Canoe Trail is a family run business which is built upon a love of paddling, the great outdoors and promoting a healthy lifestyle. We primarily operate on the River Great Ouse, voted the 4th best River in Britain and have the latest canoes, kayaks and stand Up Paddle Boards available.

Customers can opt for a simple hire to go explore by themselves, a guided trip with one of team or get tuition from experienced paddlers and coaches. Canoe Trail is as much a lifestyle choice to promote paddling and get people on the water as it is a business. We can tailor our services from a simple splash about to family holidays camping out or provide tuition to develop paddling skills or even help with charity challenges. We can organize trips paddling at different inland and coastal locations and of course have 75 miles of the River Great Ouse from Bedford to the Wash at our disposal.

Canoe Trail has recently developed a new partnership with the Marston Vale Forest Trust to provide a new wild campsite adjacent the river allowing customers to canoe or kayak to their campsite located in the idyllic 'Matchstick Woods'.

Driving down to Lands End proved to be something of a magical mystery tour. As with the running theme of many of our challenges it coincided with some of the worst weather on record. We arrived at Lands End and did the touristy bits, the visitor centre, Sennan Cove and other Cornish Treasures.  The storms had brought massive waves with 2-3 metre breakers and surf.  The locals had even moved the lifeboat to the South Coast so we were facing another difficult risk assessment.

Paddling out through the monstrous surf before a 10 hour endurance effort was foolhardy so we decided to find a location on the Southern, more protected coastline. We tuned in to the locals as the best source of advice and discovered Lamorna Cove which added another 4-5 miles of paddling but avoided the surf break.  We had organized for a  local fisherman to provide some support cover given the conditions. We followed him and wandering sea gulls into the Atlantic.

Given the low lying elevation of the Isles of Scilly the horizon offered no clue of our destination which was disconcerting.  The 4 metre swell had a slow rolling pitch which made us all feel queasy. Bamboo Dave began to really suffer and after a couple of hours threw up. 30 minutes later the process repeated and 45 minutes after that. He remained green gilled and sick for the next 3-4 hours before exhausted he was unable to continue. One of the highlights of the long crossing was a fly by from a Royal Navy Sea King helicopter. We also got a few toots from the Silloian Ferry which also proved a good motivator. Our destination was hosting the World Gig Racing (Rowing festival) so our arrival would be given a good reception we hoped. We had certainly made an effort.

Eventually the horizon offered a change of landscape and we realized it was ‘Land Ahoy’. On closer inspection as we approached the large vessel moored between the islands we discovered it was a Royal Navy frigate. They would be pleased to see us and celebrate our success. Apparently they are not keen on receiving a group of kayaks on their bow and politely asked us to leave at gunpoint.  We paddled across the bay and into the town. Surely fanfares and some kind words followed by beer and food. Alas it was not the case we were informed that all the food and drink had gone and we should have arrived earlier.  The cheek! We did protest and explain we had been trying to get their sooner.

We spent a few days sea kayaking around the Isles of Scilly in testing conditions surrounded by stunning beaches, islands and wildlife. It was definitely a place we will return to in future with lots of unfinished paddling.  The duration of the crossing had proved tough with balancing hydration, feeding our bodies and maintaining energy and of course needing the toilet.  Trying to force ourselves to pee in our boats proved pretty difficult. We had paddled from Lands End and found the paradise that is the Isles of Scilly.  4 challenges complete with the big one, The Inside Passage, Vancouver to Alaska left to tick off.

Weather Conditions: 4 metre swell and testing conditions

Date: May 2009

Miles: 32 Nautical miles (40 miles)

High Points: Getting a Royal Navy flyby by a Sea King Helicopter

Low Points: 9 and ½ hours in a sea kayak  and trying to pee in our boats

Team: Aisling Ni Chuinn, David Gordon, Olly Jay, Aaron Buckingham, Geoff Tilford , Richard Harpham,

Mileage Counter: 

About Me

I wanted to provide a small snap shot of what makes me tick? What motivates me? I love life and have been truly blessed with exceptional friends and a loving family and embrace challenges and adventures to help me grow and experience more. How much is nature and how much is nurture is part of the greater debate but i approach all things with a can do attitude, in business, in my adventures and making the most of life.

As i have got older the little voice in my head repeatedly reminds me there are no reruns and that i should try and make a difference to others where i can. I honestly feel that Inspired Life is my calling, to share inspiration with young people and communities, and the best use of my god given talent. It also makes sense of the hours spent studying for three degrees as a non accademic and outdoor person.

My feet are firmly rooted to the floor, i am nothing special but i do dare to dream, make plans and learn from my many mistakes.

Hope you find ideas and inspiration for your goals amongst my words

Richard Matheson Harpham

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Richard's adventures have had coverage across the globe at different times with major news channels including;

BBC 1 on several occasions, ITV BBC world Service, Radio 5, BBC 3 Counties, Look East, Anglian TV

The Huffington Post

Scottish Sun

National Geographic Kids Magazine

Adventure Publications

Regular coverage in online and print publications including Adventure Travel Magazine, Outdoor Adventure Guide, Outdoor Fitness, Bike Magic, Outdoor Times, Paddler magazine (Sub Editor), Canoe Focus (BCU), Outdoor Swimmer Magazine, Bushcraft and Survival Skills Magazine (Editor)

Local coverage at home and overseas with magazines, newspapers

Articles and stories in magazines (Affinity Magazine, Ouse Valley Living) and local newspapers (Bedfordshire on Sunday, Times and Citizen), BBC 3 Counties Radio, Juneau Empire, Yukon publications, Yukon Radio, Vancouver media, CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corp), BBC Look East, Anglia TV, BBC London,

Other Publications

A huge range of magazines and other media including RNLI (Lifeboat magazine front cover), MCS, Counselor magazine, Tourism magazines

Ghana Ski Team

The Ghana Ski Team adventure was broadcast globally as they received the 'Cool Runnings' tagline working with CNN, NY Times, BBC, Globe and Mail, Canada Times as they received coverage right around the planet.

The Spare Seat

The Spare Seat Expedition from Niagara Falls to Statue of Liberty was broadcast and shared with over 200 Million people with domestic US and NY media channels as well as Huffington Post, BBC world service, BBC 3 Counties, Scottish Sun, Adventure Travel Magazine, National Geographic Kids Magazine

Samples of News and Media Coverage

You can see a selection of the huge range of media coverage over almost a decade from news pieces to articles written and edited by Rich on his Gallery.

https://richadventure.smugmug.com/PressandMediaCoverage/My-Smug-Mug/

(Copies of recent pdfs and coverage available upon request - many of them in drop box ready to share)

Richard has worked on many different consultancy projects since leaving corporate life usually linked to strategic management and communications and marketing. Richard was the lead for two campaigns for the voluntary sector (Council for Voluntary Services)  in Thurrock, volunteering and pension credit.

Volunteering in Thurrock

This campaign involved creating a range of communications tools including a dedicated website, posters, booklets, videos and other resources to encourage volunteering. The project also worked closely with the Volunteer Centre which was part of the community engagement. This highly successful campaign linked to so many different groups within the community to encourage everyday people to give back and make a difference.

Pension Credit in Thurrock

This project was slightly dryer in its delivery and involved working with the DWP, Department for Work and Pensions. Again a full range of resources was developed to encourage pensioners to claim their full benefits and entitlement.

Richard Matheson Harpham FRGS is a human powered adventurer who has completed 30 expeditions and over 11,600 miles by canoe, kayak, bike and on foot.  This has seen him cycle part of the Sahara by Fat Bike, sea kayak from Vancouver Island to Alaska, kayak the English Channel three times, Canoe the Yukon River and a host of other adventures. (please note this website is still being populated with all my adventures - you can visit my image and video galleries to see more detail for now)

Richard is not motivated by traditional academic methods and practice and found school and university quite challenging. Usually he was hatching escape plans to get outdoors, have fun or occasionally a little bit of mischief.  One of his greatest frustrations was the lack of  experiential learning, practical skills and real work examples.  He is passionate about bridging the gap between education and life and this has been a large part of the motivation for Inspired Life Community Interest Company.  Despite day dreaming his way through education  he managed to obtain 3 different degrees including a MBA (Masters in Business Administration) from Cranfield University.

Richard was the product of state education with plenty of different schools as the family moved 13 times in 13 years. completed a BSc (Honours) in Marine Studies at the University of Plymouth which was selected on its location by the sea and including commercial diving as part of the course.  Richard then completed a Post Graduate Diploma from Institute of Water and Environmental Management (IWEM).  Like his late father Alan, Richard completed a MBA at Cranfield University which has equipped him with many practical skills including strategic leadership, facilitation skills and marketing practice.

Richard has continued to explore new ideas and practical learning and has completed his UKCC canoe and kayak qualifications, a PRINCE 2 practitioner qualification and also attended a programme in Transformational Leadership  at Cranfield.

Rich believes in putting people at the centre of their learning for life which has been encapsulated within the work of Inspired LIfe CIC which is co founded...

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My Motivation

The simple things that power me

What gets me up in the morning is to be able to make a difference. To inspire and share ideas and help others reach their true potential. This has always been in me, part nature and part nurture from my parents.

For me adventures form part of that journey, they fulfill my need for sport and activity, to challenge myself, discover and honour, our past and heritage and to feel alive.  Essentially that is for me.

How I spend my time is a blend of all these things. Inspired Life is about sharing and paying it forward for others to have goals and big dreams.

Canoe Trail is our opportunity to be ‘millionaires in flip flops’ enjoying and sharing the great outdoors with canoes, kayaks and paddleboards and some wild camping. 

In between I still do some corporate speaking and consultancy to pay the bills and share my skills and experience.

All of this is built on my sense of purpose and my values.

Carpe Diem

Charities And Making A Difference

Richard has been involved in supporting different charities since a young age. It has been part of his upbringing and DNA.  Put simply, if you get to live your life the way you want then you should try and make a difference to those less fortunate.

Early charitable endeavours started in Scouts with hikes and bikes and also through his family where Di, and Alan, organized a lorry to Poland full of aid for the orphanages there.  As a teenager witnessing four small children living in a tiny box room in the orphanage with a handful of processions had a big impact. Since then Richard has cycled London to Paris twice for the NSPCC and completed various challenges for charity including Tough Guy, running marathons (with no training) and local events.

Over the years Richard also responded to different events and issues by organizing his own events to raise money which included:

• Canoeing the Great Glenn Canoe Trail for WaterAid and the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust
• Canoeing Bedford to the Wash for WaterAid and the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust
• Organising a charity rugby match for the mighty Bedford Swifts versus the England Fire Service Rugby Team
• Completing the Ski to the Edge expedition to raise money for the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme

Most recently on becoming an a human powered adventurer then Richard has supported, publicized and fundraised for a number of important causes. Each one is special to him and he has tried to make a difference through his endeavours.

Charities Richard has supported and worked with include:

• Muscle Help Foundation
• River Access Campaign
• Royal National Lifeboat Institution
• Marine Conservation Society
• SportsAid – The Charity for Sport
• ABF
• Hopes and Homes for Children
• Cranfield Trust
• Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
• Team Beds and Luton (Board Member)
• Build Africa

Well about 85 miles of paddling later and we had made it. From a rough idea some 6 weeks before we had a well organised expedition in place and on the water. There was a pretty big sense of achievement from the whole team, for each of us representing something special and different. Throughout the past 6 weeks I have had a sense of something much bigger, the Isle of Wight was the baby of the bunch, just playing really. Also for me personally the paddling is only to be a small part of the whole effort. We want to use the 5 separate paddling exploits as a means to raise awareness for something bigger, funds for the Muscular Help Foundation and a donation to the Willow Foundation with some much needed fundraising and 2 great causes which need publicity and public awareness.

Well about 85 miles of paddling later and we had made it. From a rough idea some 6 weeks before we had a well organised expedition in place and on the water. There was a pretty big sense of achievement from the whole team, for each of us representing something special and different. Throughout the past 6 weeks I have had a sense of something much bigger, the Isle of Wight was the baby of the bunch, just playing really. Also for me personally the paddling is only to be a small part of the whole effort. We want to use the 5 separate paddling exploits as a means to raise awareness for something bigger, funds for the Muscular Help Foundation and a donation to the Willow Foundation with some much needed fundraising and 2 great causes which need publicity and public awareness. 

Dave, Aisling and Rich flying down Southampton Water

So back to the paddling, the days leading up to the trip for me, as one of the joint organisers/leaders was about ticking off the must do tasks on a day by day basis. Boats, check, food, check, press release and so on. The day before I arranged to meet Michael McGraith, The founder of Muscle Dreams, (a Muscular Dystrophy Charity) at Hanbury Manor golf course to talk through final plans. All was going well with plenty of enthusiasm until I got back to my home in Bedford and realise that I had left my wallet at the golf course, not ideal preparation for the following days start.

We loaded four of the sea kayaks onto the team van ready for the off. The kayaks had assembled from the 4 corners of Great Britain and Ireland literally. Hopefully our paddling under human power will at least provide some carbon credits to make up for the fuel burn! Aisling, the joint leader had picked up a slightly battered Prijon Seayak from Dublin when we went to the Ireland Canoe Polo championships some 3 weeks previously. Stephen Carter had collected his boat from Scotland on loan from his friend who runs Powerplay paddles.com. Katie, his mum drew the short straw with the driving duty for that one and no doubt cant wait for him to pass his test. The remaining boats were organised via White Water Consultancy in Wales and had been collected a fortnight before.

So kit and half the team in one place we set off to Lymmington to stay at a friend’s house before heading to the Southampton Boatshow the following day. So in leaving late and heading via Hanbury Manor golf course, some 80 mile detour to rendevous with my lost wallet, we arrived at the South Coast at almost 3am. Ouch! Not what we had planned. The remainder of the team were arriving by planes (not quite), Trains (one of them) and automobiles the following day. A few hours of sleep later and we were into final prep mode, cameras charged, yes, (although one of the waterproof ones we left the battery in the charger…Ooops), foam blocks for kit, yes and after some final miscellaneous tasks we were off to the Boatshow.

Mike Enser , Show Director sorted out vehicle passes, show passes as we kept in constant contact with the rest of the team. Aisling was in court that morning in Birmingham (on the right side of the judge!) and trying to get away to catch the 1.02 train, nerves were jangling. Dave Mac, a teacher was trying to escape to then pick up Rob Bates (Viking Kayak Club Chairman) and Geoff Tilford (racing snake in a boat) and get them to the church on time, so to speak. David (the non kayaker and former pole vaulter) Gordon was making this own way to the site.

What transpired was testament to our ability to herd cats! By about 3.30 the whole team had arrived at Southampton Water and were with some excitement ready to roll.  So a bit more background, Southampton Boatshow is one of the boating industry’s must see events. Rammed with gin palaces to racing boats to the who’s who of sailing including our Olympic heroes from Beijing 2008. The excitement and good moods were completed by the most brilliant September sunshine, the gods were smiling on us. Whilst we negotiated the tricky task of ramming the rest of our kit into our sea kayaks (something that can only get better with practise) we were visited by the show announcer. With a voice sounding like a hybrid between the speaking clock and a poet laureate it was quite exciting to relay our story and then hear it over the show PA system 15 minutes later.  We resisted the urge to make up any random facts such as “I was in fact responsible for saving that injured Dolphin from Shark attack…” or my great great grandfather was in fact Lord Nelson…!”. 

Enough chat, we launched the boats onto the small inner basin and were greeted by Rob Jenner and the support boat so kindly provided by Solent RIB Charter. It is worth mentioning that without their support for the project it would have reduced the enjoyment considerably for us, we were able to get on with the business of paddling. So we left to a mini fan fare, not really sure that anyone missed us at all! We paddled quickly across Southampton Water from the show across the shipping lane and then down the far bank. Every so often a large ferry cat or container ship would pass in the channel and we would experience bigger waves and swell. Spirits were high, all the talk was now cheap and it was all about the main event.

We paddled quickly past Hythe and onto Fawley, the massive oil refinery on the banks of Southampton Water just before you hit the Solent. All the way down we were encouraged by Rob Jenner, the support boat pilot who patrolled near the group like a hen looking after its ‘chooks’. So final briefing from me and our first big challenge, paddle South across the Solent to the Isle of Wight, crossing the main channel. Our plan was to bisect the shipping lane at 90 degrees to ensure the shortest possible crossing. The easterly current also helped to aid our passage clockwise around the island. 

The group stayed pretty close together although there were a few moments where the tail end Charlie’s had to pick up the pace and the early runners pull up on the reins. The chop in the middle of the channel near the shipping lane marker was probably as big as it got all weekend. Fairly quickly we reached Bramble Bank, a large sand bank famous for impromptu cricket matches at low tide, we ploughed on and Rob went around. As the sun began to set we had reached the island and started tracking East towards Wootton Creek and then onto Ryde. Like many great trips and adventures our plans were somewhat fluid. Paddle to a suitable place between Wootton Creek and Ryde and pitch tents for the night. Job Done.

Things started to get more complicated when Dave (I want a bed for the night) Gordon piped up that this good friend lived 10 minutes from Ryde and would pick us up and his friend’s brother owned a restaurant in Ryde (it was good grub but he couldn’t remember much on account of too much alcohol last time he visited). We pressed on, and just after Wootton Creek said goodbye to Rob and the support boat. The sunset and weather was simply amazing, another day in paradise. We had been spoilt with Rob and the boat, Gavin from Projected Vision doing some filming and also Steve’s mum Katie being our support crew (this proved invaluable later on our trip). In high spirits we approached Ryde Pier and wondered in the darkness on a route under the pier stanchions. Our deliberations were interrupted by one of the hydrofoil/fast cat boats leaving the pier and sending a 3 ft wave in our direction.

To some amusement we all stayed upright but got drenched, yeah thanks Capt. Birdseye..Nice one! We pressed on and by this stage realising that the lights of the promenade where almost 1 km away with a large mud flat separating us and terra firma. The prospect of struggling through mud was not that appealing so we decided to paddle on. Equipped with our personal lighting we edged along the shallows of the mud flat. It was slightly surreal and a little scary wondering where we might land. The map offered a prospect of paddling on for a few miles round the outline of the mudflat, In reality what this meant was dodging the hovercraft and had recently left Ryde scooting across the mud and then the shallows and off to the mainland. We were not sure when it would return and at what time and we were not keen to hang around to find out. Also by this stage it seemed that there was no obvious end to the paddling that evening. We were guided and drawn by the cardinal markers in the channel but it seemed as if we were miles of off the shore at this point, pitch black and limited idea of when we might get in.

At this point I should confess to 2-3 shrieks as fish jumped from the shallows hitting me on the back and face, after all not many people enjoy a slap round the face with a wet fish. We pressed on anxious to find sanctuary and a way in. We identified from the chart by torchlight that we had found a spit of sand that sticks out, beached and crossed this into a lagoon and we felt our spirits lift, maybe we were getting closer after all. A couple of false alarms later and we located Sea View sailing club at the North East side of the island. We beached and climbed out of our boats onto dry land. Well I say that but in fact Dave climbed out, slipped on the wet algae and ended up face first. A number of youngsters sat on the quay witnessed his mishap in the darkness and burst into laughter. Their roars of laughter were terminated quickly as Dave offered to insert his paddle somewhere unpleasant.

Dave (I know everybody) Gordon made a phonecall and 15 minutes later we were heading to his friends house for a warm bed and shower. Happy Days. Memories of that night were pretty thin but waking up the next morning to bacon and eggs was a welcome and unexpected treat. We packed out kit back into the waiting transportation and headed back to Sea View to be greeted by a very hospital commodore who watched us repack our kit and head for the top of the slipway. The resident jetty made for a long seal launch runway with mixed success depending on weight, gravity, the boat and technique. And we were off on our travels and adventures again. The weather was again glorious spirits were high and we pressed on around the to the far East end of the island. On the way we found an old fort located at sentry duty to Southampton Water, bimbled round there before passing the lifeboat station. We were again greeted with a thousand welcomes and discovered Steve’s mum Katy was holding court. We pressed on anxious to maximise the tides. We hadn’t started till 11am that day to catch the tide rather than paddle slack water or worse still against the tide.

Aisling launching at Sea View Yacht Club

We rounded the East end of the island and immediately saw the change in scenery and terrain with the white cliffs and high crags. The water was crystal clear and shallow with the tide out with shallow rock pools just below the surface. Getting the wrong line meant friction and slow boats, mini reefs made a few waves to play with albeit a 1 – 1 ½ feet in height. The group split slightly as Student Steve and Rob (aka the King of Phaff) took the direct line resulting in them almost being out of shouting range. When we eventually caught up there were a few harsh words and some team learning took place!!. We pressed on and started to come to bigger bays particularly off Sandown and Shanklin where the Wight Air Extreme Sports festival was taking place. We took Route 66 straight across the bay, an estimated couple of miles out. Again I felt a slight apprehension that the Thundercats and powerboats might stray out as far as us. Surely 7 brightly coloured kayaks were visible, weren’t they. We never had to find out…thankfully. We did however enjoy the Red Arrows formation flyby.

We were making reasonable time although the group definitely had different natural pace amongst its paddlers. Clearly Geoff, a former GB squad member was earning his title of Racing Snake or Paddling Machine. We headed round to Ventnor and had decided this would make a natural lunch stop. As we came round the bay and found Ventnor beach we discovered 3 foot swell breaking onto a fairly steep beach. With a bit of timing and holding station we all managed a fairly decent and dramatic surf onto the beach for the benefit of the crowd. By this stage we were all pretty hungry and also feeling a bit tired. Food from Katy, our resident support crew was awesome. We ate and took in some rays on the beach, enjoying the challenge, the moment and all the challenge was proving to be.

Soon the timekeepers called last orders on the beach and we remounted our kayaks keen to get on. The King of Phaff began to run through his triplicate checklists and final preparations, for the umpteenth time and left the beach as we were almost out of site (slight exaggeration for drama but he was certainly last man standing). We were heading for St Catherines Point, the lighthouse on the South Side of the island and purportedly the most choppy element of the expedition with opposing currents, steep cliffs and a fairly exposed headland making for larger wave action. In fact is was relatively calm at the headland itself although a slight side wind made paddling awkward lifting and pushing our boats in the swell off course. Once round the point it was then a tidal assisted push up the red cliffed coast towards Freshwater Bay. By this stage Rob (KoP) had played his joker straight after lunch declaring he needed to stop to water the flowers and plants. We were mid bay and despite my suggestion to reduce his waterline by peeing in the boat he was insistent that a stop was the only answer. Half an hour of unbudgeted time later we were off with those words ringing in my ears “Would be great to paddle in the moonlight again…”

We kept moving passing line after line of sea fishermen hoping to strike it lucky. We pulled over once more to stretch our aching pins and took a quick breather. The sun began to set and we witnessed a stunning sunset but at the same time tried to pick up the pace towards Freshwater Bay, the end of day 2. Sunset turned to dusk and through to darkness only this time there was no ambient light or moon. It was pitch black punctuated only by the beacon of light from Freshwater in the distance. About his point one of the more observant in the group observed that despite our strong paddle strokes those lights in the distance were in fact still lights in the distance. A strange mix of determination and controlled panic descended on the group as we turned perpendicular to our previous course to pull hard toward the nearest show. As we got closer the darkness revealed the sound of breaking waves. Not good and worse still we couldn’t see each other. We turned on our deck lights only to discover that Dave Mac couldn’t find his. My contingency to break a glow stick and attach it to him was hampered by greater swell and breaking waves close by to our right hand side. After some difficulty we were back with the improved situation of 7 lit paddlers.

