Video: The History Of The World In A Minute And A Half

Last week I took you on a tour of the known universe in just a six minutes and today I have a similar, yet shorter journey. The video below provides us with a powerful and beautiful trip through the history of our planet, from its origins up until present day, in just a minute and a half. It is an amazing look at how life on our planet started and evolved over the course of millions of years. I especially love the last shot, and I think you will too. Enjoy!

Video: Crazy Urban Downhill Mountain Bike Race Caught On Helmet Cam

The Red Bull Descenso del Condor is a crazy downhill urban mountain bike race that is held in La Paz, Bolivia each year. Riders scream through the streets, fly off jumps, roll down stone steps and otherwise go places that they probably shouldn't. It is a wild ride to say the least, and is best experienced in a video like the one below, which was captured on helmet cam. The video gives us a good idea of what the riders have to contend with as they fly through the course.

Personally, I think I'll stick to the trails, but it definitely is fun to watch. There was more than one occasion where I was expecting the rider to take the road or some other obvious path, only for him to go in an entirely different direction. This one may not be for the faint of heart.

Video: Dramatic Rescue Footage From HMS Bounty

Over the past few days I've posted a couple of stories about the sinking of the HMS Bounty and the dramatic rescue of most of her crew. One member of the crew died before SAR teams could get to their location and the captain of the ship remains missing at this time. The ship ran into trouble a few days back when it was caught in Hurricane Sandy, lost power and engines, and began to take on water. As things go progressively worse, the crew took to the lifeboats and put out a distress call. At that time, the Bounty was still standing up right and floating, but eventually the tall ship gave way to the elements and was swallowed up by the ocean.

The video below was taken by the Coast Guard rescue teams who helped retrieve the survivors from the water. It gives us a good idea of how turbulent the seas were at the time, and this was shot after Sandy moved through. At its full strength, it was impossible for the SAR teams to get to the life rafts, so they had to wait for things to calm down some. When the rescue was underway, the weather was still fairly wild.

The video comes our way courtesy of the Daily Mail and a big thanks to George for sharing the link with me.

i2P Expedition Africa Underway Today

A few weeks back I posted a story about impossible2Possible's next project, Expedition Africa. At the time, the team was still in the preparation phase for their adventure and the official website had just gone live. Now, the i2P team has assembled in Botswana and they are preparing to set out on their cross-country run today.

Much like past i2P endeavors, Expedition Africa will blend adventure, education and social awareness into one project. At its core, EA is about a team of youth ambassadors who will spend the next eight days running more than 400 km (248 miles) across the beautiful landscapes of Botswana. Much of the journey will take place in the Kalahari Desert. The eight young men and women who are undertaking this challenge will split into two groups of four, with the first group running the initial 200 km (124 mile) leg over four days, while the other four team members work as the support crew. At the halfway point of the expedition, the two teams will swap roles for the final 200 km stretch.

While they are in Botswana, the youth ambassadors will also learn about the importance of water to the people that live in the Kalahari, while investigating its importance on human development and biodiversity. The desert is one of the driest and most arid places on the planet, making water the most precious commodity there.

One of the hallmarks of any impossible2Possible expedition is the educational aspects that it provides. As with past i2P excursions, the members of Expedition Africa will also be interacting with classrooms to provide insights on the culture and landscapes of Botswana, the importance of clean water to developing nations and the pure adventure of running an ultramarathon through the desert. The i2P staff has carefully crafted a curriculum for students of all ages that will not only help them learn about the places the team is visiting but also inspire them for future adventures of their own.

To follow the expedition as it unfolds, visit the Expedition Africa website or follow the progress on Facebook or Twitter.

Gear Closet: Guerrilla Tags ID System

It probably doesn't come as much of a surprise that I'm the kind of person who finds any excuse to get outside. I run, I bike (both road and mountain), I hike and on occasion I even paddle. Sometimes I do those things with friends, but more often than not, I find myself hitting the trail or road all by myself. This can be a cause for concern amongst loved ones, who occasionally worry that something might happen to me while I'm out on a run or a ride. Luckily I've found a new way to make them feel at ease in the form of Guerrilla Tags, an emergency identification system designed specifically for outdoor athletes.

The concept behind Guerrilla Tags is simple. Put the wearers name, up to two emergency contacts, blood type and known allergies on a small metal tag that can be worn around the wrist or the neck in the form of a dog tag. That way, if something should happen to that person while they're out hiking, climbing or running, those rendering aid can identify who he or she is and have a method for contacting their closest friends or relatives. And if for some reason the injured person is in need of medical assistance, the doctors or EMT's will have some basic medical knowledge that can assist them. 

The tags themselves are handmade with all of the text being engraved on a high quality brass or copper plate. The brass versions are affixed to leather wrist bands that come in several colors, while the copper plates are specifically made for the dog tags that hang around the neck. Both options are very durable and look good enough to wear around town as well as on the trail.


That's really all there is to the G-Tags. They are a simple and straight forward product that do exactly what you would expect. Prices for adult versions of the wrist band are $34.99, with kids versions available for $29.99. The dog tags edition will set you back a bit more, clocking in at $37.99.

I think the Guerrilla Tags will be a popular option for outdoor athletes of all types, including climbers, triathletes, ultra-runners or just about anyone else who spends time outside. They'll also be popular with the loved ones of those athletes, who will feel better sending them out into the wild wearing one. I have just two small quibbles with the G-Tags, with the first being that I would like to see the wristbands offered with a  synthetic option. Some of us live in warm climates and sweat a lot while working out, and having a breathable, non-leather option, would be appreciated. I also found the copper chain that comes with the dog tags to be excessively long and I couldn't find a way to shorten it up. In my case, it tends to hang closer to my navel than the center of my chest, which is where I would normally want it.

Those nit-picks aside, the Guerrilla Tags are a high quality product that could potentially save your life or the life of someone you love. With the holidays just around the corner, they also make a great gift for your favorite outdoor athlete. Order one now to stuff in their stocking. 

Video: Trekking The Annapurna Circuit In Nepal

The Annapurna Circuit in Nepal is considered to be one of the best treks in the world. It starts in the lowlands and slowly wanders its way to higher altitudes, and eventually into the shadow of the Annapurna massif itself. The 13+ minute video below will give you a sense of what the trek is like, blending culture and scenery from the High Himalaya into one amazing experience.

Annapurna Circuit and Sanctuary - Nepal from CommunityMediaWorks on Vimeo.

Adventure Tech: Windows 8 And New Tablets Hit The Streets

This past week has been a busy one in the world of high tech gadgets. Not only did we see a host of new tablets announced but Microsoft shipped its much vaunted Windows 8 operating system. While those items may not seem like they have much to do with our outdoor adventures, the impact they have on how we communicate from the field could be pretty big. There is no denying that technology has made it much easier to stay in contact while we're climbing, trekking or sailing the world, but as these new devices get further refined, their capabilities improve dramatically too.

Windows 8, Microsoft's new flagship operating system, will be dictating the direction those capabilities go over the next few years and if you've had a chance to test that new software, you'll already know that it's a big departure from the Windows we've known in the past. It features a new touch-friendly interface which will allow it to act more like a tablet or smartphone, while still delivering the versatility and power that we've all come to expect from the OS.

