However, the near 6,000-kilometre journey will not end there. From their landing point in the Amazonian city of Belém, three team members will then cycle on to the capital and Olympic host city Rio de Janeiro.
“This will be up there as my biggest accomplishment for sure. I’ve climbed many big mountains and suffered along the way, but this will be the major league,” Richmond told The Phuket News before heading off to meet the rest of the team in Portugal.
“The hardest part will be what I call the ‘suffer-fest’. Constant pain from sea sores and chaffing with little sleep. It will be a mental battle. Two hours rowing with two hours rest for 24 hours, about 50-60 days,” he says.
The Row2Rio team began their journey by cycling from London to Lagos, Portugal for the past few weeks. This week, Richmond joins their journey as they begin their row to Brazil.
The team, which consists of two females and two males, are preparing enough food for 75 days, including dehydrated meals, protein bars, nuts, chocolates and more.
“I’m physically prepared as I train every day and am always at my optimal level. However, preparing for a 6,000km row I think is impossible. Preparing for the mental part is hard and it’s something you have to do as it comes,” the Australian says.
Richmond learned about the Row2Rio journey through mutual friends in Portugal and jumped at the chance of joining them when one of their members got injured.
“They called me up and I agreed instantly,” he recalls.
Backed by the Ocean Rowing Society, the team are attempting to raise £200,000 (B10 million), which includes the cost of the boat. Once the challenge is over, the team will sell the boat and donate the proceeds to the Macmillan Cancer Support charity.
“When the team arrives [in Rio] they will be escorted by British consulate and Olympics dignitaries, given the media attention they deserve, and have a massive cheque ready for the Macmillan foundation. It will be a massive accomplishment for the team, London to Rio under human power.
Given Richmond’s penchant for adventure, which includes climbing six of the world’s seven highest summits, he’s not one for leaving things to chance. “Anything is possible in this world with the right mindset and preparation, no matter who you are. You have one life and one chance so go live it,” he says.
The Journey
The journey started in London at a point close to the Olympic Park. From there, the team of three headed down the Thames before switching to bikes for the first major leg of the journey.
Heading South, they crossed the English Channel and carried on through their designated route through France.
There aim was to reach Lagos in as little time as possible, carrying all their equipment including tents, sleeping bags, food, water and clothing for each stage. They have rested for a few days to let their legs recover and take on board fuel before a stopover in Lagos.
The stopover was a chance for them to meet their support crew and ditch their bikes, and are now awaiting confirmation that is safe for them to begin their journey on the boat.
Prior to leaving, they must load the boat with enough food for the first leg of the row across the Atlantic, and also carry out medical checks and repairs on themselves following the long cycle.
Then it will finally be time for them to hit the water, undoubtedly the most challenging phase of the journey: 1,600 miles of open water between them and their destination in Brazil.
They will be fully stocked, rested and essential maintenance and repairs will have taken place on the boat, to give them the best possible chance of reaching Belém.
They will head in a south westerly direction for the north coast of Brazil to avoid the strong currents on the eastern coastline. Once at Belém they will again stop to recharge before the final phase.
The final stage will see them back in the saddle for the final section, well over the equivalent of the European cycle stage.
It is the team’s aim to reach Rio in about six weeks.
To support the Row2Rio team, visit row2rio2016.co.uk. Follow their progress on Facebook.com/row2rio.
Additional reporting by Matt Pond