That last 20-30 minutes was pretty hairy primarily as it was hard to gauge distance and hazards in the dark but soon we were safe inside the natural harbour that is Freshwater Bay. We had paddled in towards the shore to reduce the tidal flow against us or a large eddy from the bay but things had got a bit more scary with the waves. Landing was a welcome relief and again the hostess with the mostess greated us with hot food, a place to store our kit at the Sandpiper Hotel. Lifting and dragging our heavily laden sea kayaks was uber hard work (especially Geoff’s with 2 kitchen sinks) After food and kit storage and some hot showers we were back down in the bar laughing and joking about the days adventures. A few beers later and with some action stories under the belt we headed off for a small green strip of grass to pitch our tents for the real deal. And zzzzzzzz. We awoke to a slightly misty start which soon cleared as more glorious sunshine buzzed through. However in the shade the cold air of the morning still managed a little nip.

I was personally experiencing some discomfort as on Day 1 of the heatwave I had decided to paddle with just my buoyancy aid which has caused massive salt water abrasions and some pain. We all enjoyed the morning stretch round to Needles with large white cliffs looming on our left. The weather and the crisp morning but for a great atmosphere reduced only by the wave action from reflecting waves from the cliffs meeting incoming waves and making things pretty unpleasant. Dave described this shortly afterwards as one of his armchair moments where you would swap absolutely anything to swap for the comfort of an armchair. And suddenly we were there in touching distance of the Needles lighthouse located at the end of the famous jagged sawtooth rocky cliffs at the end of the island.

There was a definite sense of elation as we paddled in and out of the Needles and round the lighthouse. The South side of the island had significant swell and waves close to breaking but once in the shelter on the North it was like a proverbial mill-pond. We played for a while did some pictures and then headed up the North side of the island towards Yarmouth. The change from challenging paddling conditions to a mill-pond could not have been more startling. We cracked on and passed a number of yachts on ‘teasing duty’, cooking bacon sandwiches which wafted in the wind but sadly none were forthcoming. By this stage Dave Macca was regretting bringing his mini ‘Toothpick’ length paddles and was struggling. Needless to say I did the decent thing and swapped with him only to give myself chronic arm strain the week after. We ploughed on and made it past another breakwater fort, this one stationed on the entrance to Southampton Water.

Next Stop…The Rowing themed café on the Isle of Wight just before Yarmouth. We piled in to the café in our salt covered kayaking kit looking like extras from the mutiny on the bounty. Perhaps hoping for gold we were welcomed and fed like Kings (and Queen for Aisling’s benefit) . The food was delicious and we were hungry so that feeling was amplified. Whilst enjoying the local delicacies we were met by Miles, the chairman of the Muscular Help Foundation who was fantastic for boosting morale. Fed and watered we jumped back into our kayaks to negotiate the crossing back to the mainland. We had decided to cross the Solent just before Yarmouth and to the South West of the Ferries which run from Yarmouth back to Lymmington. Sunday mornings on the Solent was a hive of activity with all manner of sailing and powered craft enjoying themselves. We crossed at the mercy of the Sunday morning sailing fleets, power boats and bigger craft. Although there weren’t any close shaves it always feels slightly nerve racking when a powerboat or boat under sail is bearing down on you.

We crossed the channel following protocol of 90 degrees to the main passage, e.g. straight across and no dallying, the tides did work in our favour and the drift took us closer towards the boatshow. Once the crossing was made we felt it was plain sailing or kayaking back up the port side of the channel towards Calshot spit and activity centre (one of 4 velodromes in the country. Huge watersports training centre with climbing walls and all things sporty). We passed Beaulieu River, dodged a few more boats and then we were paddling through the shallows along the side of Calshot spit. Rob Jenner and Katie in the support boat were forced to hold station slightly further out in the deep water but it was great to have them back watching over us. Calshot hangers, home to the activity centre and formerly a sea plane base was within reach. By this stage fairly weary we beached our boats and wandered in for some coffees and food.
Soutampton Water, homeward bound

A few moments in the sun did wonders for refuelling our tanks. Before long we were back in the kayaks keen to make the most of the tidal assistance. We turned left and started the final few miles back to the heroes welcome and the Southampton Boatshow. We paddled past the huge moored tankers tied up at Fawley refinery and then the boatshow was in site. The final excitement of reaching the destination spurred on tired muscles. A large freighter was slowly making its way down Southampton water under pilot control. We figured plenty of time for nipping back to the show in front of the pilot and freighter combo. A series of sirens and stern announcements from the pilot left us in no doubt he had right of way!!! Some welcome! We held station and waited (a long time) till be passed and then skipped back into the pontoons to a mini reception. It was like a surreal version of Frogger, the arcade game dodging boats and things. Once the 2 dogs and 5 people cheering, whipped into a frenzy by Kate had stopped, it all sunk in. We had done it. Mission Accomplished.   We got the obligatory team shots and then it was game on, pack the kit and escape before the hoards and traffic leaving the show.

None of us could believe how lucky we had been with the weather. Paddling round the Needles had been a fantastic experience. Leg2, the Thames…Bring it on!

The sports and leisure community

Inspired Life Social Enterprise was co founded by Rich after the Vanouver Winter Olympics to provide inspiration to young people and bridge the gap between formal education and life. We inspire young people and communities to reach their true potential by providing structured programmes, experiential resources, and access to inspirational role models such as artists, musicians, Olympians and adventurers.

Richard has a creative talent having written for a broad range of magazines and media outlets, developed brands and award winning campaigns (www.smileinschool.org.uk , www.canoetrail.co.uk and www.thespareseat.com ) created animations and video campaigns. He created the Inspired Life Little Book of Inspiration, wrote an Adventure Handbook and also developed a wide range of experiential resources with www.inspiredlife.org

Richard is a TV presenter for Visit Britain Activities promoting Britain as a destination. He has also worked at national shows presenting and interviewing activities, events and celebrities.

• Media Coverage
• Articles
• Books
• Visit Britain Activities
• Thurrock?
• Own videos – link to gallery

Schools and Educational Talks

Richard is a co founder of the award winning social enterprise Inspired Life CIC which is on a mission to inspire young people and communities.  Since founding the team have donated over 4500 hours of time free to charge to create their experiential resources and emotional literacy programmes. All Inspired Life programmes are delivered with inspirational role models such as Olympians, explorers, adventurers, artists and musicians.

Richard has delivered talks to community groups and schools to literally thousands of young people. Examples of the endorsements and positive feedback include:

“Thank you so much for last week. The children were totally inspired by you both. Anything else you think you can offer us as resounding YES PLEASE!”

Deborah Pargeter, Head, Lower School

 “The feedback that we have received from the pupils during and since the programme has been completely positive and it certainly seems to have inspired many of them to follow their dreams. I would without hesitation recommend this intervention to help build children and young people’s self esteem and encourage them to focus on their hopes and dreams for the future.”

John Spurling, Deputy Head Teacher, Middle School

“Students related to the concept that your future doesn't have to follow what you've done in the past.  There was also the message that we should give something back to society.   We can already see the difference in the behaviour and attitudes of some of our previously disengaged students so many thanks for that.  Very inspiring!”

Anne Wareham, Head of year, Upper School

Richard has delivered inspirational talks at a wide range of organizations and events including presenting degrees, providing keynotes, presenting events and debates.  He has providing inspiration at Universities, Colleges, Schools through www.inspirelife.org and for small and large companies and organizations. Richard’s talks and keynotes are based on his unique and broad experience as an entrepreneur, adventurer, Olympic Team Manager and in a 10-year corporate career.  Richard has delivered talks at national events such as London Boat Show, Daily Telegraph Outdoor Show, Caravan and Camping Show, and the Daily Telegraph Adventure Travel Show.

Richard has also worked as a compare (MC) of national shows and events including London Boat Show, Caravan and Camping Show, Adventure Travel Show at Olympia and BBC's Countryfile Live at Blenheim Palace where he hosted the Great Outdoors Stage.

You can find some of his endorsements and speaking themes within this section. Contact him to find out more about how he can add some sparkle to your event or activity.

• Key topics
• Speaking Events
• Endorsements
• Schools messages

 To book me click here 

Cycling Round the Kech and Off-Road in the Atlas Mountains

You would2363 miles of cycling and kayaking would provide enough adventure  to last a few days, weeks or even a month. Not for the Big 5 team. We finished the London to Marrakech Express arriving at La Renaissance Hotel in the dark. A plan was quickly hatched to take the all important finale pictures of the team by the old wall and Mosque near the Grand Square.  The hotel (organised by my mum and dad – thanks folks) was very plush and boasted the highest bar in Marrakech (correct local spelling).

Morning as a rush as Timbo had to catch a flight at 11.30 ish with check-in before. We cycled down to the square for the photo and video shoot and Tim jumped in a taxi with the camera kit.  We fought for space with a large Japanese film crew (and appeared in many of their shots I am sure) as we circled under instruction from Tim for different shots and angles.  With helmet and sunglasses, without, with Buff headwear, with Paramo shirt, without, no show ponies here then!!! (Seriously so many amazing sponsors to thank for kit, all of which has been tested in earnest and almost to destruction!!) 

Photo shoot over we say goodbye to Tim who has done his best to impersonate a paparazzi with his control of the shoot, waving innocent tourists out of the shot. We head back to the hotel to chill and I get on with yesterdays admin.  That done we have agreed to head out for guess what a bike ride. It would not seem quite right to get a tourist bus round the city, given the nature of what we have just completed.

There is a little discussion about cleats or no cleats (no cleats wins) and then helmet or no helmet (I decided at the outset I would make this a habit so helmet wins). We set off down the main strip to the old city wall and then turn right and begin a circumnavigation of the old city wall. The landscape varies massively between new build and developments, to large public gardens, to historic buildings and less salubrious poorer areas. The benefit of our tour is that it is not sanitised and we are part of the whole scene.

We have almost completed our first lap when we turn left and head down the side of the wall with football pitches, plenty are in use with people having fun. We continue and the matches further down the wall have people standing on the old wall watching. Rob alerts me to the fact and that it will make a good picture. I am looking back at the photo opportunity and fail to see the accident looming.

Cycle and kayaking 2,363 miles without a major stack, finishing a mammoth journey unscaved, failing to concentrate and watch the road, wiping out a drunk bloke walking in the road and finding yourself surfing down the tarmac on your elbow, shoulder and head…PRICELESSS (once we realised said old chap was OK). There were mutual apologies and a plenty of laughter through gritted teeth once he had gone. It was a proper wipeout and one a stuntman would have been proud of. No slowing, no need I didn’t see him!

Pride dented and a few bruises and grazes later we set off cycling the remaining segment. I kept chuckling everytime I thought about how comical it was. Glad I wore the helmet. We returned to the hotel, stashed the kit and went to the rooftop pool for a brief swim. A lazy evening ensued with food and an early night. I worked late on the press release to inform the world of our achievement on the 10^th Big 5 Expedition and 4623 miles in total in 2 years, 10 expeditions.  In terms of other expeditions it may be small change but in a kayak and canoe that is a long way, twice round Britain, and the cycling alone is about twice the distance from Lands End to John O Groats.

We rise early, eat well and check out as we are planning to stay at a Riad in the old Medina. Now the term and concept of Small World has been well documented over time. Add this one to the list. One of the porters at the hotel, sees the van with kayaking and explains he knows a local rafting company, Splash Rafting Morocco. And they have an operation in Scotland. Just so happens two people I know and have worked with some time back run a rafting company called Splash Rafting, near Aberfeldy. No surely not.  The rest is history, Yes it is Peter Symes and Muzza and the local chap here Andy Robertson might be able to help.

We meet them in the morning and check out the Riad. For a last minute suggestion (nice one Rob) it is amazing. These courtyard centric houses are a quiet oasis and haven located within the hustle and bustle of the Medina. If the Medina is noise and excitement then the Riad is peace and tranquillity. Truly something you should do once in your life. We dump our kit and get back to the van through the maze of streets, Ismael, Splash Rafting’s local man is in the know and we are soon on the road heading for the Atlas Mountains.

Ollie is chomping at the bit. He has been fixated by the Atlas mountains and the thought of some challenging off-road riding. They extend up from the earth’s surface to over 4,000 m and we are heading for the ski area at Oukaimeden

, which is a mere 3,000m or so and home to the Berber people.  We drive 60-70 km from Marrakech and up into the mountains. The views are breathtaking at almost every turn. Stopping is a problem with narrow roads and switchbacks, plenty of traffic and locals who want to sell you fossils, crystals and other goods. The road to the mountain is lined with artisans making amazing goods from carpets to pottery to metal work.

We arrive at the Ski slope (no snow) area and are the only westerners in town which attracts plenty of attention. We make apologies, we are going up the mountain, maybe later and so on. One chap on a Honda C90 type moped indicates a potential route up the valley. We escape the flurry of vendors and set off. The sealed road ends a mile or so later and we are heading up a steep track, at altitude with lots of loose stones, boulders and gravel. In summary lowest gear is only just enough, if you stand on the pedals you lose traction and wheelspin and basically it a case of keep going thighs and lungs burning. The view of spectacular of the mountains with small stone houses clinging to valley sides and erratic flocks of sheep being directed by shepherds.

We cover about 3-4 miles up, blowing and struggling to keep traction, a few sections have to walked. Rob takes a spill stuck in his clips. We are nearing the top with the final climb being wall to wall switchbacks. I get to one hairpin, trap my wheel and then hear a click as my cleat clips in..Shit! I am falling. I of course land on the bruised and grazed side and draw more blood and add to the bruises. I laugh, it is the only sensible course of action, Ollie has his video running as an added bonus.

We make the ridge but not the summit. Staring out across other mountains and ridges and down into the valley with layers of cloud holding station is simply breathtaking and makes the climb worthwhile. What a place. The man on the moped appears as if by magic and more goods and negotiating takes place.  Besides being very friendly people these guys could teach most double glazing people a thing or too about selling. A few deals done with Rob and Ollie he speeds off down the track to see us at the bottom. The descent is a bone shaker all right. Ollie dishes out some lessons in no holds bar descent, no brakes either. In my defence my original set of brake blocks on the bike are next to useless after 2200 miles and I feel a wee bit out of control.

We arrive in the valley and get swarmed by the Berber sales guys who are friendly and have all sort of fossils, , stones, chains and other stuff. They want almost any currency, they start with small items and get you buying and then on more than one occasion raise the stakes with the crown jewels. They are hard negotiators. It is all done with smile and is very friendly, there is also a serious message ‘We need money’. After the money they talk about swapping. By the time we have finished, none of us have a penny in any currency, change in Euros and Pounds has been hovered up! We have a selected of amazing stones and fossils so Christmas is sorted for family. Rob and Ollie have moved from money to trading and Ollie parts with shoes and sunnies whilst Rob swaps T’s and other clothing.

At one point my main cycling top is dished out by Ollie which I have to retrieve in a hurry explaining it is sentimental (if not a little smelly).  Then my wellies and Ollies top get swapped for a huge crystal, bigger than a football.!  Rob is under pressure from the army of sellers and shuts the boot in a hurry. A troubled look comes over his face. Yes he has locked the one set of van keys we have in Africa in the boot. Bollocks.  What then happens is that the sellers become an army of helpers appearing with wire, coat hangers, screwdrivers and other implements.  In summary we gave a 45 minute lesson into the ways of breaking into vehicles (taught by Ollie Jay). Unfortunately all these have been thought of by those clever people at Volkswagen.  I am thinking we are going to be breaking the back window.

Ollie has other ideas and reckons he can prize the boot. It has my vote as parking a van full of kit in the medina with no back window is not a smart move.  Between Olly, myself and several locals we jemmy the boot enough to hook the keys. We have been blessed by the gods for sure.  There are cheers all round. I empty the contents of our food box including soups, teas, coffees and assorted random foods and distribute it to the chaps.  We set off down the valley and witness the most amazing colours on the red rock and sandstone. As so often happens the last day with least expectations can provide so much. On the way back we check out one of the artisans and decide to return the next day to purchase something as a thankyou for my mum and dad.

We eventually arrive back in Marrakech, much later than planned at the Riad. It is fun and games finding the place as between us we remember the twisty turny route but all remember and forget different bits. Now that is teamwork! Andy and Nelly seem unconcerned at our disappearance but in their relaxed style assure us that eventually they would have sent out search parties!  We chill in the Riad briefly before heading out for food together and a well earned beer. Splash Rafting in Morocco have recently been filmed in a CH 4 production to be aired in the Spring, we meet the local TV star and ‘fixer’ for CH4. He is totally enthused by Tubing and Rafting, way to go Andy and Splash.

The night ends too quickly and we retire to the Riad for a rest at the end of an emotional day!

Richard has broad business experience both managing new enterprises and start ups through to major companies. A former Top 30 Director of a FTSE 100 Richard’s early career was in environmental management before working on major bids such as the London Underground privatization where he led the stations element. Richard then joined a facilities management company within the group and as Managing Director delivered significant growth.

Richard has an MBA from Cranfield University, a postgraduate Diploma in Water and Environmental Management and is a qualified Prince 2 Practitioner. He has worked with a broad range of clients developing projects, new campaigns, providing strategic consultancy and mentoring at a Director level.  His approach is to seek breakthroughs, ask big questions and deliver transformational results.

He has worked with private, public and third sector organizations with diverse clients including Water Companies, British Energy, Various Charities, Local Authorities and others.

• Expertise and Bio
• Projects
• Volunteering in Thurrock
• Workforce Review (voluntary Sector)
• Cranfield Trust
• vBoards – Olympic / Team Beds and Luton
• SMILE
• Client List (Alpheus/BNFL/Thurrock CVS/Family Matters Institute/Cranfield Trust/CBC)

Corporate Career

Richard has started and run a number of different businesses over the years that aim to make a difference to others.  Previously he was a Director of a £200 Million subsidiary of AWG plc with almost 3000 staff.  During his time in corporate life he had profit and loss responsibility for a number of different national projects as well as senior experiencing running an environmental management consultancy and then a facilities management company.

Experience and achievements included:

• Growing the facility management company 274% in one year with extensive growth
• Developing and signing a £16million contract for waste minimisation with industry
• Leading the London Underground Stations Bid for LINC (£1.3Billion)
• Securing £125 Million of outsourcing contracts in 5 years
• Supporting and helping develop the Graduate Management programme
• Featuring in Private Eye on 3 consecutive weeks (Possibly not a helpful career move)

Social Entrepreneur

After completing an MBA at Cranfield University he decided to start an online sports and leisure community called majorsporty. His ‘facebook for sport’ concept was truly pioneering and was an early social media platform with over 15,000 products in an online store and 5,000 articles, interviews and videos in the community section.

In 2010 Richard after the Winter Olympics Richard co founded the award winning www.inspiredlife.org which is on a mission to inspire young people and communities. So far Inspired Life has engaged over 21,000 young people and received national recognition as a London 2012 Inspire Mark project, as a finalist in the Independent Business Excellence Awards and as finalist for the Trail Blazing New Comer with the RBS SE 100 Index.

Canoe Trail

RIchard also started www.canoetrail.co.uk working with his wife Ashley (she is managing director and the common sense management approach) we have become an award winning outdoor and watersports business. Canoe Trail help over 5,000 people a year to access canoeing, kayaking, SUP and adventurous activities and has featured in Lonely Planet as one of the Top 50 things to do in the world with our canoe and camp activities. Our work with Canoe Trail links closely with Inspired Life skills and experience providing youth programmes for the Princes Trust, Duke of Edinburgh Scheme and the YMCA as well as local schools.

Consultancy

Since leaving permanent employment over 16 years ago Richard has completed a large number of consultancy projects for a wide range of public sector, private clients and charities helping provide marketing and communications skills as well as strategic advice and practical solutions. His roles have included interim management support through to project management of specific projects.

Clients have included:

• Alpheus Environmental (Part of Anglian Water) as an Interim Sales resource and also providing strategic consultancy
• Family Matters Institute leading a schools mental health project (PT) over a 5 year period from concept to full service
• Family Initiative helping shape and develop their Voices in the Middle Service for young people
• Britains Most Colourful Manager creating a competition and service for a design agency
• Thurrock Council For Voluntary Service providing project management for volunteering and pension credit projects
• Institute of Leadership Management - leading and tutoring a Level 4 and Level 5 management course
• British Energy advising and rolling out new project management methodologies to theit staff
• Visit Britain Activities where i was a TV presenter for their destination based marketing films
• MC'ing and Presenting at national shows including the London Boat Show and Camping and Caravan Club Show
• Volunteering as board member for the Olympic Sports Board in Bedfordshire pre London 2012
• Volunteer board member for the County Sports Partnership regionally (over a decade)
• Volunteer strategic consultant for the Cranfield Trust Charity

Richard has spent over 10 years of his career working as a social entrepreneur

Majorsporty

Inspired Life

Richard has developed a series of work books around life coaching through Inspired Life that are designed to support young people.  They have proven to deliver benefits for emotional well-being and have received national recognition and awards.  More recently Richard helped create Inspired Life's second publication, a junior edition of the high successful 'Little Book of Inspiration'. As part of the Inspired Life programmes Richard also created more than 100 worksheets, challenges and other resources.

This has come a long way since Richard was first published at the tender age of 24 writing about the "management of sewage treatment works" for the British Hydromechanical Research Group. In between things Richard also wrote a 'Handbook of Adventure' which was sponsored by Olympus and the proceeds went to charity.

At some point Richard will begin to write an account of his adventures in business, on the trail and at the Olympics although he often says he will write it when there is a bit more to tell.

Finally Richard has often been involved in drafting innovative resources for consultancy projects he has managed including:

• Comic Strip resources as part of adolescent mental health in schools (Government Pathfinder)
• Handbook for Sporting Activities
• Volunteering Handbook for local authority
• Pension Credit Handbook for local authority (riveting read i should tell you)

Five members of Viking Kayak Club successfully paddled their sea kayaks across the English Channel on Saturday in a bid to help raise money for charity as part of their Big 5 Kayak Challenge.

The conditions did not look good on the morning with force four north easterly winds and a forecast that it would get stronger, but the team had two support boats accompanying them and decided to go for it.

The team, including Rob Bates, Richard Harpham, Dave McCarthy, Aisling Ni Chiunn and Geoff Tilford, left Dover harbour around 9.30am in the morning. As soon as they had left the harbour walls it was obvious that the sea was going to be very choppy, with irregular breaking waves called ‘white horses’ all the way.