Its use of "live tiles" on the new, more interactive, start screen is designed to put information at our fingertips, displaying Facebook updates, Twitter feeds, email notifications, stock quotes and much more, all in real time. Of course, each of those items require an Internet connection to function properly, which can be difficult to achieve in the backcountry, but when connected, the new Windows 8 devices becomes a more efficient hub of information, giving you everything you want to see in one place.

One of the first companies to jump on the Windows 8 bandwagon is Panasonic, whose Toughbook line of computers are popular with expeditions heading to demanding locations. Their new C2 laptop is a bit of a hybrid, mixing tablet functionality with a standard laptop. As we've come to expect from a Toughbook, it also features a durable magnesium alloy case that can stand up to all kinds of punishment, but unlike many Toughbooks in the past, this one isn't going to break your back when lugging it out into the field. The C2 tips the scales at just under 4 pounds (1.8 kg), which won't put it into the Ultrabook category, but is a nice improvement for a ruggedized laptop.


Of course, many of us now prefer to take a lightweight tablet with us when we travel as they now provide a lot of the same functionality of a laptop in a much slimmer and lighter form factor. This past week we've seen a host of new announcements in this area as well, with Apple, Microsoft and Google all showing off new options. But the tablet market is growing rapidly right now and each of the three companies is giving us a very different take on these devices, which is good for consumer choice to say the least.

Perhaps the most anticipated of the new tablets has been the Surface from MS, which runs a lightweight version of Windows 8 known as Windows RT. The Surface holds a lot of promise for use on expeditions because it is tough, versatile and offers an experience that is not much different from a laptop. It even integrates nicely with a special keyboard cover that gives it more of a laptop like appearance. Surface Pro, which will pack a faster processor and full-blown Win 8 (at a higher price!) is due sometime early next year, but the current Surface product is pretty great device for those looking for an uncompromising alternative to what Apple and Google are offering.

I had the opportunity to play with the Surface this past weekend and found it to be quite a nice piece of kit. It's touch screen is bright and beautiful, and the keyboard was surprisingly easy to use. The built-in kickstand is also a nice design choice, giving the device a solid feel when set on a table or countertop. The software was slick and fast, and while the Windows App Store is still lacking in some key programs, most of what you would expect was there and ready to download. Microsoft is committed to getting app-makers onto the Surface platform, so I suspect we'll have quite a range of software in the months ahead.

On the opposite end of the spectrum from Surface is Apple's new iPad Mini, a scaled down version of the iPad we've all come to know and love over the past few years. The Mini looks like it's going to be an excellent product, offering everything you would expect out of an iOS device, including access to the most full featured app store on the planet. I think the device will be extremely popular with travelers who want a small, lightweight tablet to take with them everywhere. The fact that it offers an option for LTE service is great too, as you'll have the ability to stay connected where ever there is cell service. The $329 price point on the Mini is a bit steep when compared to the competition however, which may make it difficult to swallow for some. It isn't that the Mini isn't worth the price, its just that competitors have cheaper options available. But it is the best price point for getting into the Apple-ecosystem at this point.

Finally, yesterday Google announced their entry into the large tablet market with the unveiling of the new Nexus 10. As you would expect, the Nexus 10 runs the latest version of the Android operating system, which is improving all the time, but in my opinion still isn't on par with iOS in the tablet arena. Still, this device features a 10-inch, high resolution display that should be the best in the business and it tips the scales at a mere 1.3 pounds (603 grams), which is pretty impressive for a tablet of this size. If you're looking for a device that will offer a lot of functionality at a great price (the Nexus 10 starts at $399), and you want to avoid Apple's "walled garden," then this may be the tech toy you've been waiting for.

Each of the new tablets features built-in cameras for making Skype calls or recording video while in the field. They also have productivity suites that makes them useful for getting work done too, although the Surface edges out the others in this area as it comes with Office 2013 pre-installed. Each of them is also a very capable device tailored for specific needs, which means that no matter where you're going, or what you intend to do, there is now a lightweight tablet that can help you stay in touch.

Competition is good and I like what I see from all three of these competitors.

Update On The HMS Bounty

Yesterday morning I posted a story about the HMS Bounty, a tall sailing ship that got caught up in Hurricane Sandy, forcing the crew to abandon ship. At the time, the crew was still waiting for rescue and the ship was taking on water, but still standing upright and floating on the surface of the ocean. In the hours that followed however, things went from bad to worse, leaving one crew member dead, the captain missing and the ship on the bottom of the ocean.

Apparently the ship set sail a few days ago with captain believing that he could sail around Sandy without too much difficulty. The storm was larger than expected however, and the boat was soon caught up in the maelstrom. Yesterday, the ship lost power and suffered engine failure, which caused the pumps to stop working. As the vessel took on more water, the crew deemed it best to take to the lifeboats and abandon ship. Most of them managed to scramble into the boats and wait for rescue. One crew member, Claudene Christian, was later found floating in the water and unresponsive. She was later declared dead by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The whereabouts of Robin Wallbridge, the ship's captain, are unknown at this time and he is officially listed as missing. But the Coast Guard is continuing the search today. When the Bounty rolled in 18-foot waves yesterday, Wallbridge was tossed overboard and hasn't been seen since. Considering the intensity of the storm however, it is possible that he was swept away, but is still alive in his emergency gear.

As for the Bounty itself, the ship was originally built for the 1962 Humphrey Bogart film Mutiny on the Bounty. Over the years it has been used in other films as well and played a roll in educating the public about the age of exploration when tall ships were used to map the world and open trade routes to distant lands. Now this version of the Bounty has been claimed by the ocean, another causality of Sandy. There is no word as to whether or not the owners will attempt to salvage her.

Antarctica 2012 Update: Waiting To Begin

The official start of the 2012 Antarctic season remains on stand-by this week as ALE waits for a clear weather window to begin shuttling visitors to the frozen continent. Their first scheduled flight was set to take place this past Saturday, but as is often the case, the weather dictates when those flights can truly begin. Elsewhere in the region, other teams are making progress on their expeditions however as they travel on foot through some of the most remote places on the planet.

Aaron Linsdau is the only explorer waiting to launch a ski expedition to the South Pole at moment and considering his objectives, it is easy to understand why he is eager to get started. Aaron plans to make a round-trip journey from Hercules Inlet to the Pole and back again, covering approximately 1430 miles (2300 km) in the process. That journey is expected to take roughly 90 days to complete, so any lengthy delays to his start may cost him at the end.

According to his Twitter feed, high winds at the Union Glacier camp are preventing his departure at the moment, so he'll wait in Punta Arenas for word on when it is safe to go. The flight from Chile to Union Glacier is a long one and conditions have to be right on both ends before ALE's big Ilyushin aircraft will take off. ExWeb is reporting that the runway at Union Glacier has been completed however, making it possible for the planes to safely get in and out for the season ahead. All of Aaron's gear is packed, weighed and stowed, so all the pieces are in place and it is now simply a waiting game.

Also in Punta Arenas are the Lake Ellsworth research team who are busy organizing their gear and planning for their own expedition. They'll head to Antarctica on a later flight for a project that involves drilling through 3km (1.8 miles) of ice to reach a subglacial lake. They hope to collect samples from the water their to determine what life forms exist in the water, which has been buried for thousands of years. They also hope that their research will provide insights into what climate was like on the continent prior to it drifting to the far southern end of the planet.

