Archive For 'December, 2011'
31 December 2011 at 08:55
Hello
It’s day 39 on the 30th December and we have arrived safely and quickly at the Pole of Inaccessibility. We were met by a statue of Lenin put here by the Soviet Union in 1963. It has been a great trip and the entire team representing Great Britain and Iceland, Extreme World Races and Arctic Trucks have made another World’s first.
Happy Feet was very grateful to join us and has added another destination to his World Tour. Ok, now we have to nip back to the 100th race start line in order to receive competitors on the 2nd of January with the race starting on the 3rd.
Watch the racers’ progress at http://www.extremeworldraces.com/races/south-pole-race/race-progress/2011-race-to-the-south-pole/
Tony Martin
1212.jpg "Day 39")
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Posted in South Pole | 2011. Race to the Pole. Scott v Amundsen Centenary | Extreme Races | Press Releases | 5 Comments »
30 December 2011 at 09:05
Hello
It’s day 38 the 29th December and we are sitting at 3518 M, location: S 82 31.913 W 045 25.915. We got bored waiting at the start line so we decided to take Happy Feet to the Pole of Inaccessibility! This is a short trip for us and we will be there at approximately 2 pm tomorrow. This point is the very center of the continent. Virtually no one has been there in the history of mankind so we thought it worth a visit. Then we will pop back to the start line for New Years eve UK time to receive the competitors on New Years Day. It still amazes me how capable, clean, efficient, comfortable, powerful, reliable our fleet of trucks are, even at -41 degrees!
In case I forget, have a great New Years wherever you are. The race is set to start on the 3rd of January along with Helen's challenge for the BBC Blue Peter which will be aired on Sports Relief 2012. Visit Helen's journey and for information on how to give to the charity appeal visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/diaries/helen-skeltons-polar-challenge-for-sport-relief.
Watch the racers’ progress at http://www.extremeworldraces.com/races/south-pole-race/race-progress/2011-race-to-the-south-pole/
Tony Martin
Tags: Tony Martin
Posted in South Pole | 2011. Race to the Pole. Scott v Amundsen Centenary | Extreme Races | Press Releases | No Comments
29 December 2011 at 08:50
Tony Update:
Hello it’s day 37 the 28th December, we have reached our goal today and arrived at our fuel depot 50km North of the start line for the race. We have re fuelled and placed the empty barrels for pick up by plane as all barrels will be returned to South Africa once used.
We discovered a strange set of tracks that are neither ski or kite ski tracks. They are in perfect formation and head in a direction that makes no sense. The more puzzling thing is that there are no known expeditions in this area??
We have once again been privileged to see some awesome views that are truly the work of an artist. In this case she has been at work with the wind, sun and cold and produced some masterpieces. It is an honour to be here and respect is due, this is the most humbling place on Earth.
Watch the racers' progress at: http://www.extremeworldraces.com/races/south-pole-race/race-progress/2011-race-to-the-south-pole/
Tony Martin
1203.jpg "Day 37")
Racers Update:
A fairly normal scheduled day today. Competitors left Camp 3 at 9am for their next 15km training leg. Staff packed up and left a few hours later to set up Camp 4. There’s been a slight improvement in weather with winds starting in the morning around 15m/sec and decreasing during the day now to 5m/sec. Still a very chilly -13 degrees. Another good day had by all, hoping for clearer skies tomorrow.
1204.jpg "Day 37 Racers")
Tags: Tony Martin
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28 December 2011 at 14:00
Day 36 Racers Update: After a very blowy boxing day, we’ve awoken to slightly better conditions with wind speeds of around 15m/sec. Competitors were put on hold temporarily until the weather conditions improved. During that time the staff were kept busy digging out tents that had unfortunately caved in due to all the snow drift and once again packing up stores to move to Camp 3.
At midday the winds eased enough and the racers were off on their next training leg. They were treated with some breathtaking views and favourable weather and arrived at Camp 3 in high spirits in the early evening. As for the staff, once they all arrived at camp it seemed that the most essential item needed to be established was a designated toilet. We’ve been carrying an environmentally friendly port-a-loo to use but for the new toilet the tent was left out and instead a snow wall was built for privacy, allowing one to fully ‘enjoy the views’!! This was literally the icing on the cake and all anyone talked about at dinner was…. the best toilet stop they’d ever used!!
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28 December 2011 at 09:54
Hello it’s day 26 the 27th December and we have been driving all day. The team and the vehicles are in great shape and we are averaging 30km an hour, which is like 120km an hour where you are. We have passed the half way checkpoint for the race and the conditions are still good for planes if needed. We are now approximately 200 km from the start line and will be there tomorrow.
We covered many different types of snow formations and drove through just as many weather patterns, it was amazing watching clouds form and disappear. The whole day was if we where driving through a weather factory turning out all kinds of formations headed for your town.
Watch the racers' progress at: http://www.extremeworldraces.com/races/south-pole-race/race-progress/2011-race-to-the-south-pole/
Tony Martin
1194.jpg "Day 36")
1195.jpg "Day 36")
Tags: Tony Martin
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27 December 2011 at 09:08
Hello Day 35 on the 26th December "Boxing Day". I never have understood why this holiday exists, if you have the answer by all means mail it. We cut the last part of the route today and it took a lot longer than expected, traveling at 4 km an hour at times. There are parts of the plateau that are incredibly soft; actually it’s not soft but very hard crystals, this is because it’s been very cold, definitely below -40. This in turn turns the snow into small marble shapes or "sugar snow". This is the worst kind for the trucks as it’s easy to loose concentration and get stuck.
