Update: MARCH 11 2017
Happy Saturday!
As promised, we have been working hard and we would like to share the below updates on whats happening.
Once the route is approved by the Governor, weI will setup a email group and schedule the first conference call as things kick off and we will soon need a lot of help, starting with pushing the story to the local media in the UK.
Remember, we are attempting to bike on glaciers and no one has done this before in that island. Safety is top priority specially Crevasse Rescue and Polar Bear readiness.
Whats been happening?
1. Project Site: A lot of content had been updated in the website. I will be uploading the costs excel file up soon.
2. Routes: Route 1 has been binned due to length and transportation costs. We have 4 remaining routes along with a views for your reference in the website. In May there many not be snow at sea level but 50m up in the Glaciers.
3. Permits/ SAR Insurance: I am in touch with the Governor’s office
4. Bamboo Fat Bikes: We will be making the Bikes and we will very soon have to book the maker workshop. Depending on our selected route, the bike design/ components may be affected e.g. studded fatbike tires
5. Training: Safety is TOP priority and there will be 2/3 days training in Svalbard. Everyone will know how to deal with a Polar Bear situation and be skilled at using flares/ safety equipment and a weapon if required/ Crevasse Rescue/ Arctic Survival/ Clothing etc. There will be scenarios on training days.
6. Flights: Flights are getting expensive but today this is around £500
7. Sponsorships: 15% discount from Expedition Foods. I am asking for a more closer relationship with them.
8. Transportation: I am working with a few companies like Norwegian/ SAS to explore any collaboration opportunity & local transport if we need them
9. Citizen Science: Working with Svalbard university and data collection is dependent on the route as well. I need to get back to them again once we have the Governor’s approval on the route.
10. Documentary: Looking to get someone in Svalbard who can help us document the story and has a personal snowmobile and a rifle to help us with the costs as well. Svalbard University may be able to help us find a student. I am coming up with a introductory video this weekend 😉
11. Press in UK: Coming up with a strategy to get coverage in Guardian/ Evening Standard etc. and Bike/ Fat Bike Magazines
12. Collaboration: Working with Innovation Norway to see if there is any collaboration opportunity
13. Fitness Program: Charlie Says: as its not a massive trip, the best thing would be to do cardiovascular work in the gym, get out on the bikes building up the hours you are on it slowly, some leg strengthening in the gym would help also, im guessing they are all fit to a general standard.
14. Kit Rental: I am working on the pricing for kit rental in the UK ( from friends and other adventurers) or in Svalbard
In the meantime you can also ?
1. Check out the topology in the Norwegian Polar Institute Website
2. Research how you will get the kit
3. Read up on the weather conditions and think about the routes 🙂
4. Any connections/ skills that can be useful to make the best of this opportunity – PR / Science/ First Aid/ Rescue Care etc.
Next steps
1. Get the route approved by the Governor and I am on the case
2. Get the deposits to firm commitment levels
3. Schedule Bike building workshop
Thanks a lot guys and you will hear back from me soon!