Over on South Georgia Island, the Baffin Babes are steaming right along, despite experiencing their hardest day yet yesterday. It's was near white-out conditions for much of the time that they were skiing, which made it a challenge to navigate through a dangerous crevasse field. The ladies, who we followed as they crossed Baffin Island on skis a few years back, are now attempting to accomplish the same feat on South Georgia. They've been underway for a week and a half now and have experienced quite a few encounters with penguins, reindeer and other wildlife on the remote island.

Also preparing to get underway soon will be Mike O'Shea and Clare O'Leary, who are attempting to ski across the remote North Patagonian Icecap. They're currently in Chile and making their way to the starting point, which requires taking a bus and traveling on boats, riding on horses for a few days and even ice climbing on the glacier. And that is just to get to the point where they can officially begin! Updates should begin soon. Watch the team's Facebook page for more information.

That's all for now. Stay tuned for more updates once the planes start flying to Union Glacier. Also expect more teams to be added to the list of explorers going to the South Pole. This is a fairly skimpy number thus far, but there are others who are planning on making that journey but just haven't departed for Chile just yet. More soon!

Gear Closet: Solar Lighting Options From Energizer

As we've learned recently, the options for charging our gadgets with solar energy have come a long way. Solar cells are becoming smaller and more efficient, which has made it possible for us to power our cameras, iPods, mobile phones, tablets and other tech toys while in the backcountry. As those cells have continued to evolve, some new gear items have even started to incorporate them directly into the device themselves.

Such is the case with two new lighting options from Energizer, both of which would make excellent companions for your next adventure. Here are two very different, yet very useful, options that will come in handy around base camp and beyond.

Energizer Solar Flashlight (MSRP: $24.99)
Surprisingly small and compact, the Solar Flashlight is capable of cranking out a steady 13 lumens of light to a focused range of 33 meters (108 feet). That may not seem very bright, but in practice it is plenty of illumination for most activities around the home or around camp. That light comes courtesy of three long-life LED lamps which are powered by built-in rechargeable batteries. Those batteries in turn get their juice via the integrated amorphous silicon solar panel or a hand crank that is capable of generating power as well. The entire package is housed in a rugged body that even includes a carabiner that is strong enough to ensure you'll never lose the flashlight. Ever.


Energizer labels this flashlight as a "hybrid power" device because it uses both the solar cell and the crank to light the lamps. But there is a huge difference in how those two methods generate energy with one being far more efficient than the other. The small, but efficient, solar cell requires just five hours of bright sunlight to completely charge the internal batteries. Thats enough to provide five hours of run time before requiring a recharge once again. In comparison, the hand crank is more useful in emergencies, as a minute of turning the crank is good for just four minutes of light. In short, it works in a pinch, but you won't want to have to do it too often.

Put to the test in the real world, I came away quite impressed with how well the tiny solar panel performed. Five hours of direct sunlight seemed to be plenty to recharge the internal batteries, and I found that I was actually able to eek out a little more than the two hours of light that Energizer promises. But the panel is capable of collecting power even in less than ideal conditions, and while it takes a bit longer to complete the process, it was good to know that even on an overcast day, it was still working away to charge the batteries.

For pure convenience sake, I generally prefer carrying a headlamp on my backcountry escapes, although I find that the Solar Flashlight made for a great option for use around camp. It is bright, compact and sturdy. The fact that it could easily be charged each day while dangling from my backpack was a nice plus as well. I also appreciate the value that his light delivers as well. For $24.95 you get a versatile light that never needs batteries or lamps replaced, and with a little diligence is always ready for use.

Energizer Solar LED Lantern ($41.99)
The new Solar LED Lantern is quite a different lighting solution from the Solar Flashlight and yet the two share quite a bit in common. Both are hybrid power devices, although in the case of the lantern, the hand crank has been replaced with ability to power the light through the use of three D cell batteries as well. They also both use similar silicon solar panels to generate power for the LED lights, but while the flashlight has just three LED's, the lantern has a panel of eight very bright lamps that provide plenty of illumination around the campsite.

The larger solar panel of the lantern collects energy even in low light conditions, which once again ensure that it is always silently working away at charging the built-in batteries. Five hours of bright, direct sunlight does the trick, managing to provide 2.5 hours of light, at a fantastic 66 lumens, in a 10 meter (33 foot) radius. By contrast, when run off the D cell batteries, the lantern has a burn time of 165 hours, which is quite impressive actually. By mixing the use of solar power and the batteries, the lantern should provide plenty of light for quite a few camping trips to come.

The Solar LED Lantern actually resembles a prop from a science fiction film to degree. It's white and orange body looks futuristic enough to come from a Star Trek set and the bright LED's do nothing to break the illusion. Durable and relatively lightweight, it's adjustable solar panel can be folded out from the body to ensure that it is always gathering the maximum amount of sunlight, while the light panel itself flips upward providing the ability to direct the light anywhere in a full 360º area. There is even a low-light mode that provides a nice ambient lighting when the full LED's are overkill for a small tent or room.

While the flashlight is compact enough to take on any adventure, the lantern is much larger and bulkier. For backpackers and adventure travelers who like to travel light, it is definitely overkill for their needs and likely too large for their packs anyway. But campers and mountaineers who are looking for a nice lighting solution around the campsite, the Solar LED Lantern is an excellent choice. It's solar panel is efficient enough to ensure that the lamp will stay well lit and charged for use when needed, but the batteries are a great back-up just in case. I was equally impressed with how much light it put off as I was with how quickly the solar panel recharged the batteries.

Energizer has built a real winner here and I think the lantern will prove popular with more than just the typical outdoor crowd. While it is great for use around a campsite of course, it is equally useful in the backyard, the local park or even the garage. Much like the flashlight, it is also a great value. The $41.95 price point gives you lamps that will never need replacing and built-in rechargeable batteries that will last a lifetime. Sure, you'll occasionally need to replace the D cells, but between their long life and the use of the solar panel, you have a lighting system that will last you for years to come.

Video: Helmet Cam Footage Of Felix Baumgartner's Jump From Space

A few weeks back we all marveled at the images of Felix Baumgartner making his epic skydive from 24 miles above the surface of the Earth. Just imagine what it must have looked like for Felix himself! Well know you don't have to, because the video below, which will be part of an upcoming National Geographic documentary, gives us a wonderful image directly from a couple of cameras that the skydiver was wearing when took that last step into nothingness. It's pretty amazing footage that gives further insight into this amazing feat. Hold on to your stomachs and hit play!

Cycle USA: Riding 2000 Miles From St. Louis To San Francisco

Warning: Prolonged exposure to adventurer Dave Cornthwaite can lead to wanderlust and an unquenchable thirst for your own adventures as well. Want proof? I'll simply point you to the newly launched website for Vanessa Knight at NessKnightBlog.com. You see, Ness recently accompanied Dave on his 1000+ mile swim down the Missouri River, serving as part of his support team. While Dave spent countless hours in the water, she followed along on a stand-up paddleboard, reveling in the adventure of the trip. Now, just three short weeks after the conclusion of that journey, she's ready to start her own.

Today, Ness will set out from the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and start a 2000-mile long cycling journey to San Francisco. The Arch was the ending point of Dave's expedition but it will now serve as the launch pad for her own adventures. Over the next couple of months, Ness will be riding across the western United States, making her way to the finish line in San Francisco. She's undertaking this ride not just for the adventure itself, but as an ongoing effort to raise funds for the Coppafeel organization. Coppafeel is the non-proft that is raising awareness about the importance of early detection in combatting breast cancer.