However, getting stuck is part of the game and a skill required to drive these specialist vehicles in Antarctica. I send the team to a glacier in Iceland to do extensive training twice a year covering, the vehicle, driving, rescue and recovery and above all crevasse rescue. Then on arrival in Antarctica they will get approximately 5000 km experience in all conditions prior to getting a title of an Antarctic driver – it truly is a skill and something very important to grasp before spending time in such an inhospitable place. There are many techniques for getting unstuck, however if that means the assistance of another vehicle then that’s going to cost a lot of beer back in Cape Town...! The drivers pride themselves on getting through a season without the need of help from another vehicle though!
The vehicles themselves are capable of covering all of Antarctica without assistance and we only travel in two's minimum. Each vehicle carries a full crevasse rescue kit, along with a winch, snow anchors and a special pulling rope. Two vehicles can connect and become an 8 wheel drive or a 12 wheel drive which will go anywhere with the right driver.
Enjoy the rest of your Bank holidays and keep reading as it’s all about to happen. Happy Christmas Mum and Dad and sorry we could not get through.
Tony Martin
1191.jpg "Day 35")
Posted in South Pole | 2011. Race to the Pole. Scott v Amundsen Centenary | Extreme Races | Press Releases | 6 Comments »
26 December 2011 at 16:33
Racers update Training Phase 2:
Christmas Day:
After a relatively cold Christmas Eve, the competitors woke up to a nice day on Christmas Day with excellent weather conditions for their first day ski training. With everybody in festive spirit the competitors departed just after 10.00hrs and headed off for a 20km ski trip.
The base support staff took a timely break in the morning to enjoy the festive spirit with messages and Christmas stockings being handed out. The impending bad weather front was clearly visible in the distance and as the team finalised breaking down the camp the weather was upon us as we drove forward to catch up with the competitors.
Ski conditions were quite good, but soft sticky snow and uphill sections made the first day very difficult with some teams finding the conditions quite exhausting. Most of the teams made it into the new base camp early evening, prior to the heavy winds which picked up later in the evening.
With all competitors safely in camp the Support Crew delivered some Xmas Stockings with a small cake and small beverage to see off Christmas Day! Many loved ones and family members had kindly sent in Christmas messages which were delivered to all competitors which raised spirits nicely and a perfect end to the day...
Boxing Day:
With Christmas Day drawing to end the weather front came in hard and fast with winds approaching 80km and plenty of soft snow (spin drift) quickly engulfing the tents and vehicles. Goodbye to the lovely Christmas present from Mother Nature!
Boxing Day morning came quickly with most competitors and support staff digging away snow from the tents, vehicles and equipment. The weather had continued to play havoc all night and with no sign of letting up and winds increasing the decision was made for everyone’s safety to remain in location and hopefully ride out the storm.
With most individuals relishing the opportunity to catch up on sleep and enjoy the rest period the weather unfortunately showed no signs of letting up! After a lunchtime review by the senior instructor the decision was made to remain still until the following morning, when weather forecasts indicated a reduction in winds and more suitable conditions.
Roll on tomorrow...
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26 December 2011 at 09:00
Day 34: The competitors have started their climb to 3000 metres and are on their way to the race start point. My team enjoyed a traditional Christmas dinner cooked by our brilliant chef, Jim. He even managed this in Antarctica!
Nothing was spared as the men read their message sent from their loved ones at home.
Merry Christmas everyone, may the Human race find peace.
Tony Martin
1183.jpg "Day 34")
1184.jpg "Day 34")
Tags: Tony Martin
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25 December 2011 at 13:24
Merry Xmas!
Day one of the Antarctic adventure and the competitors eventually arrive in Novo after several delays due to very bad weather in the region. With a small weather window available they set off from Cape Town at midnight on the 22nd Dec and arrived early morning the 23rd Dec with conditions very good at -5c and no wind!
The competitors set up tents, had bacon sandwiches and tea and then retired to their sleeping bags to catch a few hours sleep before finalising preparations in the afternoon. After checking ski's, setting up resupply bags and a few other final preparations the guys bedded down to get some well earned sleep before the training phase...
Day 33:
With a weather front approaching we started to move the competitors forward 50km (to avoid crevasse fields) in two phases, with group one leaving Novo at 10.00hrs. The weather conditions were excellent with clear blue skies, -1c and no wind; the competitors were blessed with an almost perfect day!
It took almost 3hrs to get to the location with the snow conditions a little deep in areas causing some difficulties for the vehicles. On arrival the teams set up tents and spent the afternoon getting their ski legs. The remaining staff and competitors packed away the Novo Base Camp and gathered the remaining equipment and stores to be loaded for the second trip...!
Today, some of the tents took several hours to dig out after enduring 3 major storms in the past 6 weeks so were buried quite deep!
As we were approaching early evening last night we have all 5 vehicles packed and loaded the remaining group headed off towards the Antarctic Plateau to join the others. It was approaching nearly midnight by time the guys arrived with the temperature dropping to -20c it was a real chance to experience a cold Antarctic Evening…
Don't forget to check the racer's progress at http://www.extremeworldraces.com/races/south-pole-race/race-progress/2011-race-to-the-south-pole/
1179.jpg "Day 33")
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25 December 2011 at 09:00
http://www.extremeworldraces.com/races/south-pole-race/race-progress/2011-race-to-the-south-pole/
It’s day 33 the 24th of December 2011 and the weather has calmed a little and the wind has transformed the camp; just in time for Christmas!