The Channel is highly controlled with marked out shipping lanes five miles wide for traffic going east and west and the team made good progress towards the first of the two main shipping lanes. They constantly had to use support strokes and had waves breaking on their decks but made to the half way point. Aisling Ni Chuinn joint team leader commented “Crossing the busy shipping lane was something we were nervous about despite the support boats, it was like a giant version of the computer game Frogger”.
At this time they had to try to ‘raft up’ by putting their kayaks together which in these seas is not easy and can be dangerous, but without it there was no way they could get to their food supplies safely. After a quickly eaten banana or peanut butter sandwich they moved on again.

The team on the support boat was having an even worse time as the boats, which are legal requirements of crossing the busy shipping lanes, tossed around in the choppy seas and all the passengers were sick and couldn’t take the video footage they planned. Lance Oram, the support boat skipper confirmed that the conditions were “A little bit cheeky “. 

They cleared the westbound shipping lane and the wind strengthened again as they approached France. After 5 hours and 11 minutes the team finally made in to the beach at Cap Gris Nez, the shortest crossing point and a distance of just over twenty miles, to be met a chatty Frenchmen and his dog Raul who didn’t seem to mind the little invasion force and said he’d like to offer the team a warm drink at his house up on the cliff top!
After each kayak was lifted aboard the support boat and lashed down, the team made the return journey. The weather forecast had indicated that the conditions would worsen later in the afternoon and as they boarded the support b

oat for the return journey the winds had reached 25 miles per hour and the team faced rolling seas.  But they made it back safely and celebrated with Fish and Chips in Dover.[video:http://vimeo.com/18217596 width:300 height:200 align:center]

Viking chairman Rob Bates said “if the conditions had been any tougher it would not have been feasible so we are all very pleased to have made it across without any incident and in an excellent time. We’d wanted a challenge and we certainly got one!”

A number of the team followed the Channel Crossing by competing in the Bedford Canoe Marathon the next day with Aisling Ni Chuinn and Richard Harpham winning the Div 9 K2 event in their first race together and Geoff Tilford winning the Division 5 race by a good margin.

This trip was the third of the Big 5 challenges and is raising money for the Muscular Help Foundation which helps children with Muscular Dystrophy. If anyone would like to support the team’s cause then please visit our just giving pages. Now the team are looking forward to their next challenge where they plan to paddle from Lands End to the Scilly Isles!

6 members of the Big 5 Kayak Team paddled some of the worst winter conditions that the UK has seen for many decades to paddle 184 miles from Cricklade in Wiltshire to near the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, near Dartford. The team ages ranged from 14 year old Aaron Buckingham, already a potential slalom star of the future and Div 1 K1 paddler to 56 year old Geoff Tilford, a former GB sprint paddler. Richard Harpham, joint team leader commented “For most of Thursday we were undecided whether to postpone to better conditions with our main concerns being the safety of our support crews. In the end after studying plenty of weather reports we decided to go for it. I am so proud that all 6 completed the length of the Thames despite paddling as much as 18 ½ hours a day for 3 days and battling blizzards, night temperatures of -6 degrees and difficult river conditions.”

In fact the Environment Agency had issued precautionary warnings not to paddle the river and in some stretches no vessels at all. The team all experienced kayakers included Dave McCarthy, a local outdoor education teacher at Sharnbrook Community College and level 3 coach and Aisling Ni Chuinn, former Irish international wildwater racer and canoe polo player. What linked the team is a love of paddling and all are members of Bedford’s Viking Kayak Club with the exception of Dave Gordon, Richmond who was a former international pole vaulter. Dave Gordon explained “Having learnt to paddle for the first expedition around the Isle of Wight I have had a steeper learning curve than most. Nothing quite prepared me for the extreme nature of the second challenge, the River Thames. Not only was it 185 miles in temperatures close to or below freezing but it also involved 55 locks or portages. Each one involved clambering out of the boat and carrying / dragging it distances up to a few hundred yards. Each time your muscles ached a little more and we all felt a little bit colder. 

The team started at the head of the Thames in Cricklade which is the highest navigable point in full blizzard conditions. The Daves left just before 7am planning to paddle the whole distance together in sea kayaks, a mammoth task. Geoff and Aaron set out slightly later in their 2 person sea kayak followed by Richard and Aisling in sea kayaks as well. Conditions were testing with heavy snow and extreme cold, by lunchtime the snow had eased and the team paddle to Newbridge for their first kit stop and hot food. “We decided to paddle sea kayaks for the first day given the poor conditions and just in case we didn’t meet our support crews due to impassable roads. That said our support crews were amazing for the 3 days and basically kept us going, refuelling us with food and changing us to dry clothes, ” Aisling a former winner of the infamous DW (Devizes to Westminster) 125 kayak race explained. The single kayak teams finished at 10.30 that evening, some 18 miles short of the planned stop at Reading Canoe Club. Geoff and Aaron put in a sterling effort and paddled through till 1.20 am to reach Reading. The kind folk at Reading allowed us use of their kayak club for sleeping, showers and food for which we are extremely grateful.

The next morning saw the crews head off at different times. Richard and Aisling switched to their K2 (2 person) racing kayak and made much faster progress. Their hard work was not rewarded when they suffered a rudder steering failure just past Marlow and were forced to make some running repairs which took the best part of an hour. “ our feeling of despair having been flying along and making up the time from the previous day was huge, sitting in the cold snow for an hour fixing the boat was not a happy time!”. Once fixed they continued their tortoise and hare race with the 2 Daves who by this stage had re-overtaken them. All the teams made it to Richmond Canoe Club on the second day, Aaron and Geoff with the shortest distance having covered more ground made it in just after 10pm. Rich and Aisling arrived at 11.30 pm absolutely delighted to have finished the gruelling 80 mile paddle. Dave and Dave came in at 2.30 am having paddled for over 18 hours non-stop.

Richmond Canoe Club, the largest canoe club in Britain hosted the Big 5 Kayak challenge that evening allowing them to use their showers, have hot drinks and generally get some rest. The team slept in Richmond (albeit not enough sleep) at support crew houses, thanks team! The next morning saw a slow muster at Richmond CC and at River lane just up the river which at this point is tidal. We were joined by Helen Reeves, Olympic Medallist and BBC commentator, Rob Bates (who paddled the Isle of Wight leg) and Mike Newbury, a Viking club member. Alex Tongue from Avoncraft canoes and kayaks also joined the team as driver of the support RIB for central London. The team set off in great spirits to enjoy the sights of the Thames and paddle through to Dartford/Tilbury. The sun was shining and it was a stark contrast to the previous few days of snow and cold weather. We stopped at Chiswick Canoe Club for some moral support and banter and then pushed onto Putney (the start of the famous boat Race). Helen and Mike left at this point as they did not plan to complete the whole 40 miles planned for that day.

We pushed on to Central London to enjoy seeing the sights from the comfort of our sea kayaks. There is something special about paddling through the capital city, past the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben (which struck 3 as we passed), London Eye, London Bridge to name but a few. Everyone enjoyed the experience and we pressed on as the temperature chilled again and the day changed from sunshine to a grey day. We made the Thames Flood Barrier at 4.30 pm and waved goodbye to Alex who had to head off to get the support boat off the water. We paddled on trying to keep aching limbs moving and mindful of using the tidal advantage whilst it still lasted. The last few miles were again in darkness as we tried to find Erith Yacht club amongst a multitude of lights on the banks of the Thames, no easy task given the size of the huge estuary at that point. Dave Gordon in one of the many hours paddling in darkness calculated that almost 35 % of our paddle would be darkness. Then we saw it a welcome flash of light from Simon, one of our support crew and we were home, safe and sound. Erith Yacht club were fantastic and made us hot drinks and provided biscuits which were most welcome. Given we had paddled much of it in different groups it was great to enjoy our success together as a team with our support crews. Erith Yacht Club is located on a 70 year old Norwegian RORO ferry. This is about to be returned to the Norwegian government the Erith will be the first recipients of the London 2012 legacy fund to build a new club house for young people in the area.


As they say the pain lasted for hours but the memories of our kayaking expedition will undoubtedly remain with us all for a life. It was fitting we should end at the sailing club, make new friends and have a chance to enjoy the moment. We are all clear that this was about 2 key objectives, safely paddling the length of the Thames in a challenging way and of course raising money and awareness for the Muscular Help Foundation and their work. We that we will enjoy the success of our team endeavour but recognise we now need to push on and get fundraising. Please visit our justgiving site.

Online Sports and Leisure Community

Richard began life as a serial entrepreneur launching an online Sports and Leisure Community in 2003.  Majorsporty.com was a pioneering community of interest like a ‘Facebook for Sport ‘where people could share their love of sport, buy kit and book activities.  It was an early social enterprise that channeled funds into grass roots sports through a commission scheme for charities and sports clubs.  By 2008 it had created over 5,000 items of content, 10,000 members and over 120 brands with 15,000 products in our online store and received over 700,000 unique visitors in just 6 months.

Despite solid growth and helping provide funds for athletes, sports clubs and charities majorsporty.com came to an end in 2008 when a bank withdrew a loan. It had achieved so much with no grants, or support from third parties taking an amazing idea from concept to reality. Between the team they had lost over £100,000 of their money (friends, family and fools) but looking at Facebook  and other social media platorms now they were on the right track and so nearly made it.

majorsporty the online sports and leisure community consisted of 3 main components:

1. Interactive community to share your love of sport
2. Online sporting store with club commission scheme
3. Activity directory with online booking

Majorsporty had a series of animated characters who also delivered messages around physical activity and sport encouraging people to get active

Some of our achievements included:

• Raising significant funds for charity and sports clubs through our comission scheme
• Building a supply chain over of 120 brands and 15,000  products which were retailed nationally
• Developing a brand awareness around our grass roots sports logo and animated characters
• Achieving significant traction with over 700,000 unique visitors in 6 months and over 10,000 members
• Helping support and raise awareness for SportsAid and their work as a charity
• Helping support many emerging talent athletes with kit sponsorship, media promotion and funding many of whom became Olympians and World Champions
• Taking the seed of an idea from a concept to fully functioning national business

Onwards

Adventures at the Vancouver Winter Olympics 2010

Richard was recruited by Kwame Nkrumah Achaempong aka The Snow Leopard to manage the Ghana Ski Team at the Vancouver Olympics 2010. Kwame the Snow Leopard was Ghana’s first Winter Olympian. He learnt in doors in Milton Keynes, first strapping two thin pieces of wood to his feet aged 29. Despite being from a country with no snow, with no funding and learning indoors Kwame qualifed after 6 long years.  It became the global media sensation of the Vancouver Winter Olympics as a ‘Cool Runnings’ type theme.

Richard’s role was to manage all aspects of the campaign including sponsorship, media, merchandise and training. “Truly it was a  massive honour to be part of this opportunity of a lifetime”. Richard never imagined that he would get to walk in an Olympic Opening Ceremony or be part of Kwame’s incredible story and dream.  Kwame’s story was covered on MTV, New York Times, BBC, CNN Today Show and media from 6 continents. 

Kwame started as competitor no. 102 of 102 and finished 47^th on the day in slalom, an incredible achievement.  Kwame has always maintained that with funding and support a young Snow Leopard could provide a competitive challenge in the world of skiing racing.

A huge range of video content, clips and short films are stored in Richard's Vimeo Gallery. As always there is considerably more footage always waiting for edit so please check back from time to time. We really hope you like some of the clips from his adventures.

• Alaska Trailer 
• Beaver on the Yukon River
• Scottish Sea Kayaking
• Big 5 kayak challenge 1-5
• Big 5 Kayak challenge main trailer
• Yukon Slide Show
• Chilkoot Trail
• The spare seat Slide Show
• Sahara trailer
• Baby Bear Grylls
• Trailer SUP Mallorca
• Outer Hebrides

Click below to vist the video gallery

Richard has a creative talent having written for a broad range of magazines and media outlets, developed brands and award winning campaigns ((www.smileinschool.org.uk (no longer live but examples of resources and animations can be provided) www.canoetrail.co.uk and www.thespareseat.com (No longer live but was shared with over 200 million people ) created animations and video campaigns. The SMILE concept was around mental health in young people so writing and advice had to be factually correct and accurate as well as engaging.

Rich created the Inspired Life Little Book of Inspiration, wrote an Adventure Handbook and also developed a wide range of experiential resources with www.inspiredlife.org

In his consultancy work and as an Entrepreneur Richard has delivered many innovative projects and concepts from an idea to fully developed brands with dedicated websites, bespoke videos and resources through to posters, information cards and brochures.

Writing and Editorial

Richard is the editor of the Bushcraft and Surival Skills Magazine and a sub editor for Paddler Magazine. He is a feature writer for Outdoor Adventure Guide and Guest Editor for Resettlement, the MoD magazine. Additionally Richard's writing has featured in a wide range of locations from National Geographic Kids Magazine to Huffington Post and other outlets including: Outdoor Swimming, Active Traveler, Wanderlust Magazine and plenty more.

Richard also developed and edited a digital lifestyle magazine for Bamboo Clothing Company BAM called BAMLife. This magazine featured BAMbassadors stories as well as articles to inspire and challenge the reader. It was delivered in digital format alongside a 30,000 print run.

• To contact me click here

Our original plan hatched over several months of internet chat with Cody who is based on Quay West, USA was to circumnavigate Mallorca with Naish One inflatable SUP’s. We would carry all of our kit for the 10 days (not a lot) in a dry bag on the front. Plan hatched. Green Light. As we arrived in Mallorca we were surprised to find it a chilly 5-6 degrees. We literally had one set of paddling kit and then clothes for the evening, a tarp, sleeping bag and food stuff. It was going to be tough.

We checked into a hotel for the start and discovered the weather forecast showing storms building over the following days with 2.2 metre waves and 28-30 knot winds. Not ideal on a stand up paddle board. We would be huge sails and only travelling in one direction, downwind.  We paddled South towards the lighthouse and cape with a following wind. Since camping prohibited on the island we would officially be taking shelter. We slept the first night in a sandstone cave, then in a letter box cave, then on beaches in the rain. It was brutally cold but great to be exploring.

Rounding the Cape we endured the full force of the storms, Brought to our knees we paddled into the strong headwinds clawing our way North.  We attracted a fair amount of comments from the locals who thought we were pretty tapped, one even  tracked us from the shore and had considered calling the coastguard. Mostly everywhere was shut in the off season but our spirits were still high exploring arches, caves and features on the rocky coastline.  Eventually after hours of paddling for 2 consecutive days we admitted defect and decided to change our plans to exploration and not battle the elements given our limited time.

We tossed a coin and went North to Cap De Formentor and explored the caves and stunning peninsula. A massive thanks to Jaume, our knight in shining armour who drove us North.  The winds were less and we finally made progress although risked death by a thousand jelly fish stings with the waters infested with them. Luckily we didn’t fall in.  The colours and scenery around Mallorca had been incredible, we had adapted our plans given the weather, explored incredible caves and tunnels and left with a real sense of achievement. We were really excited to get back and edit some of the stunning photos.  

The plan was simple, cycle by Fat Bike from Marrakech over the Atlas Mountains at Col De Tichka and head to the famous high dunes at Merzouga  The weather was warm and inviting but quickly changed to tough conditions climbing to 2,400 metres with bikes weighing almost 35 kgs with water, food and kit. I opted for James fruitarian diet only eating raw fruit and veg for nearly 2 weeks. Powered by oranges, avocado’s, dates and nuts we made good progress.

Crossing the Atlas mountains conditions changed with rocky moonscapes and dry conditions (it hadn’t rained in a year) towards dry sand and dust storms. Getting to Merzouga was tough, cycling for hours in dark and thanking USE Exposure Lights for giving us illumination.  Riding through dirt roads in Africa with dogs chasing us and guided by starry skies was definitely exciting.  We did the iconic sand dune shots at sunrise with a strong coffee before heading back towards Marrakech. We explored the Ourika Valley making plenty of new friends with our space age looking Surly Fat Bikes. We were even offered a swap, fat bike for a camel.

This adventure provided everything from tough conditions, incredible people, and the desire to do more so watch this space.     We discovered plenty of fantastic Berber communities, local customs and by the way "no means no"  when you are cycling over a mountain range and a local tradesman is trying to sell you rocks and crystals. 

With a few adventures under my belt random people began to suggest different ideas for new adventures. “What about London to somewhere…?” and so London to Marrakech was born. The folly of using google maps to plan the route later became apparent as I neglected the Pyrenees mountain range as a big problem. The plan was simple. Start at Tower Bridge, paddle to Greenwich, cycle to Dover, sea kayak the channel again, accompanied by some friends. Cycle through France, over the shallow end of the Pyrenees, into Spain, down to the Med. Kayak a bit of the Med, cycle down to Gibraltar, kayak the straight of Gibraltar before cycling down to Casablanca to turn left and finish in Marrakech.

What made this one different and challenging was having a support vehicle. It removed some of the freedom I had yearned for and also added in the complication of finding them in busy cities and in desert African mud roads. Hopefully never again.  The start was amazing under Tower Bridge with a few good friends, the weather changed and cycling to Dover became a battle with torrential rain, tyres literally floating on the water in the gullies.  Kayaking the channel again as a team was still a blast and I knew that was in the bag. Then mostly everyone left and I began to enjoy the freedom of the open road albeit with a support van in tow. I cycled West and down towards Fort Boyard and spend a day paddling around it in rough conditions with Florian, a mate from Paris.

By now I was starting to panic about brutal hills of the Pyrenees and was pleased I had opted for the shallow end. The scenery was stunning and we made a couple of the summits in the dark. I had been joined for this section by Rich Ferguson and Stu who took it in turns to cycle and drive the van. We enjoyed so many happy twists and turns, big climbs and descents. We then skirted along the South Side of the mountain range towards Barcelona.  A change of drivers and I was heading along the Mediterranean coast towards Gib. Another slight problem of using Google Maps was my choice of road, unfortunately dubbed the ‘widowmaker’ highway.  After plenty of adventures along the way I reached Gibraltar for a couple of days of R and R.

Kayaking the Straight of Gibraltar would see me battle with another busy shipping lane (one of the busiest in the world). I had sought advice and was told the currents were pretty straight forward however on asking a couple more questions I discovered the advisor was a Royal Navy Submariner! Delete! The crossing involved a few meaty tide races and we were joined by some friendly dolphins. It was incredible to see Africa and almost be able to touch it having arrived there under my own steam. Dave Gordon experienced a few operator errors with his kayak and confessed it was a year since he had kayaked. He was stationed in the support boat to avoid further drama after a swim!

We suffered a small altercation arriving into Ceuta via a private marina. After some shouting and apologies we were into Ceuta. The border crossing from the Spanish Enclave added more drama as Dave’s passport had the wrong stamp. He exploded into angry verbal dialogue and was frog marched away. I was left surround by locals inquiring about the price of the two bikes. Eventually Dave reappeared with a Davism type explanation. “Don’t worry the Chief  of Police was a cyclist, he gets it and we are good to go”. After the border it was brutal hills that felt almost vertical and then we skirted the coastline around and down to Casablanca. My rusty French was being recalled from dim and murky backwaters of my grey matter. I loved Morocco and its people for their welcoming nature.

A few more mishaps still had to play out including adding to my motorway cycling tally with a wrong turn. The maps were definitely a little bit sketchy. Cycling in rush hour in Casa was also a real heart racing experience.  Our plan has been to sea kayak off Casa near the huge Mosque. Huge Atlantic storms and 4 metre waves made that my biggest challenge of the trip, there didn’t seem to be any surfers out that day. After a monstrous effort to get out in our Prijon Sea kayaks with deck bags flying off we then spent two hours listening to the sound of thunder as huge Atlantic breakers pounded the beach. We had scouted an exit route and were pleased to surf in on a smaller channel without any pain or beating.  The final cycle into Marrakech involved meeting Mohammed a local teacher who has become like a brother to me after a few more adventures.

After 2362 miles I had reached my destination so went for bike ride to celebrate and ran over a drunk man who stumbled into my path. We headed into the Atlas mountains to explore there after a days rest. The off road riding was beautiful with rocky paths, ravines and incredible views.  Despite the terrain we met plenty of Berbers wanting to sell crystals and rocks.  We traded a few items including my wellies as more crystals were brought to trade. In his excitement Rob managed to lock the keys to the van inside the boot. The Berbers changed from persuasive sales men to car jackers and eventually we broke into VW’s best security.

The mighty Bedford Swifts RUFC were back on the road again with a tour to Drachten in Friesland. The coach was packed and it dawned on me that 300 miles on the road on my own would be a great warm up for my first come back game after retirement with a dislocated knee.  Panniers packed, drinking goblet and 2 ft rugby ball secured and I was ready to roll.  Cycle to Felixstowe, hop on the ferry and then cycle through Holland to the rugby ground.  Apart from my rugby kit I packed light with a bivvi bag and camp mat. Turns out the ferry was 99 miles away so I decided to cycle around the deck to bag the 100 miles for the day.

I opted for local road maps and went through lots of tracks and peninsulas to stay off the main routes. It was fantastic to explore Holland and Friesland by bike. As a nation the Dutch embrace biking and mostly I was able to avoid roads with there gold standard cycle tracks.  I arrived at Drachtden to much amusement. Our friends from Long Island Rugby Club were also touring from United States so I was offered several beverages to help me rehydrate. How thoughtful?!  It was a simple adventure and a great alternative to the team bus. The concept can be repeated time and time again. Going on holiday, perhaps you can cycle or walk there or mix it with public transport.

I thought it might be also helpful to identify a few of the choices and critical decisions that you need to consider before planning and executing an adventure or journey.  It is a strange fact about life on the road that nothing weighs very much but put together in total it becomes heavy. I have never been in the school of thought that logs weights on spreadsheets or cuts my toothbrush in half. However I do think that some key choices will affect how you complete your journey.  Time, weight and space are all factors to be aware of.

·      Jet Boil Versus Trangia

I have a number of simple gas powered systems such as a Jetboil or lightweight gas burner that allow me to boil water to make drinks and also simple foods such as noodles, pasta and expedition rations.  On longer trips and where weight is less crucial I prefer taking a kit like the Trangia with various pots and you can create a wide range of culinary delights like home cooking.

·      Bivi Bag versus Tent

There is nothing better than finishing a long day on the trail and climbing into a bivi bag, it is simple and feels very rewarding.  My bivi bag has various zips and mesh nets to keep bugs out and control temperature. It can of course be used alongside my tarp to increase the protection to the elements.  On longer trips this can be less appealing particularly with more kit and inclement weather.  So this means I do still opt for a tent on many trips for prolonged comfort.  A geodetic tent design (free standing) can be helpful for rocky or sandy terrain.

·      Pannier versus Bikepacking

Many of my earlier bike trips involved using conventional pannier systems but as I got involved with the Salsa Bikes I discovered a new way of adventure travel called Bike Packing. This involves packing the kit and weight in a more balanced way. My last trip to cycle part of the Sahara involved me using Salsa’s ‘anywhere cages’ on the Fat Bike to strap stoves and kit to the front forks. I also positioned a dry bag as my main front load carrier on the handlebars and another pack on a rear seat rack.

