Alastair Humphrey's Trans Iceland Expedition 2010

   

If you know modern explorers in the world of adventure travel, one name is synonymous with the wild: Alastair Humphreys of the U.K. Following his recent adventures isn't an easy task -because he isn't a monolithic icon, he is a living adventure traveller, writer, motivational speaker and explorer. Always preparing for the next epic expedition adding to a repertoire of other life-long accomplishments. An inspiration to me, which is why I now write this post (Thanks for the updates Al)

What's in a name? -Alastair. The meaning according to a quick reference: Defender of men. I would definitely say, while following Alastair's adventures around-the-world by bike or later adventure sequels and charity work for Hope and Homes for Children in the UK, he is a man of will and a "Defender of Dreams" and his memoires are available in his books (see links). His adventures are chronicled regularly on his self-named website linked to an amazing collection of recent photography. His recent Iceland crossing expedition by packraft is an incredible accomplishment. Take a moment and enjoy these Vimeo trailers.


An Expedition Across Iceland from Alastair Humphreys on Vimeo.

It isn't difficult understanding why someone is constantly seeking out the adventures in this enormously diverse world. But it takes only a little while to put the "how" into the "why" and come to a simple computation for hybridize two words (and sometimes worlds): (why -hy +ow = the reason). If you figure out this encryption, you are on your way to discovering your next adventure. Will it be that easy to find the adventure, it could be? Start looking out your front door and leave with your equipment (trainers, cycling shoes, snow shoes, boots, sandals) and start moving in a new direction, that's where your next adventure is waiting for you.

   

WT: Panamerican or Circumnavigation, Guinness World Records Challengers

Jan 2, 2010 - Pedaling up the northeast coast of Korea
Start the new year off -right! Power to your pedals!

Correspondence for Glen's supporting group on a Bicycle Circumnavigation Record Attempt:

Glen Burmeister March 26 at 2:06pm
Hi everyone. My attempt on the Guinness record for circumnavigating the world by bicycle will not be going ahead on 3rd April. Another British rider Alan Bate is attempting the record next week and hopes to do it in 3 weeks less than my planned time. He has been sponsored £150,000 and has a support team with him who will carry all his kit, provide him with food and water and arrange all his accomodation. He aims to cycle over 180 miles a day. This is beyond my capabilities as a solo and unsupported rider. Unfortunately Guinness do not make any distinction between supported and unsupported rides. I've learnt that life doesn't always go to plan. Sometimes you just have to pick yourself up and keep moving. I am re-applying with Guinness today for another record which will go ahead in 10-12 weeks time. This one is for cycling the entire length of the Americas from Prudhoe bay in the north of Alaska to Ushuaia in the south of Argentina. Thanks for your support. Stay on the group and I'll keep everyone posted about my new challenge.

Brian 브라이안 Perich March 27 at 10:03pm
Glen, they need to change that [unconditional support for world-record attempts on bicycles] at Guinness. James Bowthorpe's GLOBE CYCLE was completed successfully [current world circumnavigation record holder & great guy I might add!) rode 120 miles/200Km a day to set the current record and had his kit onboard his custom, revolutionary belt-drive - Santos travelmaster with dyno to produce the juice for the headlights and recharge electrical equip. The Panamerican is a popular and challenging route, if your going to set a record racing down there, more power to you, do it, I am heading there in 2012-2013, but I will only do what I can do. The record holders do get endorsements, which makes the current challenger well-equipped with his entourage, kind of kills the aspect of man vs. wild, or adventure...but in these cases, it's about time and fastest time is $$$ money in media attention drawn towards those generous sponsors. Perhaps Mark Beaumont will be all forgotten as the Circum-record continues to get smashed. Lest not the possibilities to drive the world-record attempts further than human limits. The unregulated aspect of the WT competition isn't monitoring athletes that could enhance their performance using a number of possibilities...blood doping, Ritalin or other stimulants, etc...many methods can be used to take the record from the next. Clearly, the Circum-record attempt should be done on two and require self-supported riders only. Another North American challenge to consider (MTBs) is the growing endurance ride called The Tour Divide that might be a nice challenge for you... I'm Canadian and will be heading home in 2012 and starting where you will be shortly, I'm definitely looking forward to it, no records to break...just a long hammer to Argentina. ^_^

Glen Burmeister March 27 at 10:31pm
Have you heard of Scott Napier? He has the Guinness record for cycling the Pan-American highway. He is on facebook. He has over 200 photos of his trip which you'll find very interesting. I will hopefully have a website about my attempt in a months time. I'll update my facebook group (RaceAcrossTheAmericas) daily and write a blog. Thanks for the information and good luck with your trip. You can watch Mark Beaumont cycling the Americas on BBC IPlayer if you've not already seen it. Regards, Glen.