One of the more remarkable aspects of Ness' journey is that the entire thing came together in just a week. Seven days ago she knew she wanted to do something to extend her adventures in America, but wasn't quite sure what. She thought things over for a bit, and after a little consultation with Dave, Cycle USA was born. They spent the next few days collecting gear, including a second hand Cannondale bike, and now she's ready to hit the open road. She even launched her website and Twitter account in the past week, which are both ambitious feats in and of themselves. I'm told they'll both come in handy down the line however, as she is already planning future expeditions that include swimming the Thames and stand-up paddling the Murray River in Australia.

In the video below, Ness provides a brief introduction to her cycling journey and how it all came together. You certainly have to admire her spirt of adventure and it should be fun to follow along on this ride.

Hurricane Sandy Forces Crew Of HMS Bounty To Abandon Ship

Unless you're living under a rock, you're probably aware of the impending doom that is headed towards the East Coast of the U.S. in the form of Hurricane Sandy. The massive storm is suppose to make landfall later in the day and will eventually clash with another storm front to create the "Frankenstorm" that will unleash all kinds of hell on a third of the American population. By all accounts, it's going to get nasty.

But the storm has already made life miserable for the crew of the HMS Bounty, a tall sailing ship that was built to resemble the original Bounty and to keep the spirit of adventure from a bygone age alive. The ship, which has been used in numerous films, was sailing off the coast of North Carolina when it ran into Sandy over the weekend. Last night the 17-member crew sent up a distress signal calling for help, as the vessel was taking on water and automated pumps were no longer working.

Since that distress signal, the crew has been forced to abandon ship. Donning storm suits, all of the crew members have scrambled into two life rafts and according to this story the U.S. Coast Guard is already in contact with them and attempting a rescue.

Sandy has created rough seas, with 18-foot wakes and 40 mph (64 km/h) winds around the Bounty, which is said to be still upright and floating on the surface of the ocean. Those conditions are not making it easy to get to the two life rafts however and it could be a real challenge to rescue the crew while the storm is still in full swing.

Meanwhile, the residents of New York City, and much of the rest of the Northeastern U.S., are preparing for the worst. Some meteorologists are predicting a storm of unprecedented size and scope, with a massive surge that could flood much of the region. There some forecasts that say NYC could be hit with an 11-foot wall of water once Sandy makes landfall. High winds are expected to knock out power and do a great deal of damage, and all of that comes before the cold front, which is expected to dump heavy snows across the area as well.

To all my friends in the area, be safe. It's going to be a rocky few days ahead, but everything will work out fine in the end.

Tour de France Declares No Winner From 1999-2005

The fallout over the Lance Armstrong doping scandal continues as the Tour de France has declared that there will be no winners of the race from 1999-2005, the seven years that Armstrong dominated the event. The announcement came last Friday, just days after the International Cycling Union (UCI) stripped the cyclist of all of his wins and banned him from competition for life. That followed a damning report from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency in which former teammates came forward to testify that Armstrong used performance enhancing drugs throughout his career.

Considering the size of this scandal and the amount of doping that has gone on in the sport, the Tour had little choice but to leave the wins during the Armstrong era vacant. Lance was hardly the only rider that was doping at the time, as nearly every other rider that stood on the podium with him has since tested positive or been named in other scandals. In some cases, Tour organizers would have had to go as deep as the 7th or 8th place to find someone who hadn't been implicated in similar doping rings. Those riders that are clean wouldn't likely to have wanted to retroactively win a Tour de France in that fashion anyway.

As part of their decision to strip Armstrong of the titles, the UCI and Tour de France management teams have ordered him to return his prize money. It is believed that Lance won as much as $3.7 million in his seven wins and other Tour placements. I suspect they won't be the only organizations to ask Armstrong for a refund.

So now cycling's greatest and most well known event has a gaping hole in its history. Not surprising considering the way things have played out over the past few months and the past few weeks in particular. It is a real shame that it has come to this, but as a fan of cycling I do think the UCI is working hard to clean up the sport. Next year will mark the 100th running of the Tour de France and I suspect it will focus on new beginnings and restoring the luster to race.

Meanwhile, the UCI World Road Race Championships will take place in Italy in 2013 and the organization has announced their official mascot for the competition. That mascot is none other than Pinocchio, the famous wooden-puppet whose nose grew whenever he told a lie. Read into that what you will.

Gear Closet: Sierra Designs Rohn 15 Backpack

Sierra Designs is one of those outdoor companies that makes so many great products that you sometimes lose track of everything in their catalog. For more than 40 years they have been producing tents, sleeping bags, clothing and much more. They also make a line of backpacks that are versatile enough for a variety of outdoor activities but also have features that make them the perfect choice for specific sports such as mountain biking or climbing. In the case of their  Rohn 15 pack, we have a bag that definitely fits into the "jack-of-all-trades" category. This is small, yet comfortable pack that will serve outdoor enthusiasts well no matter where their day take them.

As the name implies, the Rohn 15 is a 15-liter pack, but don't let that size fool you. This bag feels like it is much larger than that number implies, at least when you're putting all of your gear inside. Part of the reason the Rohn feels bigger is due to all of the pockets, compartments and other storage options that have been integrated into the design. It's spacious internal pocket has plenty of space, but also provides access to the hydration sleeve and a specially designed pocket that is specifically for a GPS or two-way radio. Two mesh organizational pockets, complete with velcro seals, line the wall of the internal pocket, giving you a great place to store small items that you don't ever want to search for. Externally the pack has a nicely sized security pocket that contains a key clip and provides even more storage space. Two stretch side pockets and two additional zippered pockets on the hip belt round out the choices.

Storage capacity aside, the first thing I noticed about the Rohn pack was the ventilation system that Sierra Designs has engineered to keep us cool while wearing it. The backpanel is made out of durable and rigid plastic with a series of thick pads running along its length. The system allows for ample air flow, which was more then welcome while using this pack in the Texas summer heat. While no ventilation system is perfect, this is one of the best I've come across in such a small pack and Sierra Designs should be commended for how well it works. Those back pads also help to make this pack comfortable to wear, even while carrying a heavy load, which gives this daypack a an overall level of comfort that you'll find tough to be beat.


Made from 100D Cordura fabrics, the pack is light weight yet feels very solid and durable. During my testing I didn't encounter any tearing or scuffing at all, which bodes well for the longterm lifespan of the pack. Similarly, the belts, straps, zippers and buckles – one of which contains a built-in safety whistle – all have a very solid feel to them, although I did find the top zipper would occasionally work its way open while hiking. It never opened up enough that I was concerned about losing contents, but a sudden rains storm could have caused problems for the items I had stored inside.

At the beginning of this review I mentioned that Sierra Design packs are known for being versatile and the Rohn is no exception. While I put it through its paces on several day hikes, I also found that it worked well for mountain biking too. It is larger than a lot of mountain biking specific packs, but I appreciated that it could carry more water and gear. The fact that it also has an attachment point for a safety light was also a much appreciated addition.

My only real complaint with the Rohn 15 is that while it is hydration ready, it doesn't come with a water bladder. While I happen to have a number of bladders sitting around my place, I imagine many typical consumers don't. Not including it with the pack adds an extra expense, but I suspect that Sierra Designs made the choice in order to get the price of the Rohn as affordable as possible. I'd say they succeeded in that regard, as this pack costs just $99.95, which is a pretty great price for a bag of this quality and features.