·      Expedition Food versus Going Local

Many of my expeditions have been driven by a demanding schedule, usually a reasonable distance in a short space of time.  This means reducing time for preparation and cooking and less weight.  This often leads me to using dried ration packs and energy drinks sachets to supplement calories and nutrients. On more relaxed trips and journeys then I have begun to eat more local cuisine where possible. I take particular delight in tucking into Bananas, Avocado’s and Oranges, all of which come in their own protective wrapper. Obvious in cold climates then calories and hot meals need to be considered.

·      Camping versus Credit Card Camping

There are times where credit card camping can be a hugely positive experience allowing you to see new lands and cultures but at the same time reducing the need to carry all your kit. It can also help ensure your blogs and social media are up to date and also seriously improve your hygiene with more showers, provide greater rest and help when spirits are low. That said all of my best moments on the road are from the most iconic wild camping sites. So go explore.

·      Travelling Light versus All Mod Cons

Travelling light has benefits when trying to cover distance against a schedule or just reducing clutter.  It is always a mystery to me that I can lose certain kit in my rucksack or panniers.  Some of the benefits of carrying more kit can be less discomfort, having spares for different eventualities, and additional electronic kit to capture your journey such as Garmin GPS, Camera kit (I use bullet cameras, an Olympus Tough Camera on a camera harness) or my MAC Air to write and upload blogs.  I find this always links back to the plan for the trip or adventure.  One lesson I have concluded is to avoid journeys which need a support team as this removes part of the real sense of freedom of the open road.

·      Layering Systems

Layering systems are really important to be able to regulate temperature especially when working hard. On the Sahara trip we went from blizzards n the mountains to the dry arid conditions of the desert. We used a combination of layers including bamboo base layers, Paramo Down jackets (invaluable), Buff headwear, tights, cycling shorts (mine are synthetic and are still going strong after nearly 3,500 miles), ¾ length strides and wool socks. At times we wore almost all our kit and even slept in layers in our sleeping bags.

·      Fat Bike versus other bikes

The choice of bike obviously affects cruising speed, distance, comfort and a whole host of factors. I would recommend trying the bike before you commit to the schedule. Our Fat Bikes for the Sahara weighed over 35Kgs without water and food but allowed us to cycle on sand to some degree (they were originally designed for the snow of Alaska).  Cycling London to Marrakech I opted for a cyclo-cross bike which was tough and avoided punctures and buckles but also allowed a good cruising speed.  I have found that different bikes are better suited to different challenges and can allow previously virgin terrain to be conquered.

Hopefully there are a few gems of usual information for you to dream, plan and execute your own adventure by bike.  Of course the most important lesson is that “The Best Adventure is the one that you take..Start Now”.

We are now within striking distance of Merzouga and the iconic dunes that have become the target of our adventure. It has been two long days since our last update for differing reasons.  We thinned our kit slightly at Ouarzazate to reduce the weight we were carrying. It lead to some pretty interesting discussions about what was essential and what was not?  Some of the kit that got left included second pair of socks, third inner tube, my book (now read), Pringles Waterproof. A host of other items were the source of back and forwards discussion. Do we really need the main USE lights and also the spare tyre? We conclude we should keep the items that would be show stoppers without them.

So we are back in the little Vango tent typing and we have used almost all the kit in question. Firstly upon leaving Ouarzazate we were really flying and having fun.  Making good time I commented to Pringle it would be good to get some more off road action shots and play. I ride up onto the crest of a small rise and fly back down the other side. Arriving back on the road I see a few thorns embedded in the tyre. I remove the first one and hear a deadly hiss.  As I spin the wheel I am gutted to find it is covered in the little bast**ds .  Both wheels in fact. So therein lies one of the only world records I am able to justifiably claim. Most punctures in 5 secs. 

So we are now faced with a painstaking task of removing all the thorns and spikes. This laborious task takes us about 30-45 minutes per wheel for a first pass.  This is not going to plan thanks to yours truly, Captain Clunk!  We decide the best strategy is to use one of the new inner tubes with the new rear tyre and pick all the thorns from the front tyre.  The picking process takes nearly 2 hours during which time Pringle has replaced and pumped up the fat tyre with the micro pump. No easy task we can assure you.  We replace the front wheel and stop the clock on a 2 hour pitstop in the mid day heat of the Sahara.

If Inuit’s have many words for snow then surely the Berbers and other tribes must also have a host for the desert and the terrain and landscape keeps changing. One fact that remains constant is that it is really dry and arid.  Despite losing the 2 hours we manage to make a respectable 56 miles on the fat bikes.  We are tired and stop at a hotel adjacent the river. It has a great view and we wander back to the bridge to the Café and are served a lovely tomato salad.

The next morning we head back to the Café for Jus de Orange and a coffee and spend another hour on each inner tube trying to find the small holes left by the thorns.  I repair 6 holes on one tube and Pringle marks 7-8 for repair on the other. We simply don’t have enough patches to risk using them all to fix these tubes.  That done and we are on our way.  The roads start with various undulations before becoming much longer straights through the long valleys. It is monotonous compared to the mountains and their communities.  As we reach a higher plain of about 1500m we spot a small café before a long straight road as far as the eye can see. The weather has changed and a small front brings strong winds and even some small twisters.  The café is something of a surprise as it serves an amazing salad, we eat two each including some damn hot pickled chillies.

We manage 96.5 miles with the last 16 miles in complete darkness through the desert. We hadn’t intended to but the last town had no hotels on the far side and we were sticking to our policy of not going back. Cycling through towns and the desert at night can be a little off putting.  It is now pitch black other than a little moonlight and a host of stars for company.  Finding a spot to camp after our thorny experience is tricky but eventually we find a small track to some palms and pitch the tent.

The third day is another 76 miles to Merzouga and the high dunes we are searching for. Although not far we are now in barren desert with nothing to break the monotony and few towns all day. We keep running low on water and or oranges which proves something of a tough mental challenge. We spot a head of camels in the plain and stop for photos. As Pringle walks over a young lad demands money. Although Pringle doesn’t speak French the lad repeats his demands for money “They are his camels”. Pringle is undeterred explaining to the lad “that they are their own camels”.  It is fairly surreal to watch this conversation between two determined people speaking different languages. I can’t help laughing out loud.  We push on and make the last big town, Erfoud, before the dunes. The volume of 4x4’s and also little Renault 4’s in rally colours has increased as does the wind. We stop to heat and rehydrate and find the wind keeps growing. The locals observe it is not a good time to be in the desert. 

An observation on life on adventure is that there are always these little moments to test your mental resolve. By the time we are back on the bikes it is howling and dust and sand are thrown are way. The headwind is exhausting and genuinely if you stop pedalling the bikes immediately grind to halt.  The final 30 miles is a slow torturous pace and we are exhausted.  Night falls again and we are out of water cycling against mother nature and a well deployed wind and dust machine. It is all we can do to keep pedalling and watch the kilometres reduce one at a time.  By the way our backsides are now killing us from pushing hard with such weight so getting comfortable is not an option. We have also run out of water and oranges and are left with dry dusty throats.

We finally see lights in the dusty gloom and know we have arrived. 3 long miles to go.  We are greeted by another moped riding local in traditional head dress, a common occurrence. He turns around the rides alongside enquiring about where we are staying. Never fear he knows just the place. We follow and head offroad down a small track to Le Petit Prince, an Auberge that backs onto the Dunes. (we don’t know this till daylight).

We sleep well after another vegetarian salad feed and the obligatory mint tea,  and a hot shower to wash away the desert grime.  Morning arrives and we grab a black coffee.  The back of the Auberge is literally about 50 metres from the sand and a small herd of camels.   It is pretty exciting and not every day you can find this at your back gate.  The locals tell us that this is the end point for the infamous Marathon De Sable, The Desert Marathon, Approx 150 gruelling miles. We finish our coffee and decide to try the bikes in the sand. It is tough going.  We head out and drop off a few dunes to get our hand in, with mixed results I might add.  Pringle hits a submerged tree stump and spills and I also manage to drop the bike clipped in. Other than a sand bath it is all good.

Undeterred we decided to get properly kitted up and head for the bigger dunes in the distance. If the first few runs were tough this does not bear comparison to the ‘Beau Geste’ like trek across the sand.  In fact we are out for 2-3 hours taking it in turns to push/pull the bikes up the steepest dunes before dropping, riding, skidding and surfing our way down. We really hope that anyone following our escapades likes the photos as they were great fun making.

After many different dunes and experimental runs we decided to call it a day and literally trudge back.  Time for tea.  We spend some time getting to know the local camels (no euphemism intended)!  It really is slightly amusing that they are so better equipped to be here than us.  Although Merzouga is a place for petrol heads with all manner of 4x4 rides, dune buggies and of course the old faithful camels we decide it does not fit with our budgets.

We have been mulling over what to do next. Having cycled through the desert once and pushed hard neither of us has much desire to repeat it given our tight schedule. In summary we would much rather enjoy some tough riding, on and off road in the High Atlas mountains than flog ourselves back through the desert. We have been mulling this over since our ride in last night and think enjoying the a few days back in the mountains is a better plan.

So our plan now is to rise and shine very early, catch the sunrise over the dunes and then hit the road only back to Ouarzazate giving us a further 3 days to ride off-road and explore the mountains.   So we are charging all our camera’s, the Mac air and getting ready to hit the road early again tomorrow.  Incidentally it looks like rain, to put that in perspective it has only rained here once in the last year!  OK it has now rained. Apparently that is lucky in the desert so that’s us then lucky as it goes.

Key Topics and Themes

Richard is able to bring a wide variety of topics and themes into his inspirational talks and workshops based on his business experience, life events, academic qualifications and zest for life. Richard is an inspiring and engaging story teller and sessions are tailored to meet the needs of the group or event.  Topics and themes include;

• Transformational leadership
• High performing teams
• Big dreams and goal setting
• Environmental management and sensible sustainability
• Enterprise and 'Can Do' cultures
• Social enterprise and making a difference

Chapters and life events

• Leading high performing teams within business
• Becoming an entrepreneur and social enterpreneur
• Managing the Ghana Ski Team to the Vancouver Winter Olympics
• Human powered adventures and stepping off

Alpheus Environmental is a wholly owned subsidiary of Anglian Water providing environmental management and water services to indsutry. Over a number of years Richard provided strategic consultancy and interim management delivering a number of different business critical services:

• Development of a new CRM (customer relationship management) stragegy and system
• Delivery of £1.2 million of new business sales (working 1 day per week)
• Strategic Review of core delivery in key business areas
• Development of new branding and marketing resources
• Delivery of keynote talks and promotional campaigns at industry conferences
• Introduction of online social media marketing channels and campaign
• Lead on key strategic bids to large blue chip clients

Cranfield Trust Voluntary Project

The Cranfield Trust is a time and talent charity providing former Cranfield MBA's to charitable projects and charities to help them become more sustainable. Projects may include strategic review, specific critical projects and securing long term funding.

Richard and a fellow MBA were assigned to Bedfordshire's Carers in Beds organisation providing support to carers of all ages within the community.

The charity were approaching a critical milestone where circa 90% of their funding from commissioned services and local authorities was up for tender / commissioing.

Richard worked with the trustees and board to develop a comprehensive bid strategy and proposal to secure over £750,000 of annual funding. Additionally the team helped develop more robust processes and action plans to improve delivery.

Richard has worked on other Cranfield Trust initiatives volunteering his time.

Voices in the Middle Project for the Family Initiative Charity

Richard and his wife Ashley have been working as project managers to help mentor and support the Voices in the Middle campaign for young people in the UK. The Family Initiative provides advice and guidance developed with and by young people around divorce and separation. As part of this Rich and Ash have helped develop guide resources for parents as well as helping form a young persons steering group.

This work has included presenting and networking at a national level with partner organisations. In addition one of the elements of the project is to help develop a stronger call to action with the funding partners (family law firms) and consequently the team are also helping deliver a charity fundraising activity.

Rich and Ash have used their mentoring skills with young people developed over 7+ years with Inspired Life CIC and the SMILE project to develop a strong steering group as well as support the young people to feel empowered.

The Pre-History of Rich Adventure

Richard moved 13 times by the age of 13 as his dad was a civil engineer working for John Laing. He lived in Poland, Wales, Cornwall twice, Middlesborough amongst other locations. Richard didn’t do much sport during his early years as he had a heart murmur but once given the all clear he didn’t waste much time getting involved in as many as possible. The family settled in Bedfordshire when Richard's dad Alan joined Cranfield to lead their Project Management programmes and Richard went first to Robert Bruce Middle School and then Wootton Upper School, both local state schools.

It became clear that he despite being a ‘trier’ his two left feet seemed to prevent any skill when it came to football. Whether he found rugby or it found him is not quite clear but kayaking and rugby became the two main pastimes in his life during the school years and beyond.  He followed Bedford Blues on a Saturday and played for the colts on a Sunday totally immersed in old school rugby culture.  Kayaking and canoeing skills were developed through Viking Kayak Club, where he is still involved in canoe polo and some coaching.

Richard was fortunate enough to join Scouts under an amazing troop leader, Tira Dawson who instilled discipline, a love of the outdoors and bushcraft skills amongst his young charges.  In parallel the head of the County Youth Service, Copper Harper believed adventurous activities were the best ‘social worker’ for young people and ensured there were plenty of opportunities available.  Consequently Richard attended the infamous Newgale Camps in Pembrokeshire and Activity breaks at Blue Peris which featured canoeing, climbing, sailing, windsurfing, hiking and team challenges. Put simply Newgale and the youth service changed and saved lives.

Richard set his sights on joining the Royal Marines and headed down to Lympstone to complete the POC (Potential Officers Course) with a pretty poor excuse for a mullet haircut.  On completing the physical and interview selection he was given a ‘Come Back’ but conditional on growing up somewhat and having a sharper haircut. 

Richard failed A Level Maths and was forced to study and retake later in the year. He decided to take a year out and extend his role working in the local windsurfing and mountain bike retailer. Endless Summer proved a fantastic learning ground in the leisure industry with core responsibilities including watching Red Hot Chilly Pepper Videos, dressing up in ski gear in the window and practicing skateboard 360’s for in-store demos.

Sponsors and supporters

I have been privileged to receive the long term support of a number of brands for equipment and funding over the years. This is not a right and something I am extremely grateful for.  Equipment and kit is tested in the harshest of environments through my adventures and especially when sea kayaking with immersion in salt water.

I consider myself to be a brand ambassador for these brands, showcasing all that is excellent about them.  I often provide feedback on simple improvements and ideas from testing in the field as well as images, video and articles.

Paramo Clothing

Paramo have supported my adventures in many different environments. Their products are durable, well designed, comfortable and above all the most ethical on the market.  I have used them on canoe trips, cycling the Sahara and in extreme cold environments. They will last a lifetime.

Bamboo Clothing

Bamboo Clothing is soft but hard wearing and has anti bacterial properties within the cloth. Bam founder Dave Gordon have even been on some of our Big 5 kayak challenge adventures over the years.  The best endorsement I can provide is that day to day and on adventure I wear their clothing more than any other.

Reed Chillcheater

I have always been disinterested in wearing kayaking waterproofs and cags and have found them uncomfortable and cumbersome until I discovered Reed Chillcheater. Again I have worn it on serious crossings, big seas and cold temperatures. I love it as it a lifesaver and the most comfortable kayaking kit on the market.

Flint Group

Flint Group specialising in print and digital print solutions have been a close friend and supporter to Richard and the Ski to the Edge Project. The synergies between Richard's lessons from adventure and life and their corporate values and goals has been the driver for this close partnership.

Leatherman Tools

Until I started doing longer trips and adventures I didn’t really get the need for multitools. Since then I have used my Leatherman to fix kayaks, bikes, to remove 15 puncture causing spikes when cycling the Sahara and many other tricky situations. The Leatherman Tools have been essential to my success on so many occasions.

Garmin

I  am a simple man so reading instruction manuals and fiddling with complex technology is not something I want to engage with. Garmin have supported me over the years with different GPS products, handhelds, their supreme Fenix watch which tracks your position and now their Virb Video camera. All of which are great tools for the trade of adventure, tough and reliable.

USE Exposure Lights

To me lights serve two purposes, to get you seen (keeping you safe) and to allow you to see (keeping you safe again). Exposure Lights have been with me on almost all of my adventures, they are superby engineered, tough and seem bright enough to signal outer space. I would recommend them to everyone, they are a light for life.

Canadian Affair

Canadian Affair have been a long term friend to me and my team providing support for my adventures to Canada and also for the Ghana Ski Team at the Vancouver Winter Olympics. It has included support for transport of kit and team members along with a friendly smile along the way.

Valley Sea Kayaks

These incredible sea kayaks have been a great addition to Richard's sea kayak expeditions providing pedigree and state of the art designs fused into the best sea kayaks in the world. Richard has completed many challenging crossings and journeys using Valley Sea Kayaks. Thanks team.

Mountain Fuels

I have used Mountain Fuels on many expeditions literally treating it as an extra team member providing energy and essential food. Mountain Fuels provided the human power to complete many of our toughest trips including the Juneau to Whitehorse Chilkoot Trail trip.

Other relationships and previous sponsors

Over the years Richard has worked closely with a large number of global outdoor brands helping with product reviews and partnerships testing and promoting their brands. Other relationships include:

• Osprey Packs
• Vango Tents and kit
• MSR
• Typhoon Drysuits
• Silver Birch Canoes
• Downcreek Paddles

The Travel Bug

Richard caught the travel bug later than some but earlier than others. His family holidays always involved camping and walking in Wales, Scotland or National Parks such as Derbyshire. Rain or shine we were happy as a family walking or scrambling up Munros and other assorted Hills. It wasn’t adventure it was just what we did and was supplemented by Scouts wild camping and also adventure sports with the County Youth Service.

Richard was lucky enough to take part in one of the first London to Paris cycle fundraisers at the age of about 19.  Working in Endless Summer he has access to some pretty fandango machines and opted to ride it on his Specialised Stumpjumper with some city slicker tyres.  One of his mates bailed so off he went solo in terms of people he knew at the start. This had of course changed by the end.  The early London to Paris rides somehow persuaded the authorities to shut the Champelysses so riding down the final strip felt like winning the Tour De France.

His plans to ‘go travelling’ were scuppered by the broken right femur.  Despite this travelling came thick and fast after that once Richard got a job and earned a few pennies.  He visited South Africa in 1995 for the Rugby World Cup staying with his aunt and seeing most matches whilst driving around much of South Africa in a beaten up, clapped out hire car. He played rugby in Memphis and the surrounding area with Bedfordshire Police in 1996. Went out to New Zealand in 1997 to witness the decimation of England by the All Blacks and even got to play a few friendly games for Auckland Varsity.

Richard also visited Peru, Mexico and Brazil slightly after this, each time with a flight and rucksack to see where he would end up. Other trips to Australia for the Lions in 1997, back to South Africa, and lots of rugby in America, playing for Denver Highlanders whilst on a ski trip, and to New York for five years where he has the honour of playing with the Long Island Rugby Club.  

Richard’s speaking gigs for those wanting to hear some of the stories and seeking a few ideas.   Over the years Richard has spoken at the London Boat Show on 5 or 6 occasions, Ski and Snowboard Show, Outdoor Show, Adventure Travel Show, Explorers Connect, RGS and a host of others.

Richard is also speaking regularly for companies and schools as part of the Inspired Life work and motivational speaking for companies.  These are not generally listed here but you can read some of the feedback and endorsements elsewhere on the website. A sample of the kinds of talks, keynotes and workshops that he runs are highlighted here.

Please check back from time to time as new dates and talks will be listed here. If not then why not organize a group or talk for your group or company.

Richard has a wide range of talks and workshops scheduled for 2014 alongside consultancy projects, running workshops and of course his adventures. You can see a sample of some of his talks and events here for universities, schools and corporate clients.

[25^th Feb 2014]              University of Cambridge Explorers Club  "How short is your toothbrush?" - adventure talk               

[8^th June 2014]              Explorers Connect (Woodland campfire talk)                                  

[8^th May 2014]               Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards  St James Palace

[30^th Sept 2014]             Adventure Ideas / Sharing and planning, Hosted by Al Humphreys, Royal Geographic Society

[4^th Oct 2014]                University of Cambridge Boat Race Squad, Motivational Talk                      

[13th Oct 2014]             Stantonbury Accademy, Milton Keynes, Motivational Programme

[17^th Oct 2014]              Ocean Film Festival run by the Banff Film Festival, Cambridge University, Guest Speaking

[25-26th Oct 2014]       Scottish Canoe Show , Perth, "Tales of paddling adventures" (Day 1), "Workshop on adventure planning"(Day 2)

[23^rd Oct 2014]              Food Sustainability Conference, National Motor Bike Museum, Birmingham "waste minimization and sustainability"

[7^th Nov 2014]               Ellen Macarthur Circular Economy Conference  Expert Panel, Cranfield University

[10th Nov 2014]            Westminster School (Inspired Life) "Your future is not defined by your past"

[23^rd Nov 2014]          Amigo’s Community Group 

I still look back at this adventure and smile a beaming grin thinking of it. From a single phone call to pitch the Spare Seat kayak idea to New York State to winning an international travel marketing award valued at a $1 million PR campaign. The journey of 510 miles saw us kayak two double kayaks from Niagara Falls to the Statue of Liberty via the Erie Canal and the Hudson River Way.  Every day we were joined by random people who filled the ‘Spare Seat’. See www.thespareseat.com  for the full story and daily blogs.

The stats, sharing the journey with 29 different spare seaters including 2 lucky UK competition winners and almost 300 people who joined us in a Forest Gump style with their own boats (spare seats).  In total the expedition was shared through different media (radio, TV, magazines and others to almost 200 million people.

We started our journey in the tall buildings and silos of ‘Silo City’ in Buffalo and were joined by almost 300 school children, 5-6 TV crews as well as local press and dignitaries including serving senators and a state governor.  Usually as kayakers we put on our kit, adjust our boats and leave in our own time. This time we were on other people’s schedules including the local TV news. We hopped into our kayaks under the watchful eye of a large crowd and paddled off downstream.

Just round the corner we stopped to adjust our foot pegs, stretch our legs and then paddle on. The flow on the Buffalo River was immense and we made good progress to our all important right turn into the Erie Canal. Missing this was mean a long drop over the Falls!  The Canal completed in 1825 by De Witt Clinton was a major trade route and significantly bigger than UK canals.

We swapped ‘spare seaters’ and paddled on towards the first big lock system at Lockport. This set the tone with a magnificent reception from the local people. We said a few words, local people showered us in kind words of encouragement and good food and we grabbed a good nights rest. Next day we paddled on and the process of connecting with a community repeated itself.

It is impossible to do justice to all the incredible people that we met on this trip.  We became a mirror for highlighting to community after community how great they really were.  Each place offered a small window into their community, their attractions and achievements and shared their heritage. It was a humbling experience for both Glenn and I.  We visited Medina, home of tailors who made shirts for famous people included Winston Churchill. 