Brian 브라이안 Perich March 27 at 11:03pm
Hey Glenn, thanks for this info. I couldn't follow Mark at all on the iBBC, the player was blocked in South Korea...I have never heard of Scott Napier either, I'm really too old to race...and my intentions are to support the Crohn's and Colitis Foundations of NA while pedaling across Canada, but I will be starting up at Prudhoe, AK or the NWT. It's kind of a gamble for time, and I have no sponsorship, need to organize on that and although I have secured the bike (09' Koga-Miyata World Traveller), I have to plan something to help my wife (then by this May)and two kids while I am away. It's a complex deal, I support other riders and spent about $1000 last year sponsoring their charities. It was an exciting year (last) meeting cool people, since I am really just a hermit rider based in South Korea, it's great to meet people who can get out and ride the world (like a dream of escape!!). James Bowthorpe was so kind to add me to friends, we all have many in common here on FB, we love bikes and know what it can do to change our lives, and in the case of the Guinness, perhaps offer chances we wouldn't have had without making the efforts. The PanAmerican Race sounds awesome, I will race to get back to my wife in Korea, which is why I am interested in what you guys do! I just can't endure like some, although, in the 90's I did endurance riding across America on the cheap, and accumulated 24000+? in about 60 days, with the aid of a motor and smooth roads. I'm involved in a Masters of Education right now, attempting to stay afloat in this, but definitely want to launch and enjoy the WT experience, as so many do, it's a great way to see/enjoy the real life beyond all these walls and make some great friends in the process. I will definitely follow your progress, sounds like a solid plan...so keep working it for the launch. Kind Regards, Brian Perich

Glen Burmeister March 27 at 11:11pm
Apart from the expensive flights, I think anyone could cycle the Pan-American highway without spending too much money. Watching Mark Beaumont, it appears there is always somewhere you can pitch your tent for free. I'm not sure yet how much my flights will cost but I wouldn't expect to spend much more than US$30 each day on average.

Brian 브라이안 Perich March 27 at 11:24pm
Yes, your completely right. I am wondering right now as i spend $3.00 on lunch sandwiches, or the small incidentals of urban living (the endless stream of money out of me, go back and earn more in ESL teaching...a continuous cycle). On the road, there's food for thought. I motorcycled successfully 5 times across America (no records, just cold bones sleeping outside!!) and could budget $200 on fuel/food for 4,000km. I completed a 4,000km jaunt in 64 hours (staying awake for 36)...so it can be done with coffee and cold air ramming into the helmet. I've slept on sidewalks, under rest station park/picnic shades, in National Parks (Yellowstone) without permit (learning the grizzlies or penalty from Park Rangers were much worse!!!), I've also been down the roads in the Baja of Mexico, camping in the desert, cooking mussels we caught along the endless coastline, loads to do, and doing it faster saves you $$$$! Glen, this is a great TRAIN of tought, I could go on and on...like a LOCOMOTIVE, and I think that is what you are going to do on the bike...you have to ride like a hammer and the nail is at the bottom when you hit Urshaia. ^_^!

WT - Steve Fabes, The Daredevil Doctor, Cycling 6 Continents, 5 Yrs, 50000 Miles

Dr. Stephen Fabes (UK) setting off on his Santos Travelmaster

The Daredevil Doctor from Lou Hamilton on Vimeo.

I've recently joined friends/supporters of Dr. Stephen Fabes (UK) who is cycling 6 continents to investigate professionally and clinically the severe tropical diseases (HIV, AIDS, Malaria, TB) that remain epidemic in developing and undeveloped countries around the world. His bicycle World Tour will cross 6 continents, and he's blogging about it here. This is a brief introduction to the documentary that will be reported back on his WT expedition. Steve's chosen a custom built, Santos Travelmaster. All sounds good for Dr. Steve Fabes, great to see another WT cyclist setting off supporting excellent charities. If your interested in following his expedition, supporting his cause, or offering WT moral support, keep up with him on his 6 continent, 5 year, WT Bicycle Expedition.

WT - Nicholai Bangsgaard, World Touring Cyclist, Best of West Africa!