If you're in the market for a versatile and comfortable new pack for all of your outdoor needs, and you don't want to kill your wallet in the process, then I think you'll find the Sierra Designs Rohn 15 is a fantastic option.

Kickstarter Project Wants To Digitally Restore El Capitan Movie

Back in 1968 one of the classic climbing films of all times, El Capitan was released to much acclaim. It chronicled four climbers as they spent three days climbing iconic rock face which remains one of he best known routes in the entire world. 44 yeas ago the cameras for capturing that kind of action were bulky, heavy and primitive at best. As a result, the print for the film doesn't hold up as well as it should by today's standards.

But there is a Kickstarter project underway to digitally restore the film. The team behind the project is looking to raise $25,000 by the end of October so that they can clean-up the print. As of now, they have a little over $19, 000 in pledges with just five days to go. The video below tells you more about the project and if you feel inspired to contribute to the cause, click here to visit the Kickstarter page.

Alastair Humphreys And Leon McCarron Announces Expedition Through The Empty Quarter

Adventurers Alastair Humphreys and Leon McCarron have announced that they are joining forces to take on a new expedition that will be as demanding and difficult as anything they've ever done. The two men plan to follow in the footsteps of one of Britain's greatest adventurers, Wilfred Thesiger, as they trek 1000 miles (1600 km) across the Rub' al Khali, better known as the Empty Quarter.

Stretching across parts of Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen, the Empty Quarter is the largest sand desert in the world. Its reach is vast, covering an estimated 251,000 square miles (650,000 sq km) with not much more than sand dunes, sometimes towering hundreds of feet in the air, in all directions.

Al and Leon set out on their adventure next week. They intend to walk through Oman and the UAE in much the same style as Thesiger. But while he had camel trains and a series of wells to help him find his way, our two intrepid explorers will instead pull specially designed carts, containing all of their supplies and gear, behind them. Their intention is to make a short documentary about Thesiger, the man who has inspired them in so many ways.

The video below was released to serve as a teaser for the upcoming expedition. After the jump, you'll find another video that gives us a glimpse at what they can expect while in the desert. Amazing stuff all around.


Empty Quarter Expedition Teaser from Alastair Humphreys on Vimeo.

And here's a look at the Empty Quarter itself.

Empty Quarter - George Steinmetz from George Steinmetz on Vimeo.

Explorer Discovers 140 Vintage WW II Aircraft Hidden In Burmese Jungle

Here's a cool and interesting story.

A British explorer has discovered a long-lost cache of aircraft hidden in the jungles of Myanmar, the country formerly known as Burma. The vintage Supermarine Spitfire airplanes were buried there during World War II and have set undisturbed ever since. The planes, which are said to be in mint condition, are worth approximately $2.5 million each when sold to collectors. Considering the cache contained 140 Spitfires, that works out to be about $350 million.

This story begins more than 25-years ago when David Cundall was told by a group of WWII vets that they had buried a number of unused aircraft in the jungle so that they could be recovered and used in the war effort later. The planes were stored in their original crates with their wings folded back. They are reportedly still wrapped in grease and wax paper, exactly how they were shipped from the factory, and their joints are still tarred to prevent them from deteriorating. The result is an aircraft that looks practically new, despite their age.


When Cundall originally heard the tale, he was under the belief that there were only about 20 of the Spitfires buried at the site. Still, that would make for quite a haul if he could find and recover them. With permission from the Myanmar government, he went in search of the legendary aircraft, spending more than $200,000 of his own money in the process. It took a number of years to discover where they were hidden, but now they have been located and he can start excavating them at last.

Apparently, American soldiers buried the planes in 40-feet of soil and left them for the British RAF to recover when they needed them. But as the war ground to a halt and newer, faster planes came into favor, the Spitfires were forgotten. According to the article linked to above, this isn't the only cache of planes rumored to be out there. Other reports indicate that more than 230 Spitfires were buried in Queensland, Australia, although no one has ever been able to locate them.

It is simply amazing to me that these planes remain in such good shape after being buried in the jungle for more than 65 years. I have a lot of respect for Cundall as well for looking for the aircraft with such persistence over the years. I hope he finds a buyer for each and everyone of these planes, which has a rich history for the role they played in battling the Germans and Japanese during World War II. Amazing story to say the least.

Video: Mountain Biking Morocco

Awhile back Mojo, a company that makes mountain bike suspensions, took a group of riders that included Mark Weir to Morocco to test their latest gear and to check out the riding there. What they found was some great single track and impressive technical trails to test their skills on. The video below is Part 1 of their Trail Diary and it gives you a good idea of what they encountered. Judging from the video, it looks like Morocco, which has always been on my list of places to visit, would be a fun destination mountain bikers.

Mojo Trail Diary, Morocco | Part 1 Ft. Fabien Barel & Mark Weir from Eyesdown Films on Vimeo.

Video: Take A Six-Minute Trip Through The Known Universe

If you're looking for something to help define your place in the universe, than look no further than the video below. Be warned though, it's likely to make you feel very, very small. The video shows a map of the known universe as we have seen it through astronomical observations, including every moon, planet and star in scale. The Hans Zimmer score only adds to the epic nature of short film. It'll definitely make you feel very humble.

2013 Tour de France Course Revealed

2013 will mark the 100th running of the Tour de France and to celebrate organizers of the event have some big plans for the race next year. The full course for the event was unveiled yesterday, giving fans a glimpse of what they can expect and leaving us with months of anticipation for what will surely be one of the toughest Tours in recent memory.

Contrary to recent rumors, the race will still end on the streets of Paris in the final stage, although it will finish at sunset for the first time, rather than mid-day as it has in the past. The race gets underway with two sprint stages on the island of Corsica (another first!), which gives Mark Cavendish the opportunity to take the Yellow Jersey for the first time in his career, although you have to believe there will be a number of sprinters hoping to sniff yellow.

The tale of the tape looks like this: 7 flat stages, 5 hilly stages, 6 mountain stages with 4 summit finishes, 2 individual time trials and 1 team time trial, plus 2 rest days. But those numbers don't tell the whole story, because this is a Tour that will definitely favor the strong climbers. One of the individual time trials is even on a mountain stage, which will be brutal for the riders who specialize in the TT discipline, such as 2012 winner Bradley Wiggins or Fabian Cancellara.

Perhaps most surprising is that the riders will have to take on the famed Alp d'Huez not once, but twice, and on the same stage no less. Yep, you read that correctly. Stage 18 will see competitors riding from Gap to Alp d'Huez, ending on the mountain top after riding up the slope twice from two different approaches. The legendary 21 switchbacks have been ridden twice in a single Tour once before, on consecutive days back in 1979, but this is the first time it'll need to be conquered twice in one day. It is going to be on grueling ride to say the least.


Defending champ Wiggins took one look at the route yesterday and pretty much conceded that he wouldn't be able to repeat as the winner. Instead, he says he'll ride for teammate Chris Froome, who is a better climber and finished second in this year's Tour. Alberto Contador will be back in the field next year and should do well in the mountain stages and provided 2011 winner Cadel Evans returns to form, he should be in the mix too.

Either way, the stage is set for an exciting race and, lets face it, the sport of cycling could use something exciting to look forward to right now. The 100th running of Le Tour could mark a turning of the page in many ways.

