stop to find out what he’s doing. They ask questions. They want to know where he’s going and why.

For Peter, those moments are exactly what the costume is there for.

Peter’s training rides around Derbyshire have already attracted plenty of attention, with people stopping to find out what he’s doing and why he’s taking on the challenge.

Starting a conversation about orangutans

Behind the bright orange fur is a simple idea: if Peter can make someone stop and take notice, he can give them a reason to think about orangutans too.

Speaking recently on BBC Radio Derby, Peter reflected on why this cause means so much to him:

“I found this charity that helps replant and protect the forest and sort of sustain their habitat called SOS, Sumatran Orangutan Society. I don’t notice lots of people getting involved or caring, so I just want to draw attention to the plight of these wonderful creatures whilst we can still stop it. It’s not just for the orangutans, I worry about the forest, the lungs of the planet. And our children, the grandchildren, they’re going to have an awful place to live if it’s even viable, if we lose all those rainforests. So I’m backing the people who are trying to protect it in a smart and sensitive way.”

For Peter, this isn’t simply a fundraising challenge. It’s an opportunity to talk to people about why orangutans matter and why their rainforest habitat is worth protecting.

“I’m very ready to talk to people about the importance of these amazing animals and the habitat that supports them, both of which are worth saving in their own right.”

That passion is what makes the challenge so much more than a novelty. The orangutan suit might be what gets people looking, but it is Peter’s enthusiasm for the cause that keeps the conversation going.

Backed by his local community – and his MP

Peter’s extraordinary effort isn’t just turning heads on the road; it’s also catching the attention of local leaders. His local MP, Linsey Farnsworth, praised his commitment to environmental conservation:

“The Sumatran Orangutan Society does fantastic work protecting, connecting and rewilding forests in Sumatra in the fight against climate change. We’ve all seen the impact of the climate crisis and the wildfires in the UK over the summer, including in Derbyshire, so it’s never been more important to act. I wish Peter luck in his quest and whilst not all of us have what it takes to cycle from Sheffield to Paris, dressed as an orangutan or even in normal clothes, we can and should all do our bit to save our planet. I’m proud of the many organisations in Amber Valley doing great work locally.”

425 miles, seven days and one very hairy cyclist

Peter’s journey begins in Sheffield on Monday 7 September. His first leg will take him 38 miles to Derby, before he continues through Northampton, London and Canterbury, then crosses the Channel and heads towards Paris.

He’s due to arrive at Derby Market Place between 3.30pm and 5pm on Monday, so if you’re in the area, keep your eyes peeled. You might just spot an orangutan cycling into town.

From there, Peter still has hundreds of miles to go. There will be long days in the saddle, hills, busy roads and whatever weather September decides to throw at him. And, of course, he’ll be doing it all in an orangutan costume.

But Peter is ready for the challenge.

He’s aiming to raise £1,500 for the Sumatran Orangutan Society, helping support our work to protect orangutans, restore rainforest and work alongside the people and communities who share their landscape.

Support Peter’s 425-mile challenge →

Inspired? Start Your Own Wild Challenge!

Peter’s journey proves that you don’t need to be an elite athlete to protect the natural world – just a bit of passion, a creative idea, and the willingness to stand out.  You don’t have to cycle across two countries in a fur suit to make a huge difference (though if you want to, we certainly won’t stop you!). Whether it’s a sponsored walk, a local run, a workplace bake sale, or a quirky challenge of your own design, every effort helps bring Sumatra’s rainforests back to life.

Do you have a fundraising idea of your own? We would love to help you bring it to life! Please get in touch with James Swyer at james@orangutans-sos.org to start your own fundraising journey today.

And if you happen to spot a very hairy cyclist on the road next week, give him a wave. He’ll probably be quite happy to tell you why he’s doing it.