We were joined by many paddlers who came to see what the Spare Seat was about including Casy, 5 months out of open heart surgery, Cody White, owner of Nomadic SUP and a paddleboard racer and one family who travelled 8 hours to join us and featured 3 generations from a 6 month old baby to the grandfather and plenty of family members in between.  We just kept on paddling and making friends at each destination.

We paddled through Oneida Lake and Sylvan Beach where we saw the kayak eco tours and the amazing Len Cross at Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo. (still crosses my mind to put in an offer to buy that place). Other amazing places Seneca Falls, first women’s Rights Congress and the Finger Lakes with Justin at Fuzzy Guppies, Dave at the three brothers winery and so it continued. The paddling changed as we entered the Mohawk River Valley. We enjoyed a castle at Amsterdam to add to the list of incredible experiences.

We arrived into Albany the State Capital and were hosted by Mayor Jennings who had received President Obama the day before. Things had reached a ridiculous level as we stepped out of our kayaks in a huge downpour to be greeted by 6 TV crews and media. By proclamation the mayor declared it Glenn and Richard day in Albany. Long may that continue.

We left the comfort of the Erie Canal at the Troy Lock and remembered to turn right on the River Hudson for New York City, the Big Apple.  The river was stunning and like so much of our journey offered history, heritage and stories of our forefathers.  The first real environmental movement had been started here by Pete Seagers and the Clearwater Revival as protestors sought to stop a huge development. There was a change of law in the Congress to allow everyday folk to fight against it.

We paddled past the Clearwater Sloop now a youth project and witnessed how the once polluted Hudson had been cleaned up by the work of so many good people and communities. We also passed West Point Military Academy located on the site where the British had been defeated during the battle for Independence. I was asked what I thought to the loss and how it must be tough. I retorted that some things aren’t worth fighting for.

We camped at Stony Point amongst the reenactment relics and museum sight which was a definite first. The ‘Big Apple’ was now within touching distance. One of our final days was in Yonkers where the famous kayak club offered us a great reception and we also got to spend time on the Science Barge with Captain Bob.  From Yonkers we could see the Manhattan Skyline which signaled the end of our epic journey.

The final day like so many had a real sting in the tail with strong winds, and fog shrouding the Statue of Liberty and Staten Island. It also made life quite dangerous with lots of marine traffic in and around. We finished at Pier 40 and do a couple of quick interviews but nothing like the media frenzy at the start or on the journey. We decide to paddle the Statue section the next day for safety reasons and head to the Gershwin Hotel for scrub up.  We finish our epic paddle in front of the Statue of Liberty the next day with Simon Bevan, Glenn Charles, Iain King of the Scottish Sun and myself, it is poetic. We complete the ‘Wedding of the Waters’ pouring water from the Erie Lake into the Atlantic, which was first done in 1825.

So many people to thank and connections made. The fact it then went on to win an international travel marketing award was a great bonus for all the hard work by so many. After all we were just the two kayakers doing what we love doing.

After the amazing success of the New York Spare Seat we decided to try the same approach with Scotland and offer everyday people the chance to join us for an adventure. This time we would feature the stunning paddling of the Great Glenn Canoe Trail originally known as the Caledonian Canal.  Our plan was to start on the coast South of Oban and paddle the Corryvreckan Whirlpool, the Grey Dogs tide race and up to Oban before paddling up Loch Linhe to Fort William and into the Great Glenn Canoe Trail. (see more at www.thespareseat.com )

Olly Jay of Active4Seasons, my long term expedition buddy and another mate Jamie Queen would join me for the sea kayaking leg to Fort William and some of our www.inspiredlife.org colleagues would paddle on the Great Glenn. The weather was pretty bad after the first day wild camping at the entrance to the Corryvreckan. We enjoyed a fantastic Pasta Meatballs dish and eyed the channel with some caution knowing at its worst this was a dangerous stretch of water.

We paddled in close to slack water and played in the weird eddies and currents before touching Jura and heading North for the Grey Dogs. We passed two nesting eagles and found plenty of seals for company as the stormy weather set in and stayed with us for a few days. I can honestly say that the Reed Chillcheater paddling kit saved any misery and the Paramo clothing for après paddling made life much better. We met up with the rest of the team at Oban at the campsite before paddling the long finger like tendril of the Loch Linhe sea loch into Fort William.

We were joined by our first ‘Spare Seaters’ at Fort William who paddled for the majority of the day. They had won our competition to come and join us. Our route saw us paddle the main Loch’s but opt for the Rivers where possible on the River Oich and at the end the River Ness. On this section I got to paddle with my wife Ashley which was lovely and we had recruited one of our dogs, William to enjoy the trip (don’t tell the other dogs!!).  The Great Glenn is a fantastic adventure paddle to cut your teeth on, with open Lochs that can really whip up with waves and strong winds and also some great Grade 2 River sections.  It is equipped with hostels as well as wild camping along the way which was lucky as the weather was not for the faint hearted.

We had more Spare Seaters in tow and at Loch Ness we had organized for a group of young students to join us for a ‘Come and Try It’ Session with canoes and kayaks in the sheltered bay. They were writing up the piece for National Geographic Kids Magazine to encourage others to try paddling and learn about adventure. Loch Ness saw me in the double with karate champion surfing some of the waves. The rest of the team were in 2 canoes rafted together with a makeshift sail. Needless to say we flew down across the water.

Finishing Loch Ness we said our goodbyes and opted for paddling the River Ness into Inverness. It was flowing well and we got some decent wave trains and play waves which proved a great way to finish this adventure.

Canoeing the Yukon River

The Yukon River is one of the most iconic rivers in Canada and North America and is known for its access to one of the world’s last unspoilt wilderness areas. It has been etched in history with the titanic struggles of the ‘Stampeder’s’ (prospectors) who rushed over the Chilkoot Pass and paddled down the river to stake their claims during the Klondike Gold Rush in 1896-1898.  It is a fast flowing river with features including the infamous Five Finger Rapids and Rink Rapids. Although it runs for 1980 miles, the majority of people head down stream from Whitehorse 460 miles downstream to Dawson City. 

There are plenty of local outfitters and guides who can help you plan and achieve your journey but we have been lucky enough to work with the team at Up North Adventures.  UK residents wanting to learn the ropes can get some hints, skills and tuition through Richard and the team at www.canoetrail.co.uk

Turn Left and Just Keep Paddling

Leaving Whitehorse was exciting with our small team including my brother Mathew, Gordon Ross (our photographer for the Ghana Ski Team at the Vancouver Winter Olympics 2010) and friend Aisling Ni Chuinn ready to explore this mighty river. Compared to so many of my previous sea kayaking adventures this was simple, no tides and a moving conveyor belt of water to carry us downstream.  Our first day paddling set the tone with beavers, a massive squall with heavy wind and rain, and then sunshine to warm us at our campsite at Policeman’s Point before tackling Lake Labarge. We took the opportunity to enjoy a well earned glass of whisky as part of an incentive scheme.

Lake Larbarge looms next and is a 33 mile long shallow lake which can whip up large waves in stormy conditions. We felt privileged and delighted to spot our first grizzly of the trip running along the shore and enjoyed the good weather conditions.  The 9 hours days of paddling had become a comfortable routine. Lake Labarge can be tricky with relative shallow waters so you are advised to stay close to shore when stormy and seek shelter.

Experiencing those ‘Indiana Jones’ Moments

One of the incredible elements of paddling the Yukon River is to experience the living and timesless history with old cabins, stern wheelers, old cars and other relics from another time just abandoned in the bush.  Hootalinqua, the old shipyard located on an island provides the opportunity to clamber around the majestic SS Evelyn Norcom, a sternwheeler, that has rested there since 1913.  The only remaining marker visible from the canoe is one of her smoke stacks.  Be aware Hootlinqua is at the confluence of two rivers (the flow is very fast here at almost 9 miles per hour). If you don’t ferry glide early enough you will miss it. 

One of the reasons I do adventures is that there is a real connection with the great outdoors which is truly spiritual. On this adventure we got to canoe for about 30 seconds alongside a young male wolf patrolling along the shoreline of a narrow channel(note we were the ones canoeing) and also spent 10 minutes next to a black bear swimming in the flow. Those moments truly touched us and were a stark contrast from the pace of modern life.  I spent all the time trying to paddle closer to the bear whilst my crew mate was back paddling trying to stay away.

Pelly Crossing is one of the highlights of our trip with the confluence of the Yukon and Pelly Rivers at a First Nation Settlement called Fort Selkirk.  It is rich in heritage with the buildings preserved by the hard work of a few locals and interpreters based there to tell you about the history.  Wandering around Dury Stores and the old church was really poignant and moving with much of the history of the pioneering people preserved. We found similar feelings and experiences on many occasions climbing over old Ford cars and heavy prospecting equipment and sternwheelers that had just been abandoned.  Fort Selkirk was home to the Van Bibber Family who contributed so much to the Yukon Archives.  Alex Van Bibber led a 500mile expedition through the Mackensie Mountain Range, which our team plans to repeat in 2015. (Ski to the Edge).

Reaching Dawson City

Paddling and exploring the Five Finger Rapids was one of the highlights of our trip.  The river’s flow is fragmented and diverted by large rocky outcrops that provide fair size wave trains, boils and eddies. River right is the safe passage although as experienced paddlers we confess to spending some time playing and breaking in and out. 

Further downstream, Dawson City is one of those places everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime with wooden sidewalks and mud for roads and also the worst karaoke in the world! We watched in awe as cowboy types sang tunes really badly until a rival took exception and a fight ensued. After a few ‘handbag moments’ one of them would be evicted via the swinging saloon doors.  It also holds so much history of our forefathers with the gold rush, Jack London’s cabin and where poet Robert Service wrote much of his work.

It’s the great, big, broad land ’way up yonder,

   It’s the forests where silence has lease;

It’s the beauty that thrills me with wonder,

   It’s the stillness that fills me with peace.

Taken from the Spell of the Yukon, Robert Service

During the gold rush Dawson was home to over 30,000 people seeking their fortune. There are plenty of places to visit with museums, good food, the old gold dredges and ‘Diamond Tooth Gerties’ music hall and gambling den run by the locals as a community enterprise. We joined in with a story telling night at the local community hall based around first nation traditions.

“Falling Off the Face of the Earth”

Leaving Dawson is said to be like falling off the face of the earth. The speed of the river picks to almost 7 mph and there are less people.  Our next target was Eagle, the border crossing into the USA and a place to restock supplies and get a shower. Beyond Eagle we entered the Charlie Yukon National Reserve and  parked ourselves on the Rock of Ages, a 4000 year old stalagmite in the middle of the river.  We also passed Calico Bluff, a huge limestone and coloured shale escarpment which is stunning and makes this part of the journey worth while. There are also rare and unique birds of prey only found in this part of the world. By now as the weather was warming up we experienced more than our fair share of no-seums and midges. Bug jackets and head nets to the ready.

Our final destination was at Circle Alaska, just South of the Arctic Circle.  By now the Yukon had earned its name Land of the Midnight Sun with almost 24 hour light. We were happy to reach our goal and arrived to find the place deserted and much of it boarded up. We departed Circle, close to the hot springs via a narrow mountain pass road which provided one final bit of excitement with twists and turns and a few scary moments.

Since this trip I have been captivated by the magic of the Yukon and have returned to complete two more adventures which you can find on the website within my adventures and also on social media.

When to go?

The best time to paddle the Yukon River is between end of May, after the ice break up, and early October as things start to cool.  July to August are the worst of the ‘no-seems’ and midges which can be a nuisance and require bug jackets and head nets.

How to get there?

Air North are a friendly airline that fly into Whitehorse with connections from large Canadian cities including Vancouver and Calgary.  From the UK we used Canadian Affair to make the connections who were very helpful especially with our mountain of kit. Pack sensibly without the kitchen sink and remember you can get most things from the local outfitters.

Visa

For the Whitehorse to Dawson City paddle you will need appropriate Visas for Canada. British Passport holders may need a 10 year US Visa for the border crossing into Alaska from Canada at Eagle.

Gear

Up North Adventures based in Whitehorse can provide canoes or kayaks and all the kit you need. You can hire a guide and organize a shuttle back to Whitehorse with them.  Take bug nets and Citronella bug repellant (Be careful as DEET will trash your kit).

Length of Trip

Whitehorse to Dawson City is 460 miles and will typically take 10 – 14  days of paddling. We paddled Whitehorse to Circle, Alaska and needed to organize our own shuttle transport.  Other options include the http://yukon1000.com  canoe race which is run by the lovely Pete Coates and also the www.yukonriverquest.com

Difficulty

Moderate depending on whether you have a guide from an outfitter like Up North and the daily distance you aim to cover. Novice paddlers would benefit from a day’s tuition. The Yukon canoe races are of course full on endurance.

Accommodation

There are some campsites and huts along the route and of course lots of places to wild camp. Campsites are basic, equipped with long drop toilets and fire pits. There are showers at some bigger locations.

Food and Drinks

Canoes and kayaks can carry plenty of kit including your food and rations. Take snacks and food with you and bear barrels to ensure you don’t get unwanted visitors in the night.  Other simple guidelines are to cook away from your camping area and or use paracord or ropes to suspend your food up in the branches.

This story and adventure has been included within editorial for a number of magazines and media outlets including Paddler Magazine, Paramo's catalogue and as a guest blog for Merrell.com

Juneau to Whitehorse via the Chilkoot Trail

My third expedition to Alaska, Northern Canada and the Yukon was about linking up my two previous expeditions. I had already sea kayaked from Vancouver Island to Glacier bay, Alaska, via Juneau and also canoed 700 miles of the Yukon River from Whitehorse to Circle, Alaska. This left a mere gap of 240 miles including a mountain pass. How hard could it be?  This trip would involve sea kayaking from Juneau to Skagway, hiking the infamous Chilkoot Trail (taken by “the Stampeders’ during the Gold Rush in 1896-1898) and then using a small one man raft called a packaraft to paddle over 100 miles from Lake Bennett down to Whitehorse.  Back in the day each prospector had to carry one tonne of supplies to be let into Canada which could mean hiking the trail up to 40 times.  Many prospectors used the local Chilkoot, Chilkat and Stikine Indian Packers (first nation) for this.

Juneau to Skagway (105 miles)

Arriving back to Juneau was exciting, I had loved it the first time round and now I was heading back with Matthew, my brother. Our plan was ambitious, to travel unsupported carrying kit for all stages of the expedition, albeit we would leave our sea kayaks at Skagway to be picked up by our friends at Above and Beyond Alaska (http://beyondak.com/ ) who had helped us on our previous Inside Passage Trip.

Before leaving Juneau we decided to try out the Packarafts, super lightweight one person rafts built right there in Alaska.  We had reconnected with our friends from the park service and also Suzanne Mcgee and decided what better location than the beautiful Mendenhall Glacier. We arrived at the beach there and to the amusement of tourist and locals alike began to inflate our rafts.

At this point my brother made a ‘school boy’ error and opted not to use the small horseshoe seat for the floor of the raft. We paddled towards the main ice floes and Glacier Wall and spent time getting plenty of iconic pictures. During this time my brothers backside started to freeze with prolonged contact with the thin rubber floor of the raft leading to chill blains on his bottom.  This was a source of amusement for the rest of the trip.  Luckily he did not succumb to a chilly willy!

We were ready to head out onto ‘Favourite Channel’ but with one critical item missing from our kit, white fuel for the stoves, we dodged the prolonged showers and drank coffee trying to source the fuel.  Eventually after a few hours, success, so it was time to set out in the rain with heavily laden sea kayaks for Skagway.  It was great to be back in the wide-open spaces of the Alaskan waters, with huge mountain ranges, snowy caps and plenty of wildlife.  A long with the rain and odd squall, whales also joined us for the rest of the day.

Our destination for the day was a small cabin nestled in Berners Bay. Approaching the cabin it was clear that someone had beaten us to it. It was like a modern day scene from Goldilocks and the 3 bears! “Who’s has been sleeping in my bed”? We were greeted by the high energy that is Kayak Debbie. It turns out we had met on our last trip to Alaska on the Inside Passage in a small inlet. What are the chances? Only in Alaska and the Yukon is the answer.  The weather improved and we were treated to glorious sunshine and a sunset to remember as we watched sea birds, eagles and whales traversing Berners Bay.   Berners Bay has been the scene of a legal battle over mineral extraction versus protecting the environment. It reminded me of the words of the First Nation boat builder, Ed Carpenter we had met in Bella Bella two years before “What will we tell our children about why we have over consumed the planet?”

Morning and we pushed onwards up the channel towards Haines and then Skagway.   More rain but our spirits were high after drying out. We spotted an abandoned lighthouse for lunch and played hide and seek with the local seal colony.   Like so much of the marine highways in Canada and Alaska you are accompanied not only by stunning wildlife but also the occasional huge cruise ship carrying up to 10,000 people at one time.  We camped the second night on a rocky outcrop way above the rack lines(tidal lines of seaweed and debris) which afforded us a grand view of our journey route.

We were excited at completing phase 1 of the expedition. Arriving at Skagway, an iconic gold rush town, highlighted that age old debate whether ‘size is important’ as we kayaked up next to one of the huge cruise liners.  Conclusion we were proud to have got there under human power. We would continue on foot for the next 45 miles over the Chilkoot Trail, the historic gold rush route.  We spent a day in Skagway finding out about the history including the boom times, the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad (WP&YRR ) through to Carcross.

Hiking the Chilkoot Trail (42 miles)

We were facing a sterner test, hiking over the mountains carrying all out kit including our packarafts to then paddle a further 110 miles down to Whitehorse.  I have done some portages in my time but over 40 miles was definitely a challenge.  We organized permits for the National Parks (Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park USA and Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site of Canada) as  we would be crossing the border into the Yukon Territories.  In our planning we had omitted to note the 8-9 mile walk from town to the start of the trail at Dyea. Given our human powered remit we were forced to grit it out. It was tough going and our packs weighed almost 35 kgs with Packarafts, food, paddles, cameras.  We were forced to purchase some  additional large Sealine bags as our rucksack stitching was failing with the weight.

It was like a tough day in the ‘green gym’ as we huffed and puffed our way up the trail. The initial stages were low level hiking with some interesting marsh areas with walk boards, brush and trees and occasional historic camps and points of interest. We passed Finnegan’s Point and Canyon City heading for a campsite aptly named Pleasant Camp. Many of the campsites were equipped with wall tents and small stoves as well as the favourite Long Drop Toilet.  We were using Mountain Fuels drinks to replace nutrients, salts and lost energy and it became like a vampire thirst between each drink.  We made slow progress trying to find ways to adapt to the weight and time passed slowly.  Kayaking had been so much easier with the kit stowed in our boats. Our forefathers had carried almost 1 tonne of supplies as a pre-requisite of entry into the Yukon and Canada. We adjusted our attitudes and took some ‘toughen up’pills.

Matt woke me to inform we that an animal was in the camp but I was too tired to care.  Luckily morning arrived and we began the ritual again, this time with a few aches but otherwise into a routine. It began to get steeper, with more boulder fields and scree and snow also covered parts of the trail as we climbed.  We had a break at Sheep Camp before tackling the Scales and the Golden Steps and the final climb before entering the Yukon, Canada. Sat in the snow surrounded by old artifacts and machinery there was an incredible stillness and calm. Like my previous trips to this part of the world, it felt very spiritual and I felt at peace.

The next few hours climbing up the Golden Staircase to the border crossing were arduous to say the least as we kicked steps into the snow on the steep climb. One slip would mean sliding and falling a hundred metres or more on the steepest sections. Our heavy packs, one front and back meant we kept disappearing up to our waists in the soft snow, frustrated and exhausted in equal measure.  Reaching the border crossing, signified by a waving Canadian Flag, a small hut and long drop toilet filled us with joy. We broke out the stove and celebrated with a small brew.  It was all downhill from here.  Resting after our climb we quickly dozed off and luckily awoke quite soon after as we had a fair distance to the next camp.  The view down into the Yukon was incredible. We would passed through 2 avalanche zones, one of which had been quite recent. The Yukon side of the pass was easier but now we kept falling through the snow into streams and gullies where the snow had begun to thaw and melt. We made is safely to Happy Camp.  Just below the camp was one potential starting point of the Yukon River as the snow melt congregated into a fast flowing river.

We cleared the snow line and followed the swollen river on foot past a series of small lakes until it detoured and crashed into a canyon of whitewater and serious rapids.  We rejoined it at Lindeman Lake and shuffled towards the trail head at Bennett by now feeling fatigue in our shoulders and legs. There was a fantastic historic camp settlement at Lindeman City with lots of information and displays.  Arriving at the Bennett Lake trail head felt like a great achievement and we were delighted to finally put our rucksacks down. We made camp on the little beach and padded about on the sandy shore feeling content.  We explored the old railroad station and church hoping to get a soft drink, but sadly it was all shut up.

Packarafting to Whitehorse (100 Miles)

This part of our plan was a little sketchy, as you might say a work in progress. We had not paddled our packarafts fully laden with kit. We expected flow on the river and lakes but sadly for us we didn’t find any. We did a test run with our kit and confirmed it was like paddling a bath sized jelly. 100 miles didn’t seem such a treat any more but there was little choice.  (Packarafts are bombproof and the lightest in the world but not necessary designed for 100 miles in 3 days).  We set off the next morning with a slight head wind and about a foot of chop over the grey water. Just keep paddling!  One of the highlights of the trip was the (WP&YRR ) train passing us with passengers waving which definitely lightened the mood.

After a 9 hour paddle we made it to the bridge at Carcross. We abandoned our kit on some decking at the end of the lake and went in search of supplies.  The snow covered mountains that flanked our route made this another magical place to camp. Morning came quickly, we struck camp and got back on the water.  Teeth gritted we paddled on from lake to lake although benefited from sunshine that appeared during the day.  Towards the end of the day we entered Marsh Lake, a shallow lake as far as the eye could see. We made camp about 1/3 of the way down it on a grassy spit.  The end was in reach, one final day and one final push and we would make Whitehorse. 

We woke early stashed our kit in font and behind us in our little rafts and got moving . A couple of hours in, we passed a fishing boat on the lake and chatted to the skipper. “Hey that looks old school in those craft. Where are you going? Dawson City?” “No we did that last year” we replied. It then dawned on us it was Mark from Up North Adventures, the outfitters in Whitehorse who had helped and supported our previous expedition. Only in the Yukon could you be in the middle of nowhere and meet someone you knew and who has now become a good friend. 

The end of the lake brought a change of scenery as we entered the river channels and canyons. It also brought another headwind. Head down we battled on cursing the elements.  Several miles later we rounded a corner to find Miles Canyon, another treacherous place during the gold rush with strong currents and waves. Now it is more peaceful with the Whitehorse Dam in place.  It was pretty special to paddle and float through the canyon.  As we paddled past a few locals in speedboats in the Canyon and others jumping into the aquamarine waters enjoying themselves. We were a source of some amusement and comments.

The hydroelectric dam at Whitehorse was just round the corner. We portaged for the final time around the massive concrete structure. Slightly fatigued and not concentrating I loaded my pack onto my back and promptly fell over backwards. I stood up quickly dusted myself down and checked that no one had seen me, in the middle of nowhere!  We skirted the dam and re launched into the first real flow we had found coupled with a large wave train. It was going to be a bumpy ride.  Clear of the spillway we floated gently down into Whitehorse.