Lonnie Dupre To Attempt January Summit Of Denali Again

If there are two things you can say about Lonnie Dupre, its that he loves the cold and he is certainly persistent. The polar explorer has spent plenty of time in the arctic over they years to make the first statement undeniable and if there were any doubts about the second statement, they are now put to rest. Dupre has announced that for the third straight year, he'll be returning to Denali in early 2013 to attempt the first ever solo ascent of that mountain in January.

The 6196 meter (20,327 ft) Denali is the tallest mountain in North America and amongst the most challenging to climb in the world. The peak, located inside Alaska's Denali National Park, is well known for it its bad weather, even during the best of months. In January, it is down right hostile for any climber, as Depre has discovered during previous attempts in 2011 and 2012. On both occasions he's managed to acclimatize and get into position to summit, but incredibly bad weather conditions have halted progress.

For 2013, Dupre is using much the same approach as he has in the past. He'll climb solo and without oxygen, but perhaps most impressive of all, he'll go without a shelter of any kind. Instead, he'll dig a series of snow caves up the mountain that he'll use as makeshift camps and as places to store his gear. In 2011 he used this approach to get as high as 5242 meters (17,200 ft) before the weather window closed for the month. This year he's hoping to be able to slip through a window and stand on the summit at last.

Denali has only been summited in winter by 16 other climbers, six of which perished on the descent. A Russian team of three has managed to climb the mountain in January, but no one has been able to do that solo. During that month, Denali is at its coldest and windiest, with temperatures dropping below -60ºF/-51ºC and wind speeds exceeding 160 km/h (100 mph). When combined with heavy snow and thin air, it is about the harshest environment imaginable.

Lonnie is calling this expedition Cold Love and he has shared more details on his plans with our friends over at Explorers Web. If you'd like to know more about what he has in mind, then you'll certainly want to read that entry.

We'll be hearing a lot more about this expedition in the weeks to come prior to its official start on January 2, 2013. Stay tuned, it'll be another tough one.

2012 Antarctic Season Set To Get Underway

Now that the fall Himalaya climbing season has wrapped up, it is time to turn our attention southward. As I write this, teams of adventurers, explorers and researchers are en route to Punta Arenas, Chile and Cape Town, South Africa where they will prepare for the start of the 2012 Antarctic season. I'm still waiting for ALE to post their definitive list of Antarctic expeditions for this year, but the company that pretty much handles all of the logistics for travelers heading to the South Pole is already preparing for its first flight to the frozen continent. Provided the weather stays cooperative, and that has been a big if in recent years, the first flight out to Union Glacier could take place as soon as Saturday. While we wait for the show to begin, here are a few expeditions we'll be keeping our eye on in the weeks to come.

American Aaron Linsdau is hoping to become the first American, and just the fourth person overall, to make a there-and-back-again journey to the South Pole from Hercules Inlet. He plans on making the trip solo and unsupported, covering a distance of 1430 miles (2300 km) in the process. Linsdau is already in Punta Arenas and has been spending his time getting his gear organized while he waits for a flight out to Union Glacier. Most of his time has been spent packing all the food he'll need for the 90 day journey, during which he'll be consuming an average of 6000 calories per day.

Also headed to the South Pole is British adventurer Kasim Rafiq who, at the age of 22, hopes to become the youngest Brit to ski solo and unsupported to 90ºS. Kasim is estimating it'll take him roughly 60 days to complete the 730 mile journey that begins at Hercules Inlet. There are no updates to his Facebook or Twitter feed yet, so I'm not sure when he intends to get underway, although his website simply lists "November" as the start of his journey. I'd imagine he is in the final stages of preparation and will be setting out for Chile soon.


Richard Parks will be attempting a solo and unassisted South Pole expedition as well and is set to get underway late in the season. His Twitter feed indicates that as of this writing, he intends to set out in six weeks, which puts him well into December. That's a late start but considering Richard has already been to the South Pole as part of his 737 Challenge, we'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

Also traveling to the Antarctic in December will be a group of research scientists who intend to drill through 3 km (1 mile) of solid ice to reach a subglacial lake that has been buried for centuries. The body of water, know as Lake Ellsworth, could contain lifeforms that have evolved to survive in he extreme cold of Antarctica and may yield clues about the environment on that continent from thousands of years in the past. According to their Facebook page, the team has completed their prep work and are now ready to depart the U.K. for South America. That should happen soon.

The Baffin Babes are headed back into arctic conditions, although this time they're taking on an island in the southern hemisphere instead. A few years back we followed the girls as they traversed across Baffin Island, and this year they have another frozen, remote piece of land in their sights. The Babes intend to ski across South Georgia Island, where they'll contend with inhospitable conditions, high winds and plenty of cold temperatures. They're also likely to encounter plenty of wildlife along the way, including penguins, seals and migratory birds. They estimate it will take them a month to complete the crossing. They sailed for South Georgia last week, made landfall over the weekend and are already underway. Follow their progress with updates to their Facebook page.

Finally, Mike O'Shea and Clare O'Leary, the two Irish explorers we followed on their attempt to ski to the North Pole earlier this year, have decided to put their arctic training to good use in a different environment. The duo are headed to Patagonia to attempt a crossing of the Northern Icecap with three other skiers, with the team setting out for Chile last weekend. Once they collect all their gear and get everything organized, they'll then hop a bus and spend two days trekking to get to their starting point. That means we should see them get underway in the next few days. They expect it will take about a month to complete the crossing.

I'll post more updates and additional expeditions soon. The first teams could get underway as early as Saturday or Sunday, depending on the weather. Expect regular postings on their progress in the weeks ahead.

Gear Closet: Sea To Summit Swag

Is there a more aptly named outdoor gear manufacturer than Sea to Summit? As their name implies, the company makes equipment that you can use at sea level all the way to the top of the Himalaya, and pretty much everywhere in between. The company offers sleeping bags, tents, paddling gear, travel accessories and a lot more. It also has a stirling reputation for making equipment that is high in quality, very durable and affordable.

I've recently had the opportunity to test a number of items from Sea to Summit and to say that I came away impressed would be an understatement. Here is a sampling of some of the items I've been using with some thoughts on each of them.

Delta Bowl with Lid ($6.95)
Backpackers and campers looking for a lightweight and versatile bowl for enjoying meals on the trail will absolutely love the Delta Bowl. It weighs in at a mere 5 ounces (141 grams), comes with a lid that can seal in leftovers and doubles as a plate or chopping board. It is made from tough, BPA-free plastic that is easy to keep clean, even while in the backcountry. Pair it with the Delta Spork ($3,50) to complete your outdoor place setting.

Stopper Dry Bag - 13L ($29.95)
Have a paddling trip planned for the near future? Then you'll want to have the Stopper Dry Bag along for the ride. Made out of 210D nylon and featuring fully welded seams, the Stopper dry bag seals up nice and tight to keep all of your important gear and valuables completely dry, even in the wildest white water. The unit I tested was 13 liters in size, which was perfect for all but the longest kayaking excursions. I was impressed with the wide mouth that made this bag easy to pack and its ability to take a beating and still look brand new was also appreciated. It even comes with a spare buckle that can be quickly and easily replaced in the field, although my bag performed flawlessly.