Bar 100 is almost buried but looks more like it should do now the wind has carved a new look. We will be having Christmas dinner this evening as we will travel towards the 100th anniversary start line on Christmas day.
The competitors will leave Novo today on the first leg of their journey. Emotions will be high on all sides as they walk away from civilisation to a wild wilderness of white.
What awaits our teams over the next three weeks? Check their progress at http://www.extremeworldraces.com/races/south-pole-race/race-progress/2011-race-to-the-south-pole/
Tony Martin
[Ed: MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! Best wishes and good health to all.]
1176.jpg "Day 33")
1177.jpg "Day 33")
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24 December 2011 at 10:56
For up to date information on the racers’ progress visit http://www.extremeworldraces.com/races/south-pole-race/race-progress/2011-race-to-the-south-pole/
Hello it’s day 32 the 23rd of December 2011 and we have a storm at camp. Refueling in Antarctica is probably the most dangerous job to do especially at -32, in a storm- even "Happy Feet" is getting cold! Unfortunately as well, Jim the Chef, had to have emergency dental work not the greatest experience here for sure.
The competitors are now safely in Novo making preparations to start the acclimatisation phrase. As a result of delayed flights we will probably start the race on the 3rd of January instead of the original plan to start on New Years’ Day. Like everything here it is totally controlled by the weather. Even with my relationship with Mother Nature she still has control…like most women in the World!
There will be two updates soon put up daily onto the website; one from me and one from the team working directly with the racers. We are currently many miles apart; I am at the South Pole and they are at the edge of the continent. We will depart soon to return to 83 degrees to get the start line final preparations done and look forward to meeting with all of the racers.
Don’t forget, you can follow the racers’ progress at http://www.extremeworldraces.com/races/south-pole-race/race-progress/2011-race-to-the-south-pole/
Tony Martin
1171.jpg "Day 32")
1173.jpg "Day 32")
Tags: Tony Martin
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23 December 2011 at 09:13
It’s the 22nd December and the weather is perfect. No wind, -24 and it feels like we are in the Mediterranean! We said goodbye to Felicity this morning as she left for the second half of her trip. She is doing so well.
We are now back at our base preparing for the drive to 83 degrees (the 100th Race start line). The amazing thing about working in Antarctica is the clarity of mind you experience. After a week or so the mind adjusts itself to the silence that surrounds you and the value of ‘perspective’ floods back…
All the racers have now arrived safely in Novo after the weather cleared to allow the plane to land. They are getting into the swing of things and practicising the daily routine; putting up their tents, sorting out teammates' roles, general admin etc.
To view the racers' progress visit http://www.extremeworldraces.com/races/south-pole-race/race-progress/2011-race-to-the-south-pole/
Tony Martin
[Ed: It is Tony's (21st...!) birthday today so all at EWR wish him a lovely day.)
1167.jpg "Day 31")
1168.jpg "Day 31")
Tags: Tony Martin | Double Traverse
Posted in South Pole | 2011. Race to the Pole. Scott v Amundsen Centenary | Extreme Races | Press Releases | 3 Comments »
22 December 2011 at 15:28
Team Keep A Child Alive visited the 'soup kitchen' set up by their Charity in Hangberg to visit those who live there.
Team KaCA, consisting of Frank, Gavin and James, visited the children to bring some early Christmas cheer to those affected by illness and disease.
AIDS has orphaned 1.9 million children in South Africa alone. Life cannot be bought in a pill so KaCA is a pioneering charity dedicated to providing more than just the pills needed to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa and India, providing life saving AIDS treatment, care, nutrition, support and most of all, love, to children and familites affected by HIV and AIDS.
They are doing an amazing job and the photos below show just what great work KaCA and Frank, Gavin and James are doing. However, there is always more that can be done. Visit keepachildalive.org for more information, how to get involved and ways to donate.
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22 December 2011 at 09:26
It’s Day 30 the 21st December and we had two adventurers pass the camp with their kits only doing 3km an hour. We have seen these two before four weeks ago back at the edge of the continent.
In the first picture you can see the space-ship-like kite just hanging in the sky. It really is such a lovely sight! The second shows you the kind of kites that they will have been using.
100 years ago they used dogs, horses and manpower and today you can see kites and comfortable 6x6 or 4x4 trucks. We have been making many comparisons over the last month regarding Scott and Amundsen’s trips and the one thing that remains constant in this ongoing debate is the men themselves. What drives men and women to look for the remotest and dangerous locations on Earth, then plan, design, organise and execute an expedition to that location?
I have been doing this for 35 years and still do not have an answer (nor have I found the meaning of life or the purpose of the human race!).
Please send your answers to tony@extremeworldraces.com. I would be really interested in reading them.
Tony Martin
1145.jpg "Day 30")
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21 December 2011 at 09:09
Hello it’s Day 29 the 20th December and we are in a full white-out. We have finished laying the wood floor in the kitchen and have completed the sauna though!
Felicity Aston arrives at the Pole in approximately 30 minutes and I have sent two trucks to meet her.
The weather in Antarctica can change from beautiful clear blue skies to absolute violence in minutes but that is just something you have got to appreciate in a place like Antarctica.
The camp we have at Novo has been battered for two weeks now and the team there have been working round the clock on 3 hour shifts trying to clear the snow. They have been brilliant though and it is now back up and running again and awaiting the racers.
