Full on planning mode
After a great weekend of rough water paddling with Kayak Waveology and the Autumn Gales event I am now in full on planning for my winter expedition. An attempt to travel the entire length of the Iditarod Trail on a Salsa Mukluk.
Unlike many who travel this route, I am not racing and I am not looking to be fully self supported. What do these two things really mean? Well for starters I will have a time table, but it will be loose enough to allow me to document the trail, the people that live there and those that use it for recreational purposes. The trail is legendary and the thought of coming back with video, imagery and words that help to tell the modern day tail of the Iditarod trail are exciting goals.
Secondly, while I will have no support teams, I am also not going to carry everything needed to carry me from start to finish. Instead I will rely on mail drops, local services and the kindness of strangers to help fuel and heat my travels.
As for planning, I am currently working on two major issues. First up is changes to my winter cycling kit that will allow me to safely navigate a region that regularly sees temperatures range from 30 degrees F to -40 degrees F. Quite a wild temperature range for someone traveling by bike. I have every intention of coming back with all of my digits so any help in this area is appreciated. Last year my travels through Norway and the Chic Chocs taught me much, but you can never learn enough.
The second critical issue is working on resupply spots. I am currently looking at the villages along the way and attempting to understand what resources are in place versus what I need to ship. If you have some beta on these areas, your feedback is greatly appreciated.
Last up is your support. I know many of you enjoy following my adventures and seeing my images. I love the fact that I am able to share with you what I see and what I experience as I travel this beautiful world. If you are able to help support my 2012 winter expedition, your donations would go along way in helping me to safely navigate the trail. Donations can be made here.
More to come as the planning process evolves.