Mission accomplished.  It was great to be back in Whitehorse, the gateway to the Yukon and we had succeeded in joining up the pieces of our previous adventures. We caught up with Mark the owner of UpNorth Adventures who commented we only visited in fair weather and we should return in winter to really text ourselves. He told us a story of the Canol Pipeline and challenged us to follow Alex Van Bibbers epic 500 mile adventure through the McKensie Mountains that was completed in 1942. Check out our expedition reccy and planning trips to the Yukon and also our Norway Training sessions under ski adventures.

Despite being a tough trip it is important to realize that paddling the Yukon River, sea kayaking in Alaska and hiking the Chilkoot Trail is accessible to anyone with a little determination. You can do short sections, day paddling trips and guided trips with help from local companies and outfitters. 

Endorsements

Richard has delivered inspirational and motivational talks across a wide range of sectors and events, from sporting events and national shows, to business leaders and teams to charities and conferences.  Through Inspired Life RIchard has delivered a hundreds of talks and workshops to young people around the core message that "Your future is not defined by your past".

What added to the occasion was your inspirational talk for which I am really most grateful.  You were able to connect with the students in a way which was relevant to them and presented a great role model. You left us with a huge message about being resilient and tenacious and not giving up when the going gets tough for which I thank you.

Mike Johnston, Executive Director Shuttleworth College

“After listening to Richard’s experiences we all felt motivated to get up off our seats and plan our own adventures. Richard certainly challenges you to think big and pursue the ‘idea’ no matter how daunting it may seem!”

Mark Stevens, Area Manager, Snow and Rock

Richard has presented at the London Boat Show on a number of occasions, his enthusiasm for the sporting life and all things active is frankly infectious.

Mike Enser, Director London Boat Shows

“Students related to the concept that your future doesn't have to follow what you've done in the past.  There was also the message that we should give something back to society.   We can already see the difference in the behaviour and attitudes of some of our previously disengaged students so many thanks for that.  Very inspiring!”

Andrew Scott, Managing Director, Alpheus Environmental, Part of AWG plc

I just wanted to say thank you for speaking at the BeeZee Bodies graduation recently.  The children and families found it very interesting and it was great for them to hear all of your experiences, particularly how much you have failed and then carried on.  This was an important message for them to take home as it is something they will inevitably have to deal with.  Weight management is difficult for everyone and it is important that they know that they will experience failures along the way.  It was great to see and hear that you had overcome adversity and I think you made the link to what they had achieved and the challenge they now face really well.  We would definitely recommend you as a speaker for future events.

Stuart King, Public Health Coordinator

"Richard came along to our away day, ending a morning of business strategy presentations with what was a very motivational talk highlighting some of the amazing experiences he has had. It was very well received by the team and was an excellent positive end to the morning.  Richard managed to bring together some of the key messages from the morning together, relate to his experience and outlook and deliver in a fashion that resounded within the team."

David Knowles, BGL Insurannce Group (Meerkats)

Thanks for your fantastic contribution to our event yesterday, it was a great way to close and leave our colleagues feeling enthused and motivated

Lee Mason, National County Sports Partnership Network

Rich Harpham spoke to the Cambridge University Expeditions Society (CUEX) in February 2014. His talk was one of the most well-attended presentations the club has organized. He is engaging, and has an abundance of knowledge on planning and organizing expeditions. He makes people feel like they can live their dreams - he even kindly offered to assist members of our club in planning their own kayak expeditions! Rich is a truly inspiring adventurer

Rosemary Ofsted, Cambridge University Expeditions Society

“The feedback from the attendees on your talk and panel session was really positive and the word "inspiring" was used over and over.”

Tim Ryan,Partner, IP, Media & Technology Department, Davenport Lyons

Thanks so much for agreeing to be our guest of honour at our graduation ceremony. Your participation and inspirational story was engaging and much appreciated by our students and their families. You really lifted the occasion and challenged the students to maximize their potential and dream big.

Bill Rammel, Vice Chancellor, University of Bedfordshire

Richard led, inspired and provided the lynchpin to the success of the Ghana Ski Team Phenomenon and global story that engulfed the team at the Vancouver Winter Olympics 2010. His ability to connect and engage with community groups, dignitaries as well as support other team members was first class.  His humble approach and ‘can do’ attitude helped share the magic that is the Olympics.

Kwame Nkrumah Achaempong, President Ghana Ski Association

Richard is truly an inspirational person. I know this phrase is perhaps "overused" these days but it sits easily with Richard. We have worked with him on many occasions, he never fails to deliver. He is a coach, mentor, teacher, entrepreneur, leader, inspirer, life changer and challenger who is passionate about "fairness and integrity" and people reaching their true potential. He always makes terrific contributions but he is most comfortable in using sport, the arts, culture and the great outdoors to make a difference for people and communities. I have seen him present on many occasions, he has the ability to make his audience think "I should do something like that" and "that looks a lot of fun" and "I really could make a difference". Meet him and you will be enthused to make things better.

Lloyd Conaway CEO - team BEDS&LTON.

Having heard Richard Harpham speak at a national conference, we were very keen to work with Richard to inspire the teachers attending the 2015 Bucks & Milton Keynes PE Conference. Richard has the ability to transfer his experience as an adventurer into day-to-day practical interventions which mere mortals can apply to achieve great results. His unrelenting enthusiasm and personal commitment to inspiring and helping young people is a fantastic inspiration for us all.

Mark Ormerod, Director, LEAP, The Bucks & MK Sport and Activity Partnership

Speaking Events And Gigs to Hear Richard's Adventures and Talks in 2016

Its another busy year with lots of exciting adventures, speaking gigs and time on the water. Richard will be speaking at a wide range of events and shows during 2016 with his stories of human powered adventures, inspiration and simple tips to encourage others to go and follow their own dreams. These talks are at a range of events and bookings from schools, to universities, national shows and other occasions.

Richard is still passionate about sharing life experience through Inspired Life and making a difference, coaching in the outdoors with Canoe Trail and encouraging others to achieve their potential. Here is a sample of some of the talks already booked...

[30th January 2016]       Cambridge Unviversity Expeditionary Society (Annual Dinner)

[13th February 2016]      Daily Telegraph Outdoor Show 17:00-18:00 Adventure Stage

[14th February 2016]     Daily Telegraph Outdoor Show 12:00 - 13:00 Adventure Stage

[23rd Feburary 2016]      Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards at St James Palace

[24th February 2016]       Young Farmers Regional Conference (Shuttleworth College)

[2nd March 2016]          101 Uses of a Cranfield MBA (Cranfield University)

[21st April 2016]           London Tales of Adventure

[6th May 2016]               Speaking and hosting Charity Event for Action Medical Research with Tony Hadley

[16th-17th July 2016]     Bedford River Festival Watersports Arena MC

More updates to follow soon

If you have an event that needs an inspirational speaker then why not drop Richard a line. If he is not available or the right speaker then he can connect you with another member of the Inspired Life team including Olympians, Adventurers, Musicians and other role models.

Speaking Events for 2015

Richard is speaking at a wide range of events and shows during 2015. There is a sample of the events he is speaking at from Corporate Team Building and Keynotes to working with schools and colleges to inspire and link to curriculum schemes of work. 

[28th Jan 2015]                     Inspirational Event for Exam Stress Busting with All Saints Academy

[12th Feb 2015]                    Leap (Bucks Sport) Keynote at Annual School Sports Conference

[17th - 22nd Feb 2015]         Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show 2015 NEC (as MC for Expert Stage)

[24th May 2015]                    All Adventures Great and Small at the Big Outdoor Show, MK

[25th May 2015]                    Introducing Sir Ranulph Fiennes and running session at the Big Outdoor Show

[1st - 3rd July 2015]             Series of inspirational workshops and talks for Stantonbury Accademy

[8th July 2015]                     Viking Kayak Club Adventure Talk

[9th July 2015]                      Inspirational Rev Up Talk for Programme Recruitment in Bedford Academy

[23rd July 2015]                    Woodland Inspirational Talk as part of team building event for American Express

[1st - 2nd Aug 2015]            MC at Camp Bestival at the Camping and Caravan Club Arena

[21st Aug 2015]                    Adventure planning workshop and talk at All Saints School

[12th Sept 2015]                   Speaking at the Go Wild Event at Marston Vale

[24th Nov 2015]                    Speaking at the Marston Vale Forest Trust (Millenium Forest) AGM

[4th Dec 2015]                      Keynote at Cranfield University for MBA Students Final Session (101 uses of a Cranfield MBA)

Why not book Richard for your event or programme drawing on his experience from the world of business, education and adventure.

Project Executive Summary

In 1943 a first nation tracker called Alex Van Biber was hired by the United States Army to scout a possible route for the Canol pipeline supply route as part of the war effort.  His expedition saw him head North across the remote wilderness of the Mckensie Mountain range to Norman Wells. He would meet a dog team heading South, shoot the horses and feed the dogs. This pipeline was built to supply oil to Alaska to defend against the Japanese that had landed on the Aleutian Islands.

Alex’s expedition spent 42 days crossing the mountain range on unbroken trails by ski and snow shoes with temperatures between -50 and -60 for over 10 days of the expedition. The pipeline construction followed a different route and today this is still one of the last great wilderness areas of the world.  The Mckensie mountain range draws super chilled polar air and has an average winter temperature of -50.  Alex is still alive at 97 and is one of Canada’s most decorated outdoorsmen. He climbed with the late Robert Kennedy and starred in the Hollywood movie The Mad Trapper.

A small team will re-trace the route of Alex’s historic expedition covering as much of the orginal route as possible. They will then continue onwards to finish at the Fort Good Hope, inside the Arctic Circle. (This area has recently featured in the TV show's Ice Road Truckers).  In an age where climbing Everest has become a commercial activity and there are polar races this project offers something historic and yet epic, operating at the edge of man’s limits for endurance, survival and testing the team and the kit .

The ski to the Edge team are no strangers to adventure and expeditions and have completed many tough challenges before, many gaining international media attention and coverage. They have covered thousands of miles of human powered journeys between them, and are professionally qualified in a number of the required adventure skills including mountaineering, skiing and survival.

The Ski to the Edge project will provide fantastic coverage and high quality media opportunities including video content, images and blogs from the expedition. The expedition lends itself well to social media updates live from the trail. The team will be raising money and awareness for several charities and causes and also provide a great cause related marketing opportunity.

Project Logistics

The Ski to the Edge Project and 500+ mile route through the Mckensie Mountain Range will push the team to the limit of their endurance for kit and physical exertion. At the average temperature ranges experienced during winter the team will consumer over 6,000 calories a day and will still lose weight.

The Yukon and Northern Territories in Northern Canada are some of the most remote locations left on the planet and are more difficult to extract from than many polar areas. Wilderness expert and TV presenter Ray Mears comments “ This is one of the last great wildernesses on the planet…”

The project has already taken several years of training, planning and fundraising to reach this point. We have had to plan maticulously the

May 2013 - The seed is planted and the gaunlet thrown

Mark Steinzig of Up North Adventures challenges us to tackle the Canoil Exploration Route of 1943 led by Alex Van Bibber. We gladly accept.

March 2014 - Yukon Reconnaisance Trip

Logistics and planning trip to the Yukon Territories to test kit, organize extraction plans, and interview  the late Alex Van Biber. We  also generated initial media interest in the story and the project. We built snow caves and tested Wall Tents in minus 25 in the Yukon with the help of Roger Palin and also Up North Adventures.

See our video here

https://vimeo.com/134209227 The expedition has been endorsed by Sir Ranulph Fiennes

April 2016 - Norway Training Trip

The team headed out to Norway to test kit, wild camp and pull pulks near Fagerness, Norway. We tested survival skills building quinzee and snow caves in minus 15 as well as summiting various peaks pulling our former 'walking for wounded' pulks.Thanks to Lee from Vermillion Films for editing and being part of this trip.

See our video here

https://vimeo.com/189049766

Autumn 2017

Former Royal Marine and Arctic endurance specialist Simon Reed joins the team and we completed various meetings and wilderness paddling trips in Scotland.

January 2018 - Norway Ski Training Adventure

The team are returning to Norway to test kit and hone skills before the main expedition in Jan 2018. We intend to ski and wild camp over a week in Norway.

26th January 2018 – Main Expedition

The main expedition is scheduled for Winter 2018 (Jan to March 2018) and needs to be completed before the thaw and breakup of the ice in mid to late April 2018. Melting rivers presents a significant risk to the team and the project success.  It is likely to take 40-50 days to reach the Arctic Circle.

Our team

The team is led by professional adventurer, Richard Harpham who has completed 22 expeditions and over 7,600 miles of human powered adventure. Richard is an inspirational speaker and story teller and a TV presenter for Visit Britain Activities. His stories have been shared, broadcast and covered by over 300 million people. Simon Reed is a former Royal Marine who has spent considerable time in hostile and challenging environments. He is no stranger to the Yukon having completed the Yukon River Quest in 2015 (5th place ) and the Yukon Arctic Ultra (2nd place). Simon is a qualified Mountain Leader and experienced arctic specialist.  Matt Harpham is also an experienced adventurer and companion to Richard on a number of his adventures to Alaska and the Yukon Territories.

Our Supporters

Flint Group and Bamboo Clothing have been significant friends to the Expedition providing funding and support to move things forward. We have also had help from Canadian Affair who have assisted our travel and logistics and Yukon Tourism. Our expedition will test kit in the harshest of condition. Our current kit supporters include: MSR Snowshoes and probes, Exposure Lights, Paramo Clothing, Bamboo Clothing, Be Well Expedtion Foods, Osprey Rucksacks.

Charity Fundraising

The team is committed to raising awareness and funds for two great charitable causes; The Duke of Edinburgh Scheme and Alex Van Bibber Memorial Fund, both of which will provide opportunities for young people in the outdoors.

Please donate here...

https://www.justgiving.com/companyteams/skitotheedge

On 26^th January 2018 Richard Harpham, Simon Reed and Matt Harpham will depart for the Yukon to ski 600 miles unsupported from Mayo in the Yukon Territories to Norman Wells in the North West Territories braving Canada’s Arctic climate. Their route will follow the late Alex Van Bibber’s historic 1943 Canoil expedition which was part of the war effort to find a new oil supply route after the Japanese had landed on the Aleutian Islands.  The original expedition led by Alex took 42 days with the team surviving on meager rations and temperatures at -40 below.

The team are no stranger to adventures in this region having canoed the Yukon River previously, kayaked, hiked and packarafted from Juneau to Whitehorse via the infamous Chilkoot Trail and both Simon and Richard have competed in the 444 mile Yukon River Quest. This expedition will see Richard reach a personal milestone of 10,000 miles of human powered adventures by canoe, kayak, bike and on foot. For former Royal Marine, Simon it will be a welcomed return to the Yukon since he last competed in the Yukon Arctic Ultra, a 400 mile race where he placed 2^nd.

The project has taken 3 years to mobilize since the team initially met and interviewed Alex Van Bibber, Canada’s most decorated outdoorsman at his home in 2014 in the Yukon. Their time has been filled with testing and selection of kit, recruitment and training and of course finding sponsors. Recent winter temperatures in this remote wilderness have been colder than either polar region so the team are prepared for unforgiving conditions. Each day the team aim to ski 15-20 miles pulling their food and equipment unsupported through the Mackensie Mountain Range wilderness.

The Ski to the Edge team are raising money for the Duke of Edinburgh (D of E) Award Scheme and the Alex Van Bibber Memorial Fund to raise funds to help young people develop life and outdoor skills. Closer to home Rich and the Canoe Trail team are an are approved activity provider for the D of E helping young people develop their adventurous side. Larger donations and corporates can benefit from sponsor logos and signed pictures from the expedition as well as corporate talks.

Please donate to our fundraising for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

https://www.justgiving.com/companyteams/skitotheedge

The Expedition has been endorsed by Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the world’s greatest living explorer who said:

“I wish the ski to the edge team all the success and luck in support of their ski expedition.  I was truly interested to hear about Alex’s great journey in 1943 which was truly trail blazing. In spite of advances in technology make no mistake this expedition represents a tough challenge operating at the limits of human endeavour in one of the last great wilderness areas.”

Sir Ran Fiennes

This week one of the coldest places on the planet was Watson Lake in the Yukon at minus 45 C before windchill .  The team are heading to Noway early Jan 2018 for a final training session  as well as fitness and endurance sessions.  Rich will be presenting the D of E Awards at St James Palace on 17^th Jan 2018 and will also be MC’ing the water sports pool at the London Boat Show from 10^th – 14^th Jan 2018.

You can follow the team live on social media with their tracker, blog and updates via sat phone. www.richadventure.com

Twitter @myrichadventure

www.facebook.com/richadventures/

www.instagram.com/richadventure

Harnessing Your Adventurous Spirit by Rich Harpham (Human Powered Adventurer) - An article written by Rich for the MOD Resettlement Magazine as Guest Editor

Within each of us exists an adventurous spirit fuelled from our evolutionary journey and flight or fight response. Goal setting, overcoming set backs and inertia provides the change to travel, push boundaries and achieve a real sense of satisfaction. I experienced at ‘awakening’ whilst sea kayaking from Vancouver Island to Glacier Bay, Alaska along the Inside Passage. This 1000 mile journey quite literally changed my perspective on future goals, dreams and my definition of success. 

Now some years later I have completed over 9,000 miles of human powered adventure and 25 expeditions including kayaking and cycling London to Marrakech, canoeing the Yukon River and even cycling the Sahara desert.  My business card carries the title of ‘human powered adventurer and motivational speaker’ . My adventures were linked to fundraising for charities to give a sense of purpose. The original 5 kayaking challenges included sea kayaking the English Channel, Lands End to the Isles of Scilly and Canada’s Inside Passage to Alaska. I embarked on the challenges after dislocating my knee playing rugby and learning to walk for the 5^th time. I didn’t even own a sea kayak at the time but was inspired to raise money for the Muscle Help Foundation, a muscular dystrophy charity.

Our journey Northwards towards Alaska offered so much with Humpback Whales breaching, Orca’s patrolling, eagles galore not to mention bears, wolves and other locals. The heritage and living history was fascinating, being in a pioneering land where everyday folk had worked so hard to buld a living was also humbling. We made great connections with locals who felt an affinity with our endeavours and who provided such amazing hospitality. On one occasion at Port Simpson wet and bedraggled in a Force 6-7 we were invited into home of a local First Nation family who fed us and even sent us away with a Sockeye Salmon for supper. Their generosity was incredible and so selfless.

Later on that journey we arrived at a bear observatory called Pack Creek on Admiralty Island, close to Juneau.  Statistically, as we were informed there is one bear per square kilometer. As we paddled along the creeks and past inlets we shared the foreshore with mothers and cubs, feeding on the clams. We were vigilant with fully grown grizzly bears not more than 10-15 metres away. My friend, the mind reader told me not to worry ‘He could tell that the bears were not interested in us!’ I was less convinced. That evening I sat on a deserted beach with Orca’s hunting in the nearby channel, bears inhabiting the woods close by with a fire providing our communion to our ancestors. I had one bar of battery left on my iPod allowing me to listening to some of my favourite tunes before the battery died.  I felt connected and alive in the moment with a deep sense that I was a very small cog in a very large spiritual world.

I committed to another 5 challenges, this time raising money for the Marine Conservation Society and awareness for the River Access Campaign, again all human powered adventures. My stories received a fair amount of media coverage including BBC1 News, magazines and radio helping the fundraising. My mileage counter and experience was increasing as was my ‘bucket list’ of new ideas. My adventures took a random change of direction when I was asked to be the manager of the Ghana Ski Team to the Vancouver Winter Olympics. Kwame, aka The Snow Leopard, learnt to ski in Milton Keynes, aged 29, from a country with no snow and with no funding. If you have seen ‘Cool Running’s’ then you will get the gist!! The Olympics was of course a once in a lifetime opportunity and Kwame’s dream showed me if you can see the possibility big dreams can be achieved.

New York was calling. Well to be precise I called New York introducing myself as the accomplished adventurer, a man with a plan. The conversation was going well, they were interested, only one flaw the plan was embryonic. No turning back, my pitch was on the table, got for it. “ You have Niagara Falls and the Statue of Liberty 500 miles apart. We will call it the Spare Seat Kayak Expedition where every day a random person can join the expedition in the spare seat of the kayak.” From that green light the Spare Seat connected over 300 people who brought a kayak or canoe or seat to paddle with us and 27 people sat in the Spare Seat. The entire journey connected towns and people and was broadcast to over 200 million people in total. I love the fact that a mighty oak can emerge from such a small acorn, (or seed of an idea)!!

Of course our adventurous side is a personal connection and aspiration that is fulfilled differently for each of us. I think of it as our ‘adventure canvas’ which we all like to paint differently. It could be a choice to run a half marathon or travel to far away lands. The way we paint our adventure canvas may include risking it all to start a new business, completing a charity challenge through to setting world records and attempting world firsts. Be warned it is addictive. There is a trend to set a big goal, seeking sponsorship and claiming the world’s toughest gig, ever. This always seems a risky folly given that whilst we may call it a ‘superhuman’ feat of endeavour and extreme adventure, other people usually live there (and our armed forces sometimes have to protect others and fight there).

Recently I had the privilege to be part of a great team completing the Balfour Beatty Warrior Challenge with triple amputee Andy Reid and serving soldier Glenn Hughes. Glenn and Andy visited the graves of fallen comrades lost when their warrior hit an IED. The Warrior challenge team cycled over 400 miles paying their respects before kayaking from Devizes, Wiltshire to Tower Bridge, London which has 75 portages. The team raised over £52,000 for the ABF – Soldiers Charity. Our family run business, run by my wife and I, Canoe Trail, provided the training, leadership and support for the kayaking element of the charity event.

Myself and my colleague Rob are  no strangers to the route which mirrors much of the Devizes to Wesminster Canoe Race course, the 125 mile long ‘Everest of kayaking’. I have raced it twice as training for the 444 mile Yukon River Quest, once in double kayak K2 and once in double canoe C2. Rob my team mate has completed the race 10 times and won it 3 times in single canoe.  The team effort and logistics behind the charity event was literally a military operation. The Royal Marines provided us with two of their Valley Aleut double sea kayaks on loan. We were hosted by military barracks along our route and finished our journey at HMS President at Tower Bridge. It was fantastic  team effort for a great cause.

Held at Easter the DW Race is unique, where crews race against the clock, competitors, the obstacles and of course weather. Famously Paddy Ashdown whilst serving competed and was quoted as saying “Only Jesus had a harder Easter!”.  Andy was incredible demonstrating that steely resolve and determination can help achieve your targets. He had to content with removing and attaching his prosthetic legs each portage. He also suffered with blisters and abrasions on his prosthetics. Glenn a PTSD sufferer also had to contend with the mental challenges.