Tony Martin
1141.jpg "Day 29")
1142.jpg "ay 29")
Posted in South Pole | 2011. Race to the Pole. Scott v Amundsen Centenary | Extreme Races | Press Releases | 1 Comments »
20 December 2011 at 09:27
It’s Day 28 the 19th of December and it is - 27 outside and we are in a bit of a white out. The entire team is cleaned, had their sauna (!) and have even washed all their clothes from the last 4 weeks. Drying them though is posing a problem…
There are many unique things about Antarctica but one that for me comes across as the most incredibly powerful is that it will expose the person within; the one you look at each morning in the mirror has never shown so clear. Antarctica is the most fantastic place to have a complete mental detox in a kind of solitude I have never felt before on any of my travels around the World. Simply because all of the noise, smells, advertising, bravado, social hang-ups, commitments, texts, phone calls and distractions in life disappear leaving you on your own and deep in your mind. The 100th Anniversary skiers will experience a magical transition in their state of their mind that very few have ever felt.
Tony Martin
[Ed: I am glad that so many people are enjoying reading the updates, it is great to receive your lovely comments. Many thanks.]
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19 December 2011 at 09:27
Day 27: The team rested last night and awoke to warm temperatures of -25 and sunshine. We have spent the day doing routine checks on equipment and on the trucks. The trucks can carry 3-4 tons of equipment and still float over the surface, they are a God send! I made a decision at the beginning of the trip to have a maximum of 2.5 tons on the trucks and this has saved hundreds of litres of fuel. The trucks are performing better than ever with no issues so far.
The competitors have been given instructions on the communication systems we use for safety. This season we have added further device that transmits every 15 minutes to our control center the exact location, heartbeat, pulse rate and core temperature of the individual wearing it. In addition to this they carry a Personal Locator Beacon, Iridium satellite phone and three GPS's. This allows the safety team to know exactly where everyone is at any given time. With the on board computers and GPS system the vehicles we use can drive in any weather condition to within 1 metre of the teams. Things normally happen when the weather is bad, so no planes can fly. This is one of the totally unique advantages that Extreme World Races has, and uses.
Tony Martin
1134.jpg "Day 27")
1135.jpg "Day 27")
Tags: Tony Martin | Double Traverse
Posted in South Pole | 2011. Race to the Pole. Scott v Amundsen Centenary | Extreme Races | Press Releases | 1 Comments »
18 December 2011 at 10:07
It's day 26 of the 17th December 2011 and we are back at the South Pole. We travelled a distance of 1,254 km over a period of 5 days.
On the way back it took us a total of 47 hours of which 17.5 hours was spent driving, this is a new World Record and cannot wait to get it verified when we return to the UK. However, we did spend 20.5 hours sleeping, taking pictures, talking, enjoying the breathtaking views and going to the bathroom!
The competitors for the 100th Anniversary Race are now packed and ready to fly. Unfortunately, due to bad weather and 125 km winds in Novo the plane will be delayed one day.
The speculation has started as to who may win, however, the truth of the matter is it is truly about the taking part that counts. It sounds like a cliché but as this is without a doubt one of the hardest races on Earth, it shows the strength of the individuals just for taking that first step and applying to do something extraordinary. It's a privilege for me to spent time with these endurance athletes.
In a few days we will do another route check of the entire race distance just to confirm the route is certainly safe.
Tony Martin
1127.jpg "Day 26")
1128.jpg "Day 26")
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17 December 2011 at 12:05
It's day 25 the 16th December 2011 and we are at S 89 02.580 W 131 58.133: only 100KM to go to get back to the South Pole. We are taking it easy as we have just climbed from sea level to 2897 meters in less than 29 hours. So we will eat, sleep and continue in the morning. We have also caught up with Felicity again and it is always nice to see her.
It was very cold today and Gummi got frostnip on his nose. He is fine now and has no lasting damage but it just goes to show how easy it is. The weather has been cold but clear and the sun is belting down some rays which mixed with light cloud forms "Sun Dogs". It is very beautiful to see.
Our competitors for the 100th anniversary race are busy packing their sledges with all the food they need for the entire race. EWR's capabilities in Antarctica with our Arctic Trucks Expedition trucks is even starting to impress me. There is nowhere
on this continent where we cannot provide safe, fuel efficient, comfortable, 45km an hour (safe speeds), state of the art communications to scientists or adventurers alike.
Countdown for the race has started. Watch this space as history gets relived and remembered.
On a personal note, we named a mountain yesterday in remembrance of Cheyenne (center girl in first picture). "
May she rest in peace"
Tony Martin
1125.jpg "Cheyenne")
Tags: Tony Martin | Double Traverse
Posted in South Pole | 2011. Race to the Pole. Scott v Amundsen Centenary | Extreme Races | Press Releases | 1 Comments »
16 December 2011 at 13:06
‘Extreme World Races’ demands the ‘ColdAvenger’ for South Pole Endurance Event
South Pole racers will wear ColdAvenger Pro masks to protect their face and airway
Talus Outdoor Technologies, maker of the ColdAvenger line of high-performance cold weather protective gear has joined forces with ultra adventure operator Extreme World Races to provide competitors undertaking the upcoming Centenary Race to the South Pole’ with the gear necessary to venture comfortably into the extreme climates they are set to face.
