You recently scored major sponsorship for your 2004 solo trek to the North Pole. What now lies between you and your ultimate goal?
Though gaining my key sponsor (World Wide Learn, a directory of online educational resources) has enabled the expedition to happen, there's still much to do, like getting other corporate sponsors on board to help with the total cost of the expedition. I'm busy preparing and ordering equipment, training, and working on the media and public relations side of things, too. Not to mention the logistics, which are a nightmare (I'll take nine different flights in getting to the Pole and back).
How much does an expedition like this cost?
My total budget is around $150,000, which is probably one of the cheapest solo, unsupported expeditions to the North Pole in modern times.
What are you doing to prepare for your journey, and does your regimen differ from other pre-expedition preparation? How long have you been in training?
I have a relatively interesting training program, one that I have been working on since April 2003: I swim up to one mile underwater each day (in 50- and 100-yard increments), with the goal of conditioning my body to the effects of lactic acid, which reduces muscle effectiveness and strength; I've been dragging around a 150-pound truck tire to simulate dragging a sled, which should weigh 325 pounds all told, across frozen ice; I also train with weights, Nautilus, and by climbing and bicycling. Another important factor is gaining weight and body fat, which I'll need to survive—I'll probably loose around 40 pounds while on this expedition, from a starting weight of around 205 pounds.
Not your average trek, what specialized gear will you be lugging?
There are many items that are particular to an expedition to the Arctic. First off is my sled, which the Norwegians call a "pulka"; it's basically a high-sided sled, handmade from carbon fiber and Kevlar. My boots, ski poles, and sunblock are also made specially for the trip. The sunscreen is made by Dermatone, which differs from your Banana Boat variety of creams because it doesn't contain water—water will freeze the skin, you don't want that.... Other equipment is just "off the shelf," and can be used just about anywhere.
I'll have with me, too, a satellite phone that will allow me to talk with the outside world 24/7. The software for my iPAQ is designed for explorers by Human Edge Tech (www.humanedgetech.com), and by connecting to my satellite phone, I'll be able to update my Web site right from the ice, send and receive e-mails, and generate short audio and video clips.
Where are you going?
What do you want to do?