Coolmax Adaptor Sleeping Bag Liner ($52.95)
Now here is a versatile piece of gear. The Coolmax Adaptor sleeping bag liner can be used on its own in warm weather or combined with a sleeping bag to add a few extra degrees of comfort. The lightweight fabrics that make up this liner are designed to wick moisture and breathe in warm weather, keeping the interior dry and comfortable. It also features Sea to Summit's Insect Shield to keep mosquitoes and other bugs at bay. All of these features make it the perfect option for travelers and backpackers heading to warm and humid environments. The Adaptor weighs just 9.5 ounces (274 grams), which makes it excellent for those looking to travel light, and it packs down incredibly small, which means it won't take up much room in your pack. Sea to Summit touts the insect repellant as beig odorless and invisible, but I do have to say the fabric feels like it has a bit of light residue on it that was noticeable on my fingers after touching it. This wasn't a deal breaker by any means, but definitely something that should be noted. (Not available until March 2013)

TPU Waterproof Pouch for iPad ($39.95)
One of the most versatile pieces of technology to come out in the past few years is definitely the iPad. It is lightweight, capable of storing music, movies, books, games, magazines and so much more, and it has a battery life that exceeds ten hours. As I've said on more than one occasion, it is one of the most useful travel tools that I've ever had the pleasure of owning. But it is also not exactly designed for use in the outdoors, where it can be easily damaged. The new TPU Waterproof Pouch for iPad helps to provide at least some measure of protection for our expensive tech toys. The pouch features a double-velcro closure that keeps gadget-killing moisture at bay and the clear plastic front panel allows you to interact with the touch screen without having to remove it from sleeve. The back of the pouch even features a clear plastic notch that fits over the iPad's camera, allowing it to still take photos while still fully protected from the elements. The pouch is capable of keeping the iPad dry when submersed in a foot of water for more than 30 minutes, which may not seem like a lot, but should be sufficient for rescuing your device should it accidentally find itself in the river. This is a must have for anyone who takes their iPad with them on paddling excursions or trips into the backcountry.

Ultra-Sil Pack Cover ($34.95)
One of the worst things that can happen while out on the trail is to get caught in an unexpected rain squall that soaks your pack and all of its contents. A good pack cover will prevent that from happening of course, and Sea to Summit's new offering is both durable and lightweight. Made from 70D Ripstop nylon, the pack cover features Hypalon loops for external gear attachments and a reinforced bottom to keep the pack dry when you set it on the ground. The sack cover weighs just 4 ounces (113 grams) and comes with its own compression sack, which makes it easy to keep in your backpack at all times. That removes any excuses for not carrying it with you when you head out on your next adventure. I found the cover quick and easy to install on a variety of packs and it performed perfectly, even in heavy downpours. This is certainly one piece of gear that I'll want with me when traveling in wet environments on future travels.  (Available March 2013)

I have a number of other great products from Sea to Summit to test yet, so look for more reviews in the near future. If the above products are any indication, I'll have some more great suggestions to add to your gear closet soon.

Announcing The Eastern Shore 140 Ultra Triathlon

Endurance athletes looking for a new challenge next year will certainly want to add the newly announced Eastern Shore 140 Ultra Triathlon to their calendar. The inaugural edition of the race is scheduled to take place in and around Cape Charles, Virginia on September 7, 2013.

The ES 140 course will feature a 2.4 mile swim on Chesapeake Bay, followed by a 112 mile bike stage, which is immediately followed by 26.2 mile run. The race will get underway from the Cape Charles Beach, where competitors will first complete a double loop swim on the bay before taking their bikes out onto a out-and-back course along scenic and rolling country roads. Finally, they'll complete their very long day with a marathon through the downtown streets of Cape Charles.

The just launched ES 140 website contains much more information about the event, including details on the course, a helpful FAQ and a registration form for athletes who want to compete. The site just went live yesterday however, so other things like the race schedule, competitor list and volunteer info will be filled in over time.

The race director for this event is Don Mann, who is well known for putting on great events that also happen to be rather tough. In addition to organizing the infamous Beast of the East adventure races and numerous other triathlons, Don was also responsible for Primal Quest Utah, Montana and Badlands. As an experienced endurance athlete himself, Don knows how to create a challenging course that will test competitors while still finding a way to remain fun to race on.

If you're up for a new challenge for next year, than start planning for the ES 140 now. September, 2013 may seem like a long way off at the moment, but you'll need all of that time to train for this epic event.

Video: Anyone Remember This Lance Armstrong Commercial?

This use to be one of my favorite Nike/Lance Armstrong commercials. The message was great. It said that he got to all those Tour de France wins because of hard work and dedication. Because he was "on the bike six hours a day." Now it just just comes across as disingenuous and self serving.

New Web Series Explores Balance Between Work And Adventure

For many of us, finding a good balance between our work and passion pursuits is a challenging one. After all, we all need to find a way to make a living, while still mixing the things that actually make us feel alive. This is the exact subject of a new web series that is aptly entitled Balance. The series, which uses the tag line "3 Lives, 9 Episodes, 1 Balance," follows paddler Blair Trotman, snowboarder Joey Vosburgh and mountain biker Dave Vanderveen as they search for ways to do the things they love without compromising other aspects of their lives.

The first two episodes of the series are already out and you can watch them both below. Considering this is a subject that I find myself thinking about a lot lately, I found the two videos to be through provoking and interesting. I'm sure more than a few of you will feel the same. Enjoy!

Balance Ep.1- At Ease from Lee Visual on Vimeo.

Balance Ep.2- Ride On from Lee Visual on Vimeo.

Amazon Express Update: Milestones Passed And Ahead

It has been a few weeks since we last checked in on West Hansen and his paddling team as they make their way down the Amazon River. As you probably know, they're attempting to complete a source-to-sea kayaking expedition in record time, calling the excursion The Amazon Express. When I last wrote about their progress, the team had cleared the dangerous red zone and were leaving the last of the whitewater behind. Since then, they've moved onto the Amazon proper and have cleared a few more hurdles on their journey.

One of the bigger milestones for the expedition thus far was achieved this past weekend when West and company arrived in Iquitos, by far the largest city that they'll encounter along the Peruvian Amazon. Iquitos is an isolated, yet bustling, city that once held the distinction of being the largest in the world without access by road. When I was there back in 2008, the only way in or out was by boat or plane. I'm told that there is now a single road that leads into town and helps connect the city with other nearby villages.

By reaching Iquitos, the Amazon Express crew has now passed more than 1800 miles (2897 km) on their journey, but more importantly the city gave them the opportunity to spend a few days resting up and gathering supplies for the next leg of their journey. That will be a 300 mile (483 km) jaunt to the border of Brazil, where they'll find their next town of any size, Santa Rosa. They should arrive there by this weekend. Iquitos also meant that there was still roughly 2500 miles (4023 km) to go before the expedition ends in the Atlantic.

West and the rest of the paddlers are making good time these days. Most of their updates indicate that they are covering between 50-60 miles (80-95 km) per day. That's a solid pace on a river that doesn't always offer much in the way of current to help push you along. Still, considering how massive and lengthy the Amazon truly is, they still have many days and weeks to go until they reach the end.

Gear Closet: DeLorme inReach Satellite Communicator

There is little doubt that technology has made the world a smaller place. Between the Internet, smartphones, tablets and other devices it is now possible to stay connected from just about anywhere, including some of the most remote places on the planet. Sure, satellite technology has provided this ability for a long time, but until recently sat phones were expensive and cumbersome. But carrying a satellite phone is no longer the only option for staying connected while off the grid. The inReach satellite communicator from DeLorme is an affordable alternative that is featured packed, easy to use and rugged enough to take anywhere. 