One of the funniest moments was whilst portaging the longer lock sections. Andy switched to his hand bike to reduce the time and attrition. Given the uneven nature of the bank with undulating tree roots we asked local fishermen to assist and guide him. The second obstacle was negotiated with Glen’s help. The third unstable bank areas was met with a confident reply from Andy that he had this in the bag. He accelerated aiming along the path. You can guess how things developed. His hand bike lurched onto 2 wheels, travelled forwards before ejecting Andy into the Kennet and Avon Canal. Despite no video footage we laughed until it hurt. Despite this temporary set back the Warrior Challenge was great success with much needed funds and publicity for the ABF Soldiers Charity.

You might be wondering how the story ends and where the wanderlust ends. New ideas formulate, almost daily. I am lucky enough to work outdoors, sharing my passion for adventure with young people and coaching adults to achieve their adventure dreams.  Interestingly the more miles and expeditions I have completed the more humble I have felt about my achievements.  Next month I head to Algonquin National Park to complete 130wilderness canoe  race with  Canadian paddler and author Hap Wilson following by a float plane white water trip. Our experiences will be shared in Bushcraft and Survival Magazine, Paddler and Outdoor Adventure Guide.

Next year will see myself and small team attempt to retrace Alex Van Bibbers 1943 Yukon Expedition undertaken as part of the ‘war effort’ Alex, a First Nation tracker led the team 560 miles in temperatures as low as minus 40. The Ski to the Edge Team consists of me, my brother, Matt Harpham and former Royal Marine Simon Reed.  We were fortunate to interview Alex 2 years ago and hear first hand about his journey. The expedition has received an endorsement from Sir Ranulp Fiennes for its endeavour and authenticity. You can follow Ski to the Edge in 2018 @ www.richadventure.com

Onwards…

Richard Harpham is a human powered adventurer and inspirational speaker who has completed over 9,000 miles of expeditions by kayak, canoe, bike and on foot including exploring the Yukon, Sahara and Canada’s Inside Passage. At home  he runs www.canoetrail.co.uk , a watersports business and www.inspiredlife.org with his wife Ashley in Bedfordshire sharing their passion for paddling and the great outdoors.  He is the editor of Bushcraft and Survival Magazine and writes for Outdoor Adventure Guide and Paddler Magazine. His adventures are supported by: Paramo Clothing, Olympus Cameras, SPOT Trackers, Silver Birch Canoes, Bamboo Clothing, MSR, Canadian Affair, Osprey Rucksacks, Reed Chillcheater and Exposure Lights

Hidden Britain: how to explore our last wildernesses

Words by Richard Harpham, Pictures by Ashley Kenlock (extract of an article from Outdoor Adventure Guide)

As a professional outdoor instructor, avid traveler and human powered adventurer I have embraced many incredible trips, expeditions and adventures all around the world. I have been blessed to be able to spend considerable time in the wilds of Alaska, The Yukon, British Columbia through to exploring parts of Peru, Brazil and plenty of remote locations in Europe. As a paddler, (canoes, kayaks and SUP’s) I can escape to remote rivers and coastal locations within the UK that retain a wilderness feel.  My childhood and plenty of recent trips away involve seeking out remote and hidden parts of Britain to recharge my batteries and feel alive. I want to share with you some ideas, locations and stories to inspire you to find your own slice of paradise here in Great Britain, off the beaten track. It’s called Great Britain for a reason!

An important consideration for your wilderness adventure is to determine what is wilderness? How will we know when we have arrived? The trusted dictionary informs me it is a location, a natural environment that has not been modified or controlled by humans. For me personally I believe it should provide feelings such as peaceful, inspiring, remote, vast, breath taking, spiritual, elemental, unspoilt, and untouched. It is worth noting that technically some of our ancient monuments, trails and sites of interest whilst having anthropogenic roots still feel wild. Bits of Hadrians Wall overlooking the Scottish foothills at Walltown Crags provide the sense of being Roman soldier shivering staring out across wild lands.

Finding ways to explore our countryside and wild areas without feeling part of a mass exodus or conveyor belt of tourists requires some potential planning and lateral thinking. We live on a beautiful, ancient and diverse island with stunning natural features, ancient trails and historic sites but of course we share it with 65 million other people. 

Some simple tips for increasing your wilderness experience include:

Using the seasons

The seasons have been part of our connection to the land (and sea) for thousands of years, from welcoming the light at Stonehenge and other stone circles to planting and harvesting our food. The seasons offer us the chance to view landscapes, trails and your secret destinations through different prisms. The colours, wildlife and plants through the seasons often seem to make it feel like a new and different location even if you have been there before.

Perhaps more importantly visiting outside of peak seasons, holiday times and tourist traps can mean you enjoy walks, paddles and visits alone and in blissful silence. This winter for example we wild camped at different locations throughout the highlands, paddled lochs and the River Spey and hardly saw a soul. Last month my wife and I hiked into Blacksail, Englands most remote youth hostel (our 3^rd visit) in the Ennerdale Valley in the Lake District and enjoyed hikes where we only saw 2-3 other people during the whole day.

Love the Darkness

Walking, canoeing or cycling at night, once you have adjusted to it can provide a brilliant change of perspective and of course again generally avoids the masses. You may think that under the cover of darkness there is a nothing to see, we usually find it a different view. Huge vistas are replaced by new challenges, paddling or scambling under moon or torchlight as well as the nocturnal wildlife putting in an appearance. Night navigation can be tricky and the risks do increase so be safe and make robust plans to avoid accidents and emergencies on your watch.  Ash, (my wife) and I walked part of the Pennine Way for 24 hours a couple of years ago (which coincided with 2 ft of snowfall and part of the trail being closed). Despite being brutally cold we experienced a breathtaking clear  starry night followed by incredible colours as dawn broke and plenty of adventure. Similarly Rob, my paddling partner, and I paddled 97 miles of the River Severn over a 24 hour period whilst training for the Yukon River Quest and paddled rapids in the dark, enjoyed Ironbridge lit at night and plenty of wildlife along the banks. We hardly saw another person.

Extend your Days

Starting at dawn and using dusk as part of our time in the great outdoors provides lots of different benefits. Firstly there is that inbuilt satisfaction from hitting the trail, being focused and efficient. It just feels good. Secondly if you get ahead of the faffers and dawdlers then you get to enjoy the scenery with your party an not everyone else. Early mornings and dusk are also the best time to see many of our native species. Whilst walking the West Highland Way (national trail from Milngavie to Fort William) many years ago I was a ‘grumpy Chuck’ having been plagued by midges in my bivvy bag so started walking at 6am  and was rewarded with rounding a corner to spot an otter playing in the stream.

Paddling Wilderness

As a sea kayaker I have escaped to inaccessible locations on most of my trips and expeditions. You can access deserted beaches and coves in a very short space of time. Similarly canoeing and kayaking rivers and estuaries often provides peace and tranquility with many providing a day of adventure without seeing another person, particularly in the off season. Sea kayaking and canoeing is truly a silent way of traveling and you can access wild locations and wildlife like a ‘paddling ninja’ . There are plenty of times I have witnessed rare wildlife, ‘skinny dippers’ and even a Bollywood film being shot.

Using the Sustrans Network

Many of our more remote Sustran routes connecting disused railway lines, forest tracks and trails can deliver a wilderness experience. Couple that with a spot of wild camping and you are in your own little piece of wilderness. Obviously if its stealth camping then be gone early, leave zero trace and avoid attracting attention to your location and activity.

Sharing Remote Locations

By now you may be wondering if i am going to share some hidden locations with you or keep them to myself.  It is a tricky one whether to provide a detailed route map, full instructions or whether to allow you the same sense of discovery and exploration. I think the latter with some pointers would be the best way to avoid finding a motorway directly to an iconic location bustling coach parks and streams of people swarming.

It goes without saying that I trust you will respect these hidden gems and ensure they are preserved for future generations by leaving no trace, collecting rubbish you find (there is no magic fairy) and championing these hidden gems to protect again developments.

National Trails

The UK has 16 national trails offering excellent hiking opportunities across beautiful landscapes. They offer varied terrain, historic value and challenge, ranging from the ‘Spine of Britain’ on the Pennine Way, to the incredible of Hadrian’s Wall to the meandering Thames Path and beyond.

Our National Trails

National Parks

We also have 15 national parks spanning the country which are publicized as Britain’s breathing space. You could spend a lifetime exploring them through the seasons and never really come to know the true depth of their beauty. For my wife and I visiting and embracing their wild side is what we do to relax and unwind. Our national parks are : The Brecon Becons, The Norfolk Broads, The Cairngorms, Dartmoor, Exmoor, The Lake Disrict, Loch Llomond and the Trossachs, The New Forest, Northumberland, The North Yorks Moors, The Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, Snowdonia, South Downs and the Yorkshire Dales.

Our highest mountain peaks, stunning geological features, hidden valleys and precious locations are nestled within our national parks. I can remember walks, bike rides, camping  and paddling trips,  that have connected me with almost all of them. My memories connect me to fun with friends and family, wildlife galore, so many views and a sense of wonder at the natural world. Don’t take my word for it, add them to your bucket list.

The “Top Secret” Wilderness Dossier

Like a good restaurateur I decided to share a few of my favourite haunts and memorable locations around the country. 

The Jurassic Coast

There are so many incredible beauty spots on the Jurassic Coast (A world heritage listing) that I have visited many times for sea kayaking trips with our Canoe Trail customers and for my own recreation. Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Old Harry, Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island, Joe’s Café (Studland Bay, which serves delicious Paella) and the Needles (just past the Jurassic Coast) are all stunning and mostly accessible from coast paths or sea kayaking (my favourite).

Wild Northumberland

Northumberland is sufficiently remote to avoid the tourist exodus but easily accessed from the A1. The River Tweed is one of the best canoeing rivers, anywhere in the world arriving in Berwick upon Tweed, the ancient walled town. The moors around there are a gateway for the Cheviots with St Cuthberts Cave providing some bouldering opportunities. With my expedition team mate Olly Jay (of Active4Seasons) I have sea kayaked much of this incredible and wild coastline and also canoed around Holy Island. Open canoeing around Lindesfarne on the Springs offered great wildlife with dolphins and seals for company. The highlight of the trip was getting woken up wild camping in the kilns below Lindesfarne and being accused of being a tramp! The Farne Islands offers some more great sea kayaking with lots of puffins, guillemots and seals on hand.

Ennerdale and Blacksail

Blacksail is Englands most remote Youth Hostel situated in the bottom of Ennerdale Valley, flanked by impressive Wainrights on each side. Haystacks, Pillar, Great Gable alone are reasons to tackle the 7-8 mile hike in to this off grid sanctuary. We have stayed there 3 times and each occasion meet like minded people, many of whom have had it on their bucket list for years, on our last trip one lady, had waited 25 years waiting to stay.

Gencoe Munro’s, ridges and the Lost Valley

Since as long as I can remember we visited Scotland as a family ‘bagging’ Munro’s, hostelling, camping and hiking. Glencoe became our go to place and we scaled the surrounding Munro’s mesmerized by the views and history.  The Aonach Eager Ridge is one of my favourite scrambles with its exposed ledges and precipices. The backdrop of Rannoch Moor delivers a real moonscape with barren lochs, moor and scrubland. The Lost Valley rumoured to be the hiding place of the MacDonald Clan is a fantastic hike and wild camping spot, perfectly hidden.

Highland Lochs

Scottish Lochs offer a world class wilderness destination, they are varied, incredibly beautiful and deeply spiritual places. From sea lochs teeming with seals and bird life, eagles, ospreys and much more to inland waters. Whether you chose to walk or cycle around them, above them walking on the peaks above or paddle and portage they provide a great backdrop for your adventures. The Great Glenn Canoe Trail provides a brilliant journey from Fort William across Scotland to the North East to Inverness. Loch Shiel with is Harry Potter film appearances, Loch Morar on the West Coast and Loch Maree in Easter Ross with the Loch within a Loch within a Loch, burial ground and its’ money tree are all living history. (where you get a connection with the past). Queen Victoria visited Loch Maree in 1877 helping to add to its current appeal. .

The Hebrides

I returned from canoeing the Yukon River having spent 2 weeks paddling watching wolves and bears in the wild (The Yukon Territories are 1.9 times the size of Britain with a population of just 36,000) . It was a real culture shock being back to hustle and bustle so I promptly departed to Castle Bay on the Calmac Ferry to head down to Barra Head for a mini sea kayak expedition. The Southern Islands are uninhabited with gorgeous golden sands and rocky cliffs to the West. Be warned the weather can change quickly here and we were storm bound on Mingeles for 2 days and were grateful to the climbers who retrieved our tents twice in Force 8-9 gales as they succumbed to the elemental forces.

If you are not a kayaker you can head North using the ferries and cycle or hike around the Outer Hebrides.

Pembroke Magic

Pembrokeshire, one of our national parks, is a hidden gem that seems to have avoided the holiday makers of Devon and Cornwall. It boasts national surfing beaches, ancient woodlands, rocky coves, incredible coastal paths but all without the masses. Ash and I spent our honeymoon there and even came home with a shire horse(this is an optional extra)!. There are standing stones and sink holes and one in particular called the Witch’s Cauldron offers a micro adventure with tunnels, a waterfall and an incredible wild swimming location.

Hitting the Trail

Just writing this article remembering so many remote and special locations has given me ‘itchy feet’ to plan some more trips and expeditions.  For me connecting with our natural world and wilderness is the perfect antidote to modern life.  It is worth remembering that people fought hard for our ‘right to roam’ so we should use it, use our national parks and trails and help protect them for future generations. The rate of development and building around Britain is scary so more champions for our wilderness areas is critical.

If you read this and feel inspired but unsure if you have the outdoor skills or knowledge then find a guiding company or outdoor instructor to provide local knowledge and expertise. Stay safe, leave no trace and start exploring Great Britain #staycation

Richard Harpham is a human powered adventurer and inspirational speaker who has completed over 9,000 miles of expeditions by kayak, canoe, bike and on foot including exploring the Yukon, Sahara and Canada’s Inside Passage. At home  he runs www.canoetrail.co.uk , a watersports business and www.inspiredlife.org with his wife Ashley in Bedfordshire sharing their passion for paddling and the great outdoors.  He is the editor of Bushcraft and Survival Magazine. His adventures are supported by: Paramo Clothing, Valley Sea Kayaks, SPOT Trackers, Silver Birch Canoes, Bamboo Clothing, MSR, Canadian Affair, Osprey Rucksacks, Reed Chillcheater and Exposure Lights.

Follow Rich on his adventures @myrichadventure www.richadventure.com

The Art of Journeying

Richard Harpham is a human powered adventurer , outdoorsman and motivational speaker who has completed over 9,000 miles of journeys by canoe, kayak, bike and on foot. His journeys have seen him sea kayak 1000 miles from Vancouver to Alaska, cycle part of the Sahara by Fat Bike, Canoe the Yukon River and lots more closer to home. www.richadventure.com

Richard runs Canoe Trail www.canoetrail.co.uk with his wife Ashley Kenlock in Bedfordshire where they run canoeing and kayaking trips and courses. Canoe Trail has a private riverside woodland where they offer canoe and camping trips. They work closely with local Bushcraft experts Woodland Ways providing dedicated Bushcraft and Canoeing training days and weekends.

In this article Richard shares his passion and knowledge gleaned from completing long journeys by human power.

Route Planning

Selecting your journey and simple research of the route whether short or long helps ensure you enjoy all the best bits, prepare sensibly and also draws you in emotionally to the challenge. I have always tried to make my journeys meaningful and connect to either a recognizable challenge or where possible connect to our heritage and living history.  Following the army road on the West Highland Way or canoeing the Yukon River following the Gold Rush route of 1898 makes the journey feel linked to our ancestors and the history you can see around you.

Plan your route to meet the objectives of the group and your own goals. For longer journeys then training is important to allow you to maintain the pace.

Schedules

In Alaska there is a saying that “Airline tickets and schedules kill people!”. They don’t mean a severe paper cut from a boarding card, they refer to the risk of pushing too hard, not observing the warning signs such as dangerous weather and risking a serious accident.  The weather and elements don’t throttle back for anyone irrespective of good causes, title or reputation.  Setting a manageable schedule is important. On the Inside Passage we kayaked 32 miles per day on average whereas on Hadrian’s Wall we walked the 84 miles in 4 days. Don’t forget of course when you plan to allow for elevation and local conditions. On longer expeditions I allow one rest day in seven for unforeseen problems, inclement weather and also to enjoy things I find along the way.

As you develop your journeying skills you will soon get an understanding of the right pace and schedule that suits you and any companions.

Immersion

One of the benefits of human powered journeys, (other types are available), is the opportunity to connect with the land, flora and fauna and to witness moments of magic. With a tinge of irony, these often happen when you are thinking of giving up, at that moment I have witnessed bears swimming the river, dolphins surfing my bow wave and even the perfect rainbow. It serves to reinforce the supercharged feeling of ‘being alive’

This slow lane human powered aspect of the journey provides a depth and 3-D perspective as your senses tune into the landscape and wildlife around you. For example, hearing owls or eagles calling, or whales breaching, feeling the river speeding up, or seeing a grizzly catching salmon.  Occasionally you experience multiple senses receiving simultaneously which can provide a real rush of emotion as you reach overload point.  For me this invigorating input of the natural world is the perfect antidote to modern life.

The Awakening

My awakening to the beauty and spiritual nature of long journeys happened whilst sea kayaking from Vancouver Island to Muir Inlet in Glacier Bay, Alaska (A UNESCO World Heritage Site), a 1000 mile journey.  Such journeys help define us and in my case I remember being sat on a remote beach with a fire lit, fed and watching pods of humpback whales patrol the waters. The shore was located on Admiralty Island part of the Canada’s Inside Passage and home to more than one bear per square kilometer. It changed me and sparked my imagination for more human powered journeys, to locations I had only dreamed of, testing my skills in wild and remote locations.

I wanted more and plotted to canoe the Yukon River.

Klondike History

There is a poem by Robert Service called “The Spell of the Yukon” which was written during the Klondike Gold Rush around 1898. The verse includes “It's the great, big, broad land 'way up yonder, It's the forests where silence has lease; It's the beauty that thrills me with wonder, It's the stillness that fills me with peace.  The Yukon Territories, nestled next to Alaska is twice the size of Britain with a population of just 35,00. It is the perfect place to explore and test skills.

When Skookum Jim, George Carmack and Dawson Charlie found gold in 1896 on Bonanza Creek in the Klondike it coincided with a world depression. An estimated 40,000 stampeders made their way to the Yukon with most navigating the infamous Chilkoot Trail. They entered Canada via the Golden Staircase and Scales where prospectors had to weigh in 1 tonne of supplies before being granted access by the Canadian Mounties.  The route was treacherous with the Chilkoot Pass reaching 1067 metres in elevation before the Stampeders trekked down to the trail-head at Lake Bennett. They built rafts and boats to reach Dawson City, approximately 550 miles downstream with big rapids at Miles Canyon, Whitehorse (before the dam) and 5 finger rapids.

Canoeing the Yukon River

Today most people tackling the Yukon River start in Whitehorse paddling 444 miles to Dawson.  This iconic canoe journey on the fast moving Yukon River offers bears, wolves and eagles hunting along its banks. My first experience of the Yukon was paddling from Whitehorse to Circle in Alaska (beyond Dawson). We set off tentatively from Whitehorse breaking into the aquamarine flow making our way towards the first major obstacle, Lake Labarge, which is shallow often producing treacherous short pitch waves.

We got hammered by a squall at Policeman’s Point at the top of Lake Laberge before enjoying a clear passage along its 32 mile fetch, which can drag on. We entered the ‘30 Mile River’ and were joined by an inquisitive beaver. This was the first of many such wildlife experiences where we were blessed to paddle alongside black bears, a family of moose and even a wolf traversing the foreshore of a slough. It was incredible to be up close to these magnificent creatures rather than only watching them on TV. It was a dream come true.

Equally the living history of the Gold Rush with the abandoned sternwheeler SS Evelyn Norcom on Hootalinqua Island at the confluence with the Teslin River reminded us of an Indiana Jones scene. As we climbed up on the decaying superstructure taking in a kaleidoscope of colours displayed in the wood I wondered who had been here, when and their stories.  There were plenty of other sights spanning over a hundred years of history with Fort Selkirk and Stewart River settlements abandoned during the polar winter conditions.

There are two rapids on the Yukon before Dawson, Five Finger Rapids and Rink Rapids, both are treated with caution, staying river right. As experienced canoeists they proved a great place to play in our canoes, eddy hopping, ferry gliding and surfing the wave trains.  Our destination at Circle was 300 miles beyond the frontier town of Dawson requiring a border crossing into Alaska at Eagle.  We paddled through the Charlie Yukon River Reserve, past Calico Bluff and the Rock of Ages to Circle, an abandoned town nestled in the mountains.

Our journey had been all that we had wished for, wild animals, huge vistas, endurance and of course so much history. The Yukon had not finished with me yet, there was a 250 mile gap between the Inside Passage trip and the Yukon Canoe Journey from Whitehorse. I returned the following year and sea kayaking from Juneau to Skagway before hiking the Chilkoot Trail and then pack-a-rafting from Lake Bennett to Whitehorse.  When I reflect on the impact of this enchanted place I am grateful for the opportunity to explore it in slow motion, to hear the sound of the White River htting my paddle and boat gently hissing, to meeting pioneering people and to witnessing the myriad of incredible skies from the land of the mid-night sun.

This year saw me compete in the Yukon River Quest, 444 mile canoe, kayak and SUP race. I also visited last winter to interview Alex Van Bibber to retrace his 500 mile winter ski expedition across the Mackensie Mountain Range from 1943. But those are stories to share another time.

I hope you will create your own bucket list of meaningful journeys where you can develop your adventure, bushcraft and survival skills.  You can access video and images galleries from my website to help whet your appetite. We will be running trips to the Yukon this year so if interested drop us an email

A huge thanks to Canadian Affair and Air North for supporting my trip along with local outfitter Up North Adventures. Thanks also to Paramo Clothing, Bamboo Clothing, SPOT trackers, MSR, Valley Sea kayaks, Silver Birch Canoes and Flint Group for supporting these expeditions.

Top Tips For Journeying

Start Small

Get into your stride by starting small and building on success rather than failing and having a bad experience. The UK has 15 national trails of differing lengths and difficulty and also 15 national parks to get your teeth into. You could also come and try canoe camping with us! You can make it as hard as you like by considering supported or unsupported? Camping or using accommodation? Weekends or longer? Equally choosing a suitable format for your journey is important from hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, skiing, horse riding and so on.

Become Map Friendly

I love maps, traditional and made of paper, no batteries required. I do use Garmin GPS devices from time to time and also Google for route planning but being confident using a map and compass for navigation is an essential skill.  Maps provide the gateway for new journey ideas and plans.

Develop Your Adventure and Survival Skills

Use your bushcraft and survival skills. Make them habit so you can use them when you need them. In paddlesport for example being able to set up pulley systems for pinned canoes on moving water is critical when needed. Equally being able to identify essential kit versus nice to have things and being able to repair things is important.