The ‘EWR Centenary Race to the South Pole’ will take competitors over 500 miles across some of the earth’s driest and highest deserts. Talus Outdoor Technologies is providing competitors with ColdAvenger Pro masks designed to protect skin and airways against the frigid temperatures against the frigid temperatures, while allowing them to breathe freely and prevent the fogging of their goggles.
“We are excited to be a part of this unique race and to also know the participants will be able to think about competing, rather than worrying about their lungs and airway being severely damaged by the frigid air,” says John Sullivan III, CEO of Talus Outdoor Technologies.
"These masks are a significant improvement on anything we have used before, minimizing the risk of frostbite and windburn to the face and virtually eliminating the problem of goggles misting up," says EWR's CEO Tony Martin.
The ColdAvenger’s soft medical-grade polyurethane nose and mouth chambers mixes inhaled cold air with exhaled warm air to achieve a dynamic balance of warmth and humidity while keeping moisture away from the face. The fabric is windproof, water resistant, and has a comfortable stretch to fit the face, ears and neck. The ColdAvenger’s patent-pending ventilation technology keeps temperatures inside the mask 40-60 degrees warmer than outside air while allowing total free breathing.
Extreme World Races has hosted a multitude of endurance and multi-disciplinary races since 2003, helping individuals and groups achieve the extraordinary and compete in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Races take place at both poles, North and South; deep within Siberia with the ‘Black Ice Race’, the world’s first multi-disciplinary race across the world’s oldest deepest lake, Lake Baikal; and for all wannabe adventurers, a one week ‘Adventure Academy’ in Norway.
Notes to editors
• Extreme World Races are famous around the world for organising races at the extremes of human performance since 2003. Founded by ex-soldier, adventurer and entrepreneur, Tony Martin, Extreme World Races work in the most hostile environments of sea, air and land on the planet helping groups and individuals to experience once- in- a- lifetime adventures. www.extremeworldraces.com
• Founded and headquartered in Missoula, Montana, Talus Outdoor Technologies™ is a leading innovator in technologically-advanced outdoor gear. Talus is dedicated to helping outdoor enthusiasts Stay Out Longer.™ In 2007, Talus introduced the ColdAvenger®, an advanced, high-quality cold weather protection mask developed by a physician and a skier. The ColdAvenger® is the result of more than two years of research and development testing in Northern Rocky Mountain winters to achieve four functional goals: thermal comfort, ventilation adequacy, moisture control and ease of breathing during exercise. Talus is proud to provide an elite product while being socially and environmentally conscious. www.talusoutdoortech.com
Tags: Talus | ColdAvenger
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16 December 2011 at 09:44
Some of our South Pole Competitors left Heathrow on Wednesday bound for Cape Town for the first stage on the way to the South Pole.
In Cape Town, they will be met by our specialist EWR team of seasoned staff and instructors for pre-race preparation. They will be issued with their dry food for the whole of the expedition (and a lot of sorting will need to be done!), any last minute admin, check and programme their nevigation systems and receive lectures on safety, routes, dangers and operational instructions.
We would also like to welcome the BBC's finest (and genuinely nicest) Helen Skelton to our team. It was great to see her getting along with the other competitors and integrating into the team so quickly. You are welcome any time, Helen!
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16 December 2011 at 09:23
Day 24, Long Way Back- It’s the 15th December and we have left the Ross Ice Shelf to return to the South Pole. We are currently at S86, 44.782 W135, 00.596 and have covered 183 km. We left at 1607 GMT on the 15th and left a mark on the wooden pole that the Americans left to mark the position of the Ross Ice shelf in adventure tradition. The UK have made their mark!
As we climbed back up to 2426 meters the weather closed in. We have noticed that the gift left to us by Jo, the penguin ‘Happy feet’, starts to fly at 28km an hour, his bum lifts up and his wings start flapping...
The competitors for the 100th Anniversary Race are now completing more lectures in Cape Town in preparation for the flight into Antarctica. Extreme World Races has a policy that unless we have trained the racers, guests, VIP's and anyone under our instruction, they do not participate in our events. Safety is our top priority, followed by a lot of fun, thus allowing each individual to find themselves again in this dramatic playground of the Gods.
Pictures to follow shortly...
Tony Martin
1120.jpg "Day 24")
1123.jpg "Day 24")
Tags: Tony Martin | Double Traverse
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15 December 2011 at 16:28
NOVO Update – 15 Dec. 11
Since the passing of the storm it has taken over 3 days to dig out the administration tents at the rate of one per day!! The huge volume of snow which engulfed the tents seemed to take for ever to remove and with no mechanical assistance available it was down to good old ‘manpower’ and shovels! The weather held out really well with blue skies and limited winds which enabled us to successfully re-build one tent from two damaged ones by repairing the rips and fixing damaged poles. The smaller oven tents remained in good condition and were left in situ after removing some external snow and ice.
The additional support crew arrived at 13.00hrs on the 14th Dec slightly earlier than expected as the flight from Cape Town was brought forward due to an impending storm approaching. With a quick turn around and pilots rested the IL76 headed back to Cape Town at 22.30hrs the same day with just hours to spare as the second storm started to take hold.
With the winds increasing and spin drift racing across the frozen ice shelf the team made final preparations to lock down the camp and re-position vehicles and trailers in open spaces to avoid snow drifts building up.
It was welcome news later that evening to hear that the advance team had successfully reached the Ross Ice Shelf and completed a World’s First by traversing Antarctica from coast to coast after their launch from Novo, especially on the anniversary of Amundsens historical arrival at the South Pole on the 14th Dec 1911..
