Another hectic day. I decided to load up my polar cycle with all of the kit I will be carrying across Antarctica (all 45kg of it), to experiment with weight distribution. Firstly, I must admit I love experimenting with new ideas. This has not been done before so it could go one of two way but that's what makes it so exciting.
The good news is that the majority of that weight loads up the rear driving wheels and in fact reduces the weight on the front two wheels meaning that I might just get some extra float out of my front two wheels. On top of this we made a custom fit pair of skis for the front two wheels that fit on with a simple brackets system for when the snow is just too deep to make any headway.
With the extra weight on the rear wheels this will increase the traction which is good news. I have had to add additional padding to the frame on the rack of the polar cycle so the bag doesn't rub on the gears. It just shows how important testing everything is!
We also added a wedge to the inside of my right peddle to support my weaker knee. Due to years of training, my left patella has been weakened but with this minor change that Phil, the Biomechanic picked up, I'm now able to peddle with no problems.
My newly fitted arm-rests provide huge assistance and now with my sleeping bag acting as a head rest my upper body is 100% rested as I peddle away. That was one of my objectives from the very beginning.
I also tested my new stove and made everyone a cup of tea at lunch time!
Only 7 days to go....
Saturday, 30 November 2013
Thursday, 28 November 2013
10 days and counting
A busy morning. Firstly a meeting with my local MP, Alun Cairnes outside the Welsh Assembly...polar cycle on display prompting lots of people to stop and ask the big question, "what is that?'
Followed by the polar cycles first trip around Cardiff City Centre. Only travelled 5km but took me 2.5hrs due to the number of people stopping me to ask "what is that?'
Took delivery of all of my delicious freeze dried food. Weighs a ton and it's the lightest weight on the market!
Collected a beautifully lightweight titanium stove and thermos flask which is going to get a thermal jacket made for it this weekend...
Lots of phone calls, e-mails and website updating and now off to host my parents for dinner this evening for being so supportive of my crazy adventures.
Followed by the polar cycles first trip around Cardiff City Centre. Only travelled 5km but took me 2.5hrs due to the number of people stopping me to ask "what is that?'
Took delivery of all of my delicious freeze dried food. Weighs a ton and it's the lightest weight on the market!
Collected a beautifully lightweight titanium stove and thermos flask which is going to get a thermal jacket made for it this weekend...
Lots of phone calls, e-mails and website updating and now off to host my parents for dinner this evening for being so supportive of my crazy adventures.
Tuesday, 26 November 2013
White Ice Cycle
Launched, live and about to happen! White Ice Cycle 2013
I'm so nervous. I have to keep telling myself to sit down, breathe and take it in my stride.
On the 8th December I'II be flying out of the UK on my way to Antarctica to begin my cycle to the South Pole.
The expedition will begin around the 18th December and I hope to arrive at the South Pole on around the 7th January.
It's the first time in my 35years that I would have missed Christmas....that's quite a big deal for me, however we have Christmas planned for the 20th January when I get home!
I'm so nervous. I have to keep telling myself to sit down, breathe and take it in my stride.
On the 8th December I'II be flying out of the UK on my way to Antarctica to begin my cycle to the South Pole.
The expedition will begin around the 18th December and I hope to arrive at the South Pole on around the 7th January.
It's the first time in my 35years that I would have missed Christmas....that's quite a big deal for me, however we have Christmas planned for the 20th January when I get home!
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