Nicholai Bangsgaard has almost completed an entire bicycle WT - Bicycle World Tour 2006-2010. And recent updates via email from his blog Worldtravellers.dk give an eye-opener to any avid cyclist that is thinking or tempted to try on the WT experience. An excellent video/photo montage complete with Nicholai's favorite music from the road; this edition of his exciting updates features scenes and images from Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Mali (West Africa). 1.375 days, 61.000 km, 50 countries, 6 continents. A Danish Solo Expedition Around the World by Bicycle 2006-2010. Congratulations Nicholai, on your incredible journey around the world by bicycle!

WT: Letter to Murray

Murray,

I experienced life time setbacks from 2003-2006, venturing into the States for Medicine... Here in Korea, it's entirely different (including air quality, unfortunately), but we can take what we need and leave the rest, sometimes the job stress builds up for me, but there's still a job, I just need something to come back to (hence, sending the confirmation to the university tomorrow) when WT Camp is finished. I think once you push off, off the grid, great things will happen, even if the speed is slow [ like Shuutak's 100,000Km Challenge: http://shuutak.com ], this sort of Zen Motion allows yourself time, something I don't normally afford myself in the daily race for life. Cycling so hard last year and damaging my lungs in the Korean/Chinese air pollution (Yellow Dust) to the point of severe bronchitis last season and coughing hard enough to burst a cluster of blood vessels in 1, made me think about how hard I am riding, and for what purpose it will ultimately serve in my life? Cycling seems to give me new life, since the wheel is always turning, every Km is new and this seems to be an opportunity that knocks, if your listening, and I'm listening now. Korea is the training ground for a brute force, powerful enough to push into the strongest headwinds on the tallest peaks (even if this means pushing the bike on foot). I want to put this training to good use and explore Arctic1 in 2012. Let's see what happens next!!!

WT: 175Km Weekend Highlights - Shuutak takes on his World Tour

Shuutak takes on his Cycling World Tour WT cutting across South Korea (Busan to Gangneung to Incheon), then ferrying to China (cycling to northern parts I was told) and on to Europe and Africa as part of his WT by bicycle. He is 25 years old, already ridden across/around Australia in 2007, he was plodding away gracefully against a stiff head wind...towards Gangneung, Korea today. We met yesterday while I was heading South to Uljin and he was heading North to Gangneung. It was great to cross paths again, ride together, and snap some photos for his WT 2009-2011. Best of luck on tour, "we must be strong" were his last words when I saw him, better believe it on his bike around the world. He seemed to be doing fine on his own, cycling a steady 9 Kph against the hungry headwinds, he had his ZEN in order. ^^!!! Shuutak has an amazing blog to look at [if you can read Japanese Kanji] but I think he will find a tweak for Wordpress that allows International translations, a Widget or Code could help with that. I know Nicholi uses it when blogging in Danish [ http://www.worldtravellers.dk ] and I have really enjoyed following his progress from South America months ago. Shuutak and I both rode the rains on May 16th which opened up my start from Gangneung to Donghae on the night T/RAIN (cycling in the rain at night). I cycled for 3 hours, covering a wee 45km from 9pm-12am Saturday on long ascending grades and short/steep descents into Donghae. Sunday/Monday combined I cycled 130Km (not-much-there distancewise) but the terrain was 4/5 on difficulty, mountains & more mountains!!! I should be talking about "Wordpress" right now because it would be easier to write and add photos, I've been tweaking this site for an hour, losing photos, moving bits and pieces, but I still haven't situated everything right :( Shuutak gave me his card, link to his blog is order (keep track of this WT Rider, as his tour has just begun!), http://shuutak.com short & easy enough to remember. We played the name game today, and finally I had Shuutak spell it out for me...TAK for short...I can't read his name card, but I'm sure he'll contact me for corrections & I'll fix things up a bit. The photos speak more than words, cycling after a days rain, stunning...but we found ourselves in clouds of pine pollen (my favorite allergy), but Shuutak wasn't bothered. Cycling for this weekend is over, but I wish my WT friend a safe, adventurous, and memorable trip of a lifetime! Finally bits: Shuutak rides a Surly - Long Haul Trucker, he built it up from parts he bought through online auctions, Ortieb front panniers, Japanese hardware (Nitto Racks), Shimano XT/LX components, heavy-spoked wheels, array of bottle carriers, front trunk/map holder, mats, MSR stove, and everything you'll ever need around the world ^^! Looked like a great kit, much to haul, but places will come when he'll use every bit he's got going with him...Great job Shuutak! ~Please correct me if I have your name spelled incorrectly! ^^Cycling on, and on with endless POWER my friend, Cycling on to your 100,000km, 100 countries goal, that's a load of traveling my cycling man! Good luck on days ahead! ^^!