Throughout the night the storm increased in intensity and by morning we were faced with the ‘Mother of All Storms’ and some of the worst weather to hit Novo in years! Even heading to the Mess Tent for breakfast took a huge effort with no visibility, high snow drifts and extreme winds.
Several members of the team volunteered to brave the extreme weather and check on the condition of the Oven Tents and to our surprise found them in good condition with the exception of a broken pole, which received emergency repairs..
As the day has progressed the alert state has increased with all personnel at the Air Base on lock down and restricted movements! Movement is permitted in two or more persons with Radio Checks enforced on departure and arrival, even going to the toilets!!
With winds averaging 130km and gusting up to 150km most people are happy to remain in their accommodation to ride out the storm…
Unable to continue to check on the Oven Tents we are literally in the hands of Mother Nature and will have to hope that minimal damage (if any) has been caused when the high winds subside. With the forecast showing continued bad weather for another 3 days it will be a painstaking waiting game…
No doubt heading to dinner this evening will another major challenge with only a 50m walk taking well over 10mins and that’s if you find the Mess Tent the first time!
Sorry, no pictures at the moment as there is very little bandwidth coverage in this weather so will follow later..
Tags: David Martin
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15 December 2011 at 09:46
Day 23 – Finish Line of the First Leg Completed! After 23 days we have made it across Antarctica on one of the longest routes in history; 3280 km and on the Anniversary of Amundsen's arrival at the South Pole, greeted by the Norwegian Prime Minister at the Pole. It is truly overwhelming. This area is one of the most majestic and dangerous places I have ever been in. However for all her beauty she also has hidden dangers- ‘crevasses’. On the last leg of 50 km the weight of the vehicles opened up two crevasses that would have swallowed all three vehicles if the snow bridge had collapsed completely. The advanced warning of the radar stopped the fleet moving forward on both occasions. The Arctic Trucks expertise has once again proved invaluable to Extreme World Races.
It has been a humbling experience crossing Antarctica and I have total respect for Mother Nature for letting us know on occasion that she is the boss and we are simply guests in her back yard. Now it’s back to the start line to prepare for the Centenary Race in remembrance of those great men, Captain Robert Falcon Scott and Roald Amundsen, 100 years ago.
All competitors are on their way to Cape Town as you read this blog after the EWR Team, Emily, Andy and Mikey, saw them off at the airport seamlessly yesterday evening.
Many thanks to the ground team and all the support teams involved for their invaluable expertise, dedication, motivation and, most of all, brilliant company. Now for the long journey back...
"Inspire someone today"
Tony Martin
1112.jpg "Day 23")
1114.jpg "Day 23")
Tags: Tony Martin | Double Traverse
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14 December 2011 at 09:10
Day 22: It has been an amazing day with stunning views and clear blue skies all the way. We departed this morning saying our farewells to Felicity as she skied up the glacier and we headed down. The Arctic Trucks mechanics, and in this case the medic, spent a few hours putting the radar back together so we can test for crevasses before we drive into them. This is the same device that we used to set the Centenary Race that starts on the first of January so we know that it works well!
You will be able to watch the racers as they acclimatize from sea level to 3300 meters starting approximately on the 21st of December, but watch the website for definite dates.
On a personal note, I am aware that all the competitors are packing tonight for their journey to Cape Town. The EWR team, Emily, Andy and Mikey will meet you at the airport to wish you well and check everything runs smoothly! Please could you wear your EWR softshell jackets that we provided. I wish you all the luck and a safe trip, see you at 83 degrees...
1105.jpg "Day 22")
Tags: Tony Martin | Double Traverse |
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13 December 2011 at 13:30
Extreme World Races To Provide Logistics Support For Blue Peter's Helen Skelton 800km Record Attempt To South Pole For BBC Sports Relief
Blue Peter's Helen Skelton has today announced that she's to attempt to become the first person to reach the South Pole using skis, kites and even a bike to get there as part of a fundraising initiative for BBC's 2012 Sports Relief campaign. As part of this, Extreme World Races is providing safety guidance, production and logistics support and has worked closely with the BBC over several months to provide a detailed plan for Helen’s 800km attempt across Antarctica.
As part of the infrastructure, production and logistics support, Extreme World races is providing a specially commissioned Arctic Hilux Truck which will help to facilitate different aspects of the production and camerawork needed.
28-year-old Helen starts her Ski, Kite and Ice Bike ride for Sport Relief on January 1. She said: 'The magnitude of this challenge is finally starting to dawn on me. My friends keep pointing out that nobody has ever used a bike to reach the South Pole, possibly because it can't be done! Maybe it can't, but the more people tell me it's impossible the more I think, if I can do this I can look any kid in the eye and say "impossible and difficult are different things".'
Earlier this year Extreme World Races helped Helen undertake a detailed training plan in Iceland to provide her with the perfect preparation as she will face travelling up to 14 hours a day battling 80mph winds; -50C temperatures; and pulling a sledge containing food, equipment and supplies weighing up to 12 stone.
Extreme World Races CEO Tony Martin comments, ‘Following on from our success helping to facilitate and co-ordinate the BBC’s ‘On Thin Ice’ series with Ben Fogle and James Cracknell a couple of years back, we’re delighted to once again be working with the BBC in Antarctica on what will be a fantastic challenge and undoubtedly a great fundraising platform for Sports Relief. Working alongside the network and infrastructure of our own ‘Centenary Race to the South Pole’ we’re delighted to be helping Helen in her record bid.’