In it's basic form, the inReach resembles a compact walkie-talkie, albeit a thick one. The front of the device has four buttons, one to turn the device on and off, and separate buttons for sending tracking information, pre-canned messages and an emergency SOS. Several lights indicate when the inReach is powered on, whether or not it has acquired a satellite signal and when it is broadcasting a message back to the world. The device also includes a lock-switch for the SOS button which prevents the user from accidentally sending out a call for help.

DeLorme's little device connects to the Iridium satellite network to provide Pole-to-Pole coverage across the globe. That means that pretty much no matter where you are on the planet, you can use the inReach to send messages home to loved ones or call for assistance in an emergency. The device also requires a service plan, which range in price from as little as $9.95 up to $64.95 per month depending on the number of text messages, inReach network messages and tracking options. The lower priced plans are designed for casual users who only need coverage from time to time, while the more expensive options are the best choices for adventurers who find themselves in the field on a regular basis. 

If the inReach only offered remote tracking, pre-set messages and the ability to call for help in an emergency, it would still be a great device to have with you when traveling to dangerous and remote places. But this little gadget has a few extra tricks up its sleeve thanks to its ability to wirelessly connect to smartphones and tablets via Bluetooth technology. DeLorme created companion apps, called Earthmate, for both iOS and Android. When the satellite communicator is paired with another device running one of those operating systems, it is suddenly capable of so much more than it can do on its own. 

For instance, the app allows you to send text messages or short emails directly to anyone in your contacts list by typing them out on the onscreen keyboard. It also allows for posting updates to Twitter or Facebook. It also provides the ability to configure settings on the inReach itself, including how often it shares location points with those following along back home. Those points can be tracked on a website by those following your adventures at home. Earthmate also has the ability to send an SOS message simply by swiping a switch on the screen and it can communicate with other inReach users directly, provided you have their device's unique identification address. 

But the functionality doesn't end there. The smartphone-satellte communicator combination can also work as a full blown GPS navigation system. The Earthmate app allows the user to download a base map of the world that provides solid details across the globe. More detailed maps for certain areas can be downloaded as well, provided your device has enough free space to store them. This GPS functionality is fast, accurate and works great, and while it doesn't provide navigational data, it does track your route and displays it online for friends and family to follow. 

The inReach is powered by two AA batteries, which was a bit surprising at first. I've gotten so use to most modern devices including a high capacity rechargeable battery, that I was afraid anything else wouldn't provide enough power for extended use. But since the satellite communicator doesn't have a screen to keep powered, the AA batteries are suppose to last for up to 125 hours of use. I'll have to take DeLorme's word on that one however, as I didn't run the batteries out of juice while I was testing it. The other great features of using AA batteries is that they are cheap, lightweight, easy to pack and can be found just about anywhere on Earth.

DeLorme has built a product that is incredibly useful and versatile but also quite tough. The inReach is dust proof, waterproof and even floats. It is impact resistant and weights just 8 ounces (227 grams) including the batteries. It has also been rated to operate at a temperature range of -4ºF to 158ºF (-20ºC - 70ºC), all of which means that the device can survive just about anything you throw at it, in just about any environment on Earth. 

The inReach comes with an MSRP of $249, which makes it an affordable option for those looking for the functionality that it provides. Throw in an iPod Touch to run the Earthmate app and connect via Bluetooth, and you have a high tech, fully functional, satellite communications tool for under $500. Considering everything that combo can do, it'll be hard to justify not taking it on your next adventure. 

Team Gear Junkie/WEDALI Wins Both North American Adventure Racing Championships

I'm not sure if it is a testament to how popular adventure racing is in North America or how disorganized it is, but there are two different National Championships each year. This can create some confusion and debate over who exactly is the "true" champ in any given year, with some deferring to the Checkpoint Tracker National Championships and others giving the nod to the United States Adventure Racing Association Championship. Both events are great and they both attract excellent teams, but this year there can be no debate over which event produced the best team as their champion. That's because the same team won both events.

The 2012 undisputed North American adventure racing champion is clearly Team GearJunkie/WEDALI. The team, which is based out of Minneapolis, MN, is made up of a number of excellent endurance and adventure athletes. The winning squad at the USARA race consisted of Captain Justin Bakken, Scott Erlandson and Molly Moilanen. Bakken also raced in the Checkpoint Tracker Championship where he was joined by Stephen Regenold, Kelly Brinkman and Thomas Puzak. All told, the team is made up of about 10 athletes who rotate on and off the roster based on the type of race they are competing in.

This is the first time that a team has won both of these autumn events, each of which falls into the 24+ hour category. Congratulations to the entire team on not only wrapping up the year by winning these two championships, but for putting together a great season overall. Well done!

Video: Phil Liggett's Thoughts On Lance Armstrong

For more than 40 years Phil Liggett has been the voice of cycling and served as a commentator for the Tour de France, watching many great cyclists come and go, including Lance Armstrong. Over the years that Armstrong was competing in the race, and those that followed, Phil was a vocal supporter of Lance and his Livestrong cause. In the wake of yesterday's announcement that Armstrong would be stripped of his titles, Liggett went on NBC Sports to discuss his thoughts. You'll hear them in the video below.

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Himalaya Fall 2012 Update: No Summits On Everest and Lhotse

Last week, when I fell of the grid for a few days, we were all waiting and watching Everest and Lhotse to see if there would be any late summits on either mountain. At the time, the only 8000 meter expeditions that remained in the Himalaya this fall were active on those two peaks, which share the same route all the way up to Camp 4. Forecasts indicated that a weather window would open mid-week and that winds would die down long enough to allow access to both summits, but those forecasts turned out to be inaccurate and as a result, the three teams on the mountain aborted their expeditions for the year.

But that isn't the whole story, as this past Sunday there was a dramatic rescue on Everest for one of the climbers that we had been following closely. Japanese climber Nobukazu Kuriki was hoping to make a solo summit along the West Ridge and when last I reported on his progress he had moved up above Camp 3 and was waiting for the window to open. When the winds did not die off as expected, Kuriki was forced to turn back, eventually returning to Camp 2, where he had already spent a number of days.

The high winds and cold temperatures that he experienced while making his summit bid, combined with the fact that he was climbing without oxygen, led to severe frostbite on his fingers, toes, legs and nose. As a result of this painful injury, Kuriki was unable to make the final descent to Base Camp under his own power. Instead he had to be picked up by helicopter and flown back to Kathmandu. A hospital in Nepal's capital treated him for his injuries and as of this morning he is now headed home to Japan, where he will receive further treatment.



Elsewhere, a Polish team led by Artur Hajzer was hoping to summit Lhotse last week, but once the weather window failed to open as expected, they made the swift decision to put an end to their expedition as well. Several members of the squad went up early in the week but were forced to retreat due to high winds. One of their Sherpa guides also contracted frostbite and had to be assisted safely back down the mountain too.

A second unit was hoping to make a summit bid starting last Friday, but that attempt was called off a day earlier due to the unsafe conditions on the mountain. Once that decision was made, all of the climbers cleaned up BC and started the long journey home. Most of the members of the squad are young mountaineers, and the Lhotse expedition was designed to get them valuable experience for future climbs. Even without a successful summit, I'd say they accomplished their goal.

Finally, there was a Korean team on Everest as well, and while we've had little word from them throughout the season, it seems that they have abandoned their summit plans too. With the jet stream now firmly settled in over the Himalaya until next spring, the 8000 meter peaks are effectively closed off to all but the most skilled and dedicated climbers.