Good Eating

Self powered journeys usually mean you are  calorie credit and can eat what you like. Calorie burn increases to 3000 (warm climates) to almost 6000(cold climates) when working hard for long periods. The reality TV myth suggests you need to eat the wrong end of a kangaroo or a witchetty grubs  as a staple which is of course untrue. Chose rations you really enjoy (wraps, mint tea, real coffee, noodles, peanut butter, parmesan cheese and other treats) and of course those treasured foods you can forage or catch yourselves.

Testing

Test yourself, test your kit! When I lead teams on expeditions, (mostly my trips are not solo) then I always want to ensure we have the right skills, equipment and competence for the conditions. It is no good finding out that someone cant navigate in a white out, or paddle a grade 2 river or sea kayak in 3ft swell once you are facing it. Equally knowing how your kit works, battery life for electronic products and how it can be fixed is important too.

Seek Help

Expert instruction and coaching for skills you need to develop can avoid the need for rescue which can be embarrassing or worse still involve injuries. The UK has many professional instructors, robust qualifications and lots of bushcraft companies to help you grow your skills and knowledge base 

Leave No Trace
With over 7 billion Homo Sapiens inhabiting this planet we call earth it is vital to reduce our impact and leave no trace. Take pictures, make ripples and try where possible to avoid using disposal plastics. Better still take other people’s rubbish home with you.

Ski to the Edge Team Breaking Trail In Temperatures as Low as Minus 71(windchill)

Team Update

The Ski to the Edge Team (Rich, Si and Matt) have spent almost a month living, exploring and traveling in the Yukon Wilderness on the Stewart River near Mayo. The original plans to follow Alex Van Bibber’s 1943 Canoil Expedition took a few twists and turns as events unfolded.

As the team departed Mayo temperatures plummeted to minus 50 ambient and to minus 70 with wind chill on the frozen river. The plan to follow Alex’s 560 route North to Norman Wells through the Mackenzie Range required the team to travel unsupported carrying all equipment and food in their pulks and Osprey day sacks. The combined weight each team member was man hauling was just over 70kgs.

Early daily mileage with conditions and adapting to the pulk weight ranged from 10 to 20 miles with equipment and humans alike at their operational limit in the hostile cold. Reaching Fraser Falls (which was frozen) the team took refuge in a local cabin with Matt Harpham experiencing numb toes. This deteriorated further with blisters and the onset of frostbite on both feet. It became clear that Matt continuing was not an option and an extraction plan was activated. Carmen, our local friend in Whitehorse organized Steve Reid, a fellow Brit and avalanche technician living in Whitehorse to evacuate Matt by Skidoo which happen several days later.

Rich and Si decided to press on after the extraction heading further along the river exploring the route and wilderness.  The original plan to make Norman Wells, under human power did not seem achievable nor safe with just two breaking trail with the schedule and time available. Rich also was having problems with his right ankle and foot with flared ligaments causing significant pain and swelling.

They followed the portage route around Fraser Falls and on past No Gold settlement covering 13-14 miles a day across deeper snow and patches of jumble ice. About 65 miles outside of Mayo they located a local hunting and trapping cabin belonging to Betty and used this as a base for exploring some of the local landscape, sloughs and features.  Highlights included huge 4m icicles, hill top views and other locations.  They observed plenty of moose, lynx and wolf tracks following their trails and even watched a wolverine scavenging. There were also lots of nights with incredible starry nights and also the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).

After 3 weeks without any outside human contact they met up with Pete Beattie and his E’speciale crew of Skidoo travelers coming through the trees. It was a surreal moment and sparked a new series of adventures by skidoo over a couple of days.  Pete, Mike, Kent, Ken and Ray has a lifetime experience exploring the Yukon Wilderness hunting and trapping. Pete had spent 30 years living at Woodpecker Point, 60 miles further along the trail, hunting and trapping. A new plan was hatched where Si and Rich would accompany the group to Woodpecker riding on their skidoos.

Getting to Woodpecker even with Skidoos proved quite a challenge with significant jumble ice, log jams and beaver dams on the sloughs and even open water traces. Conditions were poor with strong winds and heavy snow but eventually after a full day travel the team made Woodpecker Cabins. It was a real wilderness paradise and an incredible place to spent 24 hours sharing tales of past exploits. Pete’s neighbours at Lansing Bruce and Beth (miles upstream) had also provided great local knowledge to the team before departure from Mayo.

The following day the skidoo team had to hit the trail again to return to Mayo. Fortunately the day although windy brought blue skies and clear visibility.  Si and Rich were returned to Betty’s Cabin and the ‘mirage’ of people and company departed. There was then the small matter of a 65 mile ski back to Mayo which also had a real sting in the tail. Our plans to try and hit big miles was impeded by two days of heavy snow and also a day of strong headwinds. Despite this with lighter pulks , minus our months rations, we managed two 20 mile days.

Rich Harpham commented “ As a team we were gutted to lose Matt early on to the onset of frostbite but clearly his safety and well-being was our primary objective. The original goal of reaching Norman Wells and beyond then seemed beyond the levels of acceptable risk in temperatures and conditions down to minus 70 below. After 4 years of planning and training we are disappointed not to complete the entire journey but remain proud of covering over 150 miles on foot with heavy loads. We also remain committed to raising money for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and also for the Alex Van Bibber Fund for helping young people learn outdoor and traditional skills.  I would also add that we often learn more from our mis-adventures and ‘curve ball events’ than we do from our simply completing our goals. Certainly the Ski to the Edge expedition pushed us and our equipment to its limits and the edge!”

Simon Reed, Former Royal Marine added: “ We want to say a huge thank you to all the local people who made us feel so welcome in Whitehorse and particularly Mayo. We were sad to leave Mayo and feel we have made friends for life. Certainly we got a great insight and experience of the hardship and challenges that Alex and his team experienced in 1943. It will remain a tough expedition by tough people with incredible skills. We would like to add a huge thanks to Carmen Gustafson, our friend from Whitehorse who helped with lots of local logistics and support”.

The last words on the Ski to the Edge Challenge have been left to Sir Ranulph Fiennes who endorsed our expedition and supported it from the beginning:

“But, by the end of four dark days, we had logged eleven northerly miles. This would not sound very impressive except to someone who has pulled a load in excess of his own body weight over rubbles in the dark and at a temperature of -40 below.” Sir Ran Fiennes (World’s Greatest Living Explorer , Guinness Book of Records)

In the next few days, weeks and beyond we aim to share some of the incredible images, video and reflections from the Ski to the Edge Trip.

Thanks to our sponsors to providing the best kit in the world for our exped .

Thanks for supporting us

Onwards

Rich, Si and Matt

Talk at Yukon McBride Museum 8^th March 2018 starting at 7pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/148040479326731/

Come and join us in Whitehorse to hear more about our exploits in the Yukon and Canada over the years…

Fundraising For Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and Alex Van Bibber Memorial Fund

The Ski to the Edge team are raising money for the Duke of Edinburgh (D of E) Award Scheme and the Alex Van Bibber Memorial Fund to raise funds to help young people develop life and outdoor skills. Closer to home Rich and the Canoe Trail team are an are approved activity provider for the D of E helping young people develop their adventurous side.

https://www.justgiving.com/companyteams/skitotheedge

Our Supporters

Flint Group and Bamboo Clothing have been significant friends to the Expedition providing funding and support to move things forward. We have also had help from Canoe Trail, Canadian Affair, Air North and North Wright Airways who have assisted our travel and logistics and Yukon Tourism. Not forgetting Up North Adventures and Mark, their founder and owner who introduced us to Alex and his story.

Our expedition will test kit in the harshest of condition. Our current kit supporters include: MSR Snowshoes, Stoves and probes, Exposure Lights, Paramo Clothing, Bamboo Clothing, Extreme Adventure Expedition Foods, Osprey Rucksacks, Seek Outside Titanium Stoves, Olympus Cameras,

Rich’s wider adventures are supported by:

Silver Birch Canoes, Reed Chillcheater, Valley Sea Kayaks, Bending Branches and Aquabound Paddles,

You can follow his adventures through social media & @ www.richadventure.com

Articles, features and other work

Richard has written articles for a wide range of different publications including;

Active Traveler Magazine

Adventure Travel Magazine

Bike Magic

Bushcraft and Survival Magazine (Editor)

Canoe Focus

Huffington Post

National Geographic Kids Magazine

Ouse Valley Magazine

Outdoor Adventure Guide (Feature Writer)

Outdoor Swimming Magazine

Outdoor Times

Paddler Magazine (Sub Editor)

RNLI magazine 'Offshore'

Resettlement Magazine (MOD) (Guest Editor)

Times and Citizen

He has also worked with many national tabloids and broadsheets as well as national and international TV and radio whilst managing the Ghana Ski Team such as NY Times, Globe and Mail, Sun, Daily Mail, Times, MTV, CNN Today Show, etc

Examples of his writing and work are visible on the smug mug gallery digitally or maybe available on request.

https://richadventure.smugmug.com/PressandMediaCoverage/My-Smug-Mug/

More recent articles and writing are available as samples in PDF format and are available from Drop box.

Richard has had the privilege of presenting a series of tourism films promoting different destinations around the British Isles. "To showcase your own country and its stunning array of outdoor activities has been amazing. Its like the dream James Bond gig you never expect to get"

Richard has already filmed in locations including Pembrokeshire, Jersey, Isle of Man and the New Forest with episodes typically receiving 60,000 viewings.

See more by viewing some of the footage.

Visit Britain Activities (Different Episodes)

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUdc4u7A6Ow
• http://www.britainisgreat.com/family/pembrokeshire-activities/
• http://www.britainisgreat.com/coastal/jersey-activities/
• http://www.visitisleofman.com/thingstoseeanddo/itineraries/activityvideoitinerary.xml

Richard has also worked as a TV Presenter on other corporate projects and for the Canoe Show

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-h6QJX_YsM&feature=youtu.be
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYfWD5Zq05A

You can see clips and updates from Richard's own adventures which has featured far and wide on regional TV and BBC1 here

https://vimeo.com/user5321179

thanks for watching

SMILE - Supporting Minds in a Learning Environment

Richard was the project manager of a government pathfinder project called TaMHS (Targeted Mental Health in Schools) and created the SMILE programme to support young people in their emotional well-being and mental health. The programme ran for 5 years and included the work delivered by the award winning social enterprise Inspired Life CIC(Richard was the co founder).

The programme was tasked with delivering 3 core objectives with a joint board led by Richard with school head teachers and leads, local authority officers and mental health professionals. The 3 core objectives around mental health and emotional well-being for young people were:

• Raising Awareness and Removing Stigma for Mental Health
• Building Capacity within the Schools to Support and 'Hold' Children in the School System
• Direct Services and Interventions including Counseling, Inspired Life Well-being Programmes (strength based) and Staff Supervision

During the programme delivery the following initiatives, resources and support services were developed by Richard and the wider team

Raising Awareness and Removing Stigma for Mental Health

• Development of a stand alone website with significant advice, infomation and guidance (no longer operational)
• Animations (animated chartacters and short episodes) for a wide range of topics including depression, self-harm, eating disorders, low self esteem, anxiety etc
• Comic Strip information cards covering useful information, guidance and signposting to other services (designed for areas of low literacy)
• Assembly programme to raise the profile of mental health and provide inspirational role models for young people to raise self esteem
• Notice boards, branding, posters and other resources to raise awareness of the programme
• Staff awareness and introductory briefing session rolled out across over 100 schools in a consistent delivery style

Building Capacity within the Schools to Support and 'Hold' Children in the School System

• Youth Mental Health First Aid Course (certified)
• Risky Behaviours Course
• 5 day SMILE Mentors Programme (Bespoke training programme developed during the contract)
• Development of a comprehensive handbook with over 100 task and resource cards for staff (all branded and consistent)

Direct Services and Interventions including Counseling, Inspired Life Well-being Programmes (strength based) and Staff Supervision

• Referred young people for group counseling sessions over 5 weeks with designated partner organisations
• Inspired Life Role Model and Emotional Literacy Programme (delivered 23.8% improvement in adolescent well-being)
• Staff supervision groups to advise on coping strategies and provide opportunity to unload stresses and issues

This programme is no longer running as a SMILE entity but the Inspired Life CIC has continued to deliver as an independent organisation

Contact Rich for more information about Youth Mental Health and the work the team delivered.

Speaking Events And Gigs to Hear Richard's Adventures and Talks in 2018

Rich has spent the last few years racing in different long distance canoe and kayak races in the UK and Canada. In addition he was been working on the Ski to the Edge Ski expedition to follow in the footsteps of the late Alex Van BIbber and his 1943 Canoil Expedition. Alongside this he as continued to deliver interesting and inspiring consultancy projects in the charity sector as well as develop Canoe Trail their award winning adventure business with his wife Ashley.

Rich remains a unique speaker with experience of major corporate business alongside entrepreneurial starts ups, third sector projects and of course plenty of adventure.

Richard is still passionate about sharing his life experiences and making a difference to others.  Some of this years talks include:

[10th-14th January 2018]         London Boat Show MC of the Watersports Area plus series of talks to schools

[20th January 2018]                  Presentation / Talk at the Adventure Travel Show, London

[17th January 2018]                  Presentation of Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards at St James Palace

[1st March 2018]                      Speaking at Mayo school in the Yukon Territories

[8th March 2018]                      Speaking at the McBride Museum about the Ski to the Edge Expedition and Alex Van Bibber

[26th-28th May 2018]              Speaking at the Bushcraft Show 2018

[21st  June 2018]                      Speaking and delivering workshops at Bedfordshire Schools Conference

[14th-15th July 2018]               Bedford River Festival Watersports Arena MC (3rd largest outdoor event in Europe)

More updates to follow soon

If you have an event that needs an inspirational speaker then why not drop Richard a line. If he is not available or the right speaker then he can connect you with another member of the Inspired Life team including Olympians, Adventurers, Musicians and other role models.

Speaking Events And Gigs to Hear Richard's Adventures and Talks in 2017

Rich has spent the last few years racing in different long distance canoe and kayak races in the UK and Canada. These have included the Yukon River Quest and the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race as well as the Muskoka River X.  He was been working on the Ski to the Edge Ski expedition for 2018 to follow in the footsteps of the late Alex Van BIbber and his 1943 Canoil Expedition. Alongside this he as continued to deliver interesting and inspiring consultancy projects in the charity sector as well as develop Canoe Trail their award winning adventure business with his wife Ashley.

Rich remains a unique speaker with experience of major corporate business alongside entrepreneurial starts ups, third sector projects and of course plenty of adventure.

Richard shares his highs and lows and life experiences from a wide range of challenges including the Vancouver Winter Olympics 2010, nearly 10,000 miles of adentures coupled with a huge motivation to make a difference to others.  Some of this years talks include:

[24th May 2017]                      Presentation of Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards at Buckingam Palace

[27th-29th May 2017]              Speaking at the Bushcraft Show 2017

[11th June 2017]                      Adventure Talk at the Keswick Mountain Festival

More updates to follow soon

If you have an event that needs an inspirational speaker then why not drop Richard a line. If he is not available or the right speaker then he can connect you with another member of the Inspired Life team including Olympians, Adventurers, Musicians and other role models.

The "Spell of the Yukon Is Alive"

In 2018 we spent almost a month living and traveling in the Yukon Wilderness aiming to recreate Alex Van Bibber's 1943 Canoil Expedition from Mayo to Norman Wells. During our stay in Betty's Cabin away from distractions of modern life with emails, calls and other elements I literally had 2-3 nights where i awoke with poetry and verse flying around my head. With a pencil and my journal this is what i managed to jot down by headtorch. There are three poems about the Yukon that i am publishing on my website.

Of course i am not the first to experience such inspiration as the famous Yukon poet Robert Service bears witness to the creative and spiritual nature of this wilderness. One of his poems is called "The Spell of the Yukon". Hope you like it...

The spell of the Yukon is alive for all to see

With its echoing silence that has truly captured me 

This wilderness is one of a kind 

Vast vistas and breathtaking views that blow the mind 

How would you find words to describe this magical place 

A second home , a spiritual bolt hole or a glint on your face 

Living history offering a sense of Indiana Jones 

The gold rush of course offering golden tones 

Of a time when folks staked their lives on a claim 

Canoeing the river, rapids galore anything but tame 

Just getting to Dawson was incredible toil 

Chilkoot trail, miles canyon and waters that boil 

So why risk it all for a faraway land 

Gold folks but now it deals a different hand 

The best starry nights that I’ve ever seen 

Galaxies and planets appearing like a dream 

The aurora borealis doing its thing 

Like mum and dad dancing or a highland fling 

I’d never seen animals like these except in a zoo

For the price of a plane ride you can too 

Bears , wolves , beavers and plenty more 

Seeing them at wild ,nature untapped ,raw 

There’s so much to do here that’s simply the best 

Hot springs , cold beers or maybe the quest

I’ve kept coming back hungry for more 

A sour dough until a freeze and a thaw 

But be warned as I’ve shared with you the key 

That the spell of the Yukon is alive for all to see 

It’s an addiction, a habit , a bucket list place 

Where pioneering people escape the everyday race 

Cos the people who live here sparkle and shine 

Making a living at the end of the line 

The more I witness here the bigger my goal 

To embrace the spell and nurture my soul 

In 2018 we spent almost a month living and travelling in the Yukon Wilderness aiming to recreate Alex Van Bibber's 1943 Canoil Expedition from Mayo to Norman Wells. During our stay in Betty's Cabin away from distractions of modern life with emails, calls and other elements I literally had 2-3 nights where I awoke with poetry and verse flying around my head. With a pencil and my journal this is what i managed to jot down by head torch. There are three poems about the Yukon that i am publishing on my website.

Of course I am not the first to experience such inspiration as the famous Yukon poet Robert Service bears witness to the creative and spiritual nature of this wilderness. Throughout our planning of the Ski to the Edge we wanted to honour Alex and highlight the impact and legacy he left.

To Alex!...Hope you like it

Heading out for a trip to ski to the edge 

Carrying all my worldly possessions tucked in a sledge 

Me , Si , matt 3 musketeers into the night 

Temperature down to minus 50 gave us a fright 

Leaving Mayo with lights, warmth and good folk 

Must have appeared like a bit of a joke 

The footsteps we followed were bigger than ours 

Of a time and a man with special powers 

Alex van Bibber was a legend in time 

Holding the fort for values like mine 

He walked and explored the Yukon wild 

Since born at Pelly crossing, only a child 

Getting to school meant taking a raft 

Such responsibility as captain seems almost daft 

Alex prospered, sharing, teaching the old ways 

Patient, kind, witty till the end of his days 

He shared with us an incredible tale 

Of his time reccying the pipeline trail 

Forty two days of camping out rough 

Hardly noticed by a man so tough

Our journey and adventure has taken a turn 

With matt’s frostbite toes new plans discern 

To make Norman wells would be a huge risk

Like scary roulette with only one disc 

The game has changed with just Si and Rich 

Finding new rhythm and scouting the pitch 

Hopefully spending a month in the wild 

We’ll get more sunlight and days that are mild

And Alex would smile feeling proud 

We’ve taken small steps and been truly wowed 

Understanding his journey during the war 

Humble, authentic and ever so raw

So thank you Alex for sharing your tale 

When men were men and refused to fail 

Yukon Trail Magic

In 2018 we spent almost a month living and travelling in the Yukon Wilderness aiming to recreate Alex Van Bibber's 1943 Canoil Expedition from Mayo to Norman Wells. During our stay in Betty's Cabin away from distractions of modern life with emails, calls and other elements I literally had 2-3 nights where I awoke with poetry and verse flying around my head. With a pencil and my journal this is what i managed to jot down by head torch. There are three poems about the Yukon that i am sharing on my website.

Of course I am not the first to experience such inspiration as the famous Yukon poet Robert Service bears witness to the creative and spiritual nature of this wilderness. During our time in the wilderness we randomly met up with E’speciale Skidoo crew featuring Pete Beatty (who spent 30 years living and trapping in the Yukon Wilderness), Ken, Kent, Mike and Ray. What followed was a 48 hour micro adventure up the line by skidoo to the incredible Woodpecker Point, Pete’s home.

Hopefully we have made friends for life, pioneering people with a beautiful spirit. The Yukon is full of such people…Enjoy.

Heading to the northlands for some Yukon magic 

Matt gets frostbite toes, departs early, tragic 

A change of plan sees us seeking a bolt hole 

Experiencing the wilderness for a month is the new goal

Exploring and skiing with the cabin as a base

We’ve been here 3 weeks without another a human face 

Then out of the bush appear five men 

Startling us greatly in our little den 

Our means of transition is my human toil

There’s skidoos running over snow and soil 

Ken,Ray,Mike , Kent and Pete Beattie 

We’re out numbered so parley for a treaty 

But we really didn’t need to worry 

After beers and chats what’s the hurry 

So it’s agreed then we all should stay 

Eat ,drink and be merry and await the new day 

Better still comes the offer come with us 

Our skis aren’t so quick and there isn’t a bus 

Club e’speciale our name and you can join our crew 

Skidoo tandem it’ll have to do 

Kent’s out front riding on point 

Sloughs on the left, right and some are joint 

Woodpecker Point is a faraway place 

Not on a skidoo boyo, they sure can race 

Worse still it’s snowing and the weather is no good

Snows piling on the windshield and over the hood 

We battle on chasing the light 

Don’t fancy being stuck out all night 

We try a few channels that seem pretty sound 

Til a beaver dam or a log jam means turn around 

And after a few wrong turns and a few major 

He’ll be busted down to corporal I’ll wager 

We arrive at paradise there on the bank 

It’s our host Pete Beattie we’ve got to thank 

Stoves on, fires stoked we’re ready to talk 

Of tales of the old ways and don’t need no chalk

These lessons are timeless and should be in school

The fact that they’re not seems pretty cruel

Hunting and trapping living off the land 

Built these cabins in a month all by hand 

Riding the trails like a king and queen 

You’d be amazed by the things that they’ve seen 

Wolves , lynx and plenty of grizzly bears 

Making a living from the pelt and the hairs 

And ken is a man who knows his stuff 

A library of knowledge, he ain’t so gruff 

Mike is my pilot and a kindly soul 

Like a big brother that’s his role 

Flying over the snow like a young Luke skywalker 

Open her up mike, un-cork her 

We hit a few bumps and get big air 

Bumpy landing , smashed nose and a scare

Rays the steady driver and a curious type 

A travelling Wilbury away from the hype 

Kent is the comic of this most excellent bunch 

Worrying us all with his persistent hunch 

Tomorrow you’ll awake alone and want to scream 

This paradise and good company was all in a dream 

A mirage he offers with a mischievous laugh 

You’ll all be freezing while I’m having a hot bath 

I know he’s Joking when all’s said and done 

Just knowing these guys the worlds full of fun 

Kent’s got a secret agent status called Clint 

Thousand yard stare and hard as flint 

We needn’t have worried, with an awakening feeling 

Of laughter and friendship full to the ceiling 

And hopefully one day a reunion gig 

With the band back together for another fine jig