Helen's Polar Challenge For Sport Relief will be shown in a nine-week series on Blue Peter starting at the end of January.
Check out Helen’s announcement on CBBC Newsround at http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/16154938 and on BBC Breakfast at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-16161062
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13 December 2011 at 09:48
Day 21: Today the team fueled the trucks and we headed off for the Ross Ice Shelf. Our purpose today was to find Felicity Aston our friend and work colleague who is currently attempting a solo ski across Antarctica; over a 1700km journey. To give you an idea of what she will be attempting, we are doing a double traverse of 7000 km by 4x4 and hopefully setting a World Record if all goes well. Felicity is in good spirits and, as usual, very determined. Everyone at Extreme World Races is very proud of Felicity and we are all wishing her well.
Tags: Tony Martin |
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12 December 2011 at 10:41
NOVO Update – 10 Dec. 11
The past few days have been extremely hectic with Mother Nature showing just how ferocious she can be with the arrival of a massive storm within hours of the VIP group just escaping the Antarctic Continent for the warm climate of Cape Town.
The Logistics based guys at Novo (both Andy’s) finally boarded the Basler (DC3) flight on route to the South Pole to collect the VIP group on the 6th Dec. After days of deliberation regarding weather patterns the flight eventually took flight for FD83 (re-fuelling point) and a re-assessment of the weather conditions at the South Pole on arrival. The decision was made to overnight at FD83 and wait for a window of opportunity on the morning of the 7th for a 2.5hr flight to the South Pole.
Unfortunately the conditions at the Pole were not looking good, which was also confirmed by the satellite pictures of the area. A window appeared and the Basler Crew went for it landing safely just outside the South Pole at EWR’s ‘Camp 100’. Within 10 minutes the window closed and the horizon became shrouded yet again in a veil of white canvas! After an unsuccessful attempt to take off, the guys decided to extend the makeshift ice runway for a further 2km to give the Basler the extended opportunity to hopefully take off. With time against the whole team and the impending Ilyshin (IL76) flight departure to Cape Town from Novo at 22.30hrs the pressure was on to get airborne and back to Novo for the flight. With barely a horizon in sight and a taxi of over 4km on the makeshift runway the Basler was finally up and away for the 9hr flight and race to catch the flight. The arrival of the pre-race advance team earlier that day on the IL76 flight ensured that negotiations were on-going all day at Novo with our Russian Logistics partner (ALCI) who eventually agreed and delayed the IL76 flight until 01.30hrs in order for the VIP Group to make the flight. With the Basler arriving at Novo at 00.30hrs and after a quick ‘pee break’ and cup of coffee the VIP Group boarded the flight to Cape Town and waved good bye to Antarctica and their amazing adventures. Within 1hr of the flight departing the weather closed in and a horrendous storm descended on the airbase.
With winds averaging 80km per hour and gusting up to 120km the air base was on lock down and self-preservation! Movements became restricted and even a trip to the mess tent required a minimum of two people. Visibility dropped to less than 1m as snow drifts and high winds hammered the base. After 36hrs of continuous onslaught the EWR Base Camp Tents eventually gave in and the weather took its toll as massive snow drifts engulfed the tents forcing the inevitable collapse of the main frame and subsequent collapse of two of the main administration tents, despite the guys working round the clock to try and keep the snow from building on the tent canvases. The smaller Artic Oven tents were holding up well and a battle then ensued to keep the last administration tent from suffering the same fate. Working in 2hr shifts around the clock to fight the storm the guys are working tirelessly to salvage the base camp, now approaching 72hrs there appears to be no let-up in the relentless pounding of the Air Base...
Ed: Today EWR's Logistics Manager, Andy, landed safely back in the UK and is currently at home sleeping and washing (phew!) after over 2 months working tirelessly in Antarctica. We are so very lucky to have him and look forward to having him back in the office tomorrow. Well Done Andy!!
Tags: Dave Martin | Novo |
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12 December 2011 at 09:47
Day 18: All is well at Camp 100, today we put up the toilet tents and cut open fuel drums to store the waste which will be returned to Novo on completion of the trip. We also started to build our outdoor workshop for the trucks for the routine inspections that need to be made regularly to avoid any mechanical failure. The setting is almost complete here at the Pole but unfortunately not so for Dave and our team in Novo who are battling with 54 knot winds and zero visibility [Special update from Dave in Novo now up]
Now all we need is the racers and the set is complete. Cannot wait.
1076.jpg "Day 18")
Day 19: Today was a long and cold day at about -38 with some wind. We have now finally built Camp 100 and are making preparations to drive down to the edge of the Ross Ice Field. We have carried out a full maintenance on all the trucks and found that we have got ice in the fuel systems and filters. This stops the engine dead in its tracks and takes about 15 mins to fix. It does not happen often but the fuel we are using (the only available) is not very good and does have some water in it which causes the cooling. The team are well and showered in our designer shower facility! Taking a shower at this temperature is an experience in itself (as you can imagine!) but at least the men are now clean and have stopped smelling of rotten eggs and sewage...
1079.jpg "Day 19")
1080.jpg "Day 19")
Day 20: Hello! We spent the day preparing for the next stage. We have attached the Radar again to look for crevasses which is thankfully working great.
We have also put new additional fans in the engine to draw more cold air into the engine. Unfortunately, we have found that with altitude we are losing 25% of our power when the wind is behind us (this happens a lot) but it took us a while to realise this. This has been addressed though with the installation of these new fans which has helped to regain some of the power.
We will leave to the next stage at 12 mid day on the 12 December.
Tags: Tony Martin |
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09 December 2011 at 09:28
Day 17: It is the coldest day yet at - 36 but we luckily we have acclimatised now to our environment so it does not feel so cold. All is good with the team of 5 but working at altitude drains everything out of you.
We are half way through building "Camp 100" and we have finished our outside bar! The camp is designed to give every comfort we possibly can to the competitors when they finish the race; a home from home! This year’s competitors are especially lucky and will not have to put up tents or cook anymore.
Our guests are now safely back in Cape Town and the biggest congratulations to them. I hope it was everything you hoped and wished for, and more.
Tags: Tony Martin |
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08 December 2011 at 09:21
Day 16: The ‘whiteout’ finally cleared, the plane left safely and all is well as our guests depart for home. I would like to say a huge thank you to all of the VIP guests for their time with EWR and we wish them all the luck and hope that they keep in contact in the future. A parting gift from our guests was a large cuddly toy penguin which has been called "Happy feets". He will accompany us on the traverse and all the way home as our EWR mascot and it will be nice to have some new company in the car! Once Happy Feets is returned to his home in the Bahamas he will raise money for children.
Also, we have started work on the Centenary Race base camp at the South Pole and have even decided to build a bar out of ice called Bar 100. [Ed: Not a very imaginative name, Tony!] Look forward to everyone arriving.
1073.jpg "Day 16(2)")
Tags: Tony Martin |
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07 December 2011 at 09:25
Day 15: On this day the entire team arrived at the South Pole. Our guests skied in along with the youngest person to ever ski to the pole, Alex, at 15 years of age. All is good but we are now sitting in a "white out" (a dense blizzard where the ground, features and the horizon are all indistinguishable) waiting for a weather window to appear to call the plane in to take them home. I think they have mixed feelings about leaving; it has been tough physically but still the most amazing experience ever for them and they will be sad to leave this beautifully unpredictable wilderness.
Also, I am very pleased to say that the Centenary South Pole Race route is complete and ready for the teams to arrive mid December.
So a note to all the South Pole 11/12 Racers: See you all soon!
You will be able to check the route of the Centenary Race to the South Pole at www.extremeworldraces.com
Tags: Tony Martin |
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06 December 2011 at 09:21
Day 14: After a very long drive and ski our guests have arrived at our South Pole base ‘Camp 100’, situated 20km from the Pole itself. They have absolutely loved it and are now feeling on top of the world (well…at the bottom of the world I should say, excuse the pun).
We found our temporary campsite from last season exactly where we left it – amazing. This will now be part of our small hotel complex, restaurant and free bar!
Anyone is welcome, just get yourself here…
Tags: Tony Martin |
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05 December 2011 at 09:45
It is day thirteen of our journey across Antarctica. Our guests from "Think Global School" (http://thinkglobalschool.org/) covered the 15km in record time. The safety team had to do some routine oil checks on our vehicles but I am confident in the abilities of our team and they have so far done amazing things with the bespoke trucks! Tomorrow we will all head to "Camp 100" our temporary base 20km from the South Pole. This is where the centenary racers will rest and fly home from once they complete the race route. Again, everyone is well and enjoying the deafening silence of social escape and the pure mental detox that occurs in this vast sea of white. There is nothing quite like it.
Tags: Tony Martin |
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04 December 2011 at 09:32
Day 12: We are in the last stretch of the finalising the race route and envisage that we only have approximately three days before we reach the South Pole and everyone is in good health. It is also great to hear that things are also going really well at the camp that we left. The new heating system that our group cleverly designed is working beautifully and has so far managed to melt around 120 litres of water a day; an absolute dream over here! Our bespoke group of guests are doing another 15km ski today and the weather conditions couldn’t be better for them: bright blue sky, soft snow, little wind. Perfect.
Tags: Tony Martin
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03 December 2011 at 09:32
Day 11: For the moment we are still at S 88 00.21 W 020 00.194 and the guests are getting used to their skis and equipment after a good nights sleep. It not well advised to fly into Antarctica and then hop straight onto a DC3 aircraft that is not pressurized and fly 6 hours into the center of Antarctica so the acclimatisation is so important. This trip is only for those who have a passion for life and are prepared to do something different. It is a pleasure to spend time with our guests before the set off to ski for several hours to our next location. The Centenary racers have to do the same but the ski for them is just short of 800 km.
Tags: Tony Martin |
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02 December 2011 at 09:00
Hello! Day 10 and our guests arrived safely and were met by the team from EWR. The group represents an organisation called THINK Global School, a private non-profit high school that travels the world and allows their students the chance to study in three new international cities each academic year. EWR is committed to doing our bit to educate children to protect and respect our beautiful World and conserve it for the future (visit our Foundation page on the tabs above).
Our guests have slept a little to acclimatise to the quite swift change in altitude and then ate a lovely home made meal delivered by our private Executive chef Jim. They are now all resting and will start their ski trip in the morning alongside the pilots who have also joined us and will leave with them.
Tags: Tony Martin |
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01 December 2011 at 08:00
Day 9: A great day setting up a base camp for our guests today and spirits are high. We now have a fully functional kitchen with an Executive chef! Not only this but we have also got a shower tent, toilet room and a full dining room including an espresso machine :-) ! Who would have thought it possible?! All the EWR team are fine, working hard and finalising the race route for the 100th Anniversary race starting in mid December.
Tags: Tony Martin
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