Well the Mount Blanc to Mont Cinto event is finally over and I have to say the last two epic days meant the first few back in London were a welcome recovery for the legs. I have now spent today on the website of the various Scottish events to see what's next so I can improve my fitness for the next Active Earth Challenge.
The whole team put on an excellent event, from back office logistics (Kyra) to on the spot variations, awesome food (Corrie and Juliette) and good company (the rest of you). The event provided a chance to meet many like minded people at various stages of their lives and all on both individual yet somewhat collective initiatives. I suppose for me this was the heart of the journey, a time for self reflection, a time to meet new and inspiring people and a time to make new connections and share ideas for a greater good.
Darron must be congratulated (although he may not wish it) for being the catalyst for this journey to have taken place. I am sure he feels it was well worthwhile and I know those who attended will all be eagerly awaiting the next opportunity.
Please, Please run the same event again. I know of many who wanted to take part but need a bit more warning to be able to get into shape. At least we can now prepare knowing there are a lot of "flat hills" in the alps.
Much Love
Rich B
Monday, June 16. 2008
Feedback from Ritch
Friday, June 13. 2008
Nature and nurture
Last year I met Daron Sheehan and was impressed with the energy with which he was setting up Active Earth. Even in the face of climate change and unsustainable business it is often easier to ignore the facts than act - it takes a visionary to bring people together for real change.
It has been a great privilege and pleasure to host the inaugural Mont Blanc to Mont Cinto. Apart from leading the cycling stage and presenting some the filming, this was as much of a learning curve for me as everyone else in terms of the Active Earth mission. Congratulations to Jed for his rare talents in facilitating these emotive discussions. As a first event and fairly new organisation, the event was not without its logistical challenges and so well done to all the participants for their teamwork and resolve.
My main concern coming into this was the link between discussion and action. It was reassuring to find that Active Earth very much lives in the real world as opposed to simply intellectual discussion and is already involved in a number of interesting international projects. I can imagine that others will have the same questions and it is important to know that despite a clear mission statement, Active Earth is not a strict movement but rather a proactive forum for discussion and action and is as diverse and interesting as its members.
Thanks again for this opportunity and I look forwards to the next challenge.
Mark Beaumont
It has been a great privilege and pleasure to host the inaugural Mont Blanc to Mont Cinto. Apart from leading the cycling stage and presenting some the filming, this was as much of a learning curve for me as everyone else in terms of the Active Earth mission. Congratulations to Jed for his rare talents in facilitating these emotive discussions. As a first event and fairly new organisation, the event was not without its logistical challenges and so well done to all the participants for their teamwork and resolve.
My main concern coming into this was the link between discussion and action. It was reassuring to find that Active Earth very much lives in the real world as opposed to simply intellectual discussion and is already involved in a number of interesting international projects. I can imagine that others will have the same questions and it is important to know that despite a clear mission statement, Active Earth is not a strict movement but rather a proactive forum for discussion and action and is as diverse and interesting as its members.
Thanks again for this opportunity and I look forwards to the next challenge.
Mark Beaumont
Some of the usual suspects on the 4 day cycle stage from Chamonix to Toulon
Wednesday, June 11. 2008
Let's all start climbing !
When Daron first spoke to me about the “Mont Blanc to Mont Cinto” project almost a year ago, for a moment, I thought he was plain mad. I certainly loved the idea, and was eager to undertake the formidable journey by ski, bike, kayak and foot, but the logistics required for such an event seemed too complicated to be able to carry it out especially with so many different sports, participants and venues involved.
Yet he pulled it off perfectly and in style. I for one, and undoubtedly every participant who completed the journey or part of it will surely agree to this, and will carry fond memories of MB2MC ‘08, together with a useful bundle of interesting information and ideas to make our planet a better, more peaceful and sustainable one.
For my part, namely the mountaineering stages, I am sorry that we weren’t able to complete them as originally planned. We sure tried our very best, but time and again, mother nature seemed to want to remind us -in a gentle way thank God- that it is not exactly pleased with the way we have been treating it of late, and that it will invariably have the last word. Ironically, this is precisely one of the more important messages we discussed during this trip, and one that we would like to convey to others, especially the young generation.
Well done everyone ! Well done Active Earth !
On behalf of myself and the youth of my country and region -who are undoubtedly those who will ultimately benefit most from the MB2MC lessons learned- I sincerely thank all those who made this event possible, and reassure them that I will indeed do my part in “raising awareness for peace and sustainability through sports and adventure”.
A wise man once said: “it is when you reach the mountain top that the climb begins”, so although we didn’t quite reach the tippy-top this time, let’s all start climbing !
Yours in sport,
Max Chaya
max@thethreepoles.com
Yet he pulled it off perfectly and in style. I for one, and undoubtedly every participant who completed the journey or part of it will surely agree to this, and will carry fond memories of MB2MC ‘08, together with a useful bundle of interesting information and ideas to make our planet a better, more peaceful and sustainable one.
For my part, namely the mountaineering stages, I am sorry that we weren’t able to complete them as originally planned. We sure tried our very best, but time and again, mother nature seemed to want to remind us -in a gentle way thank God- that it is not exactly pleased with the way we have been treating it of late, and that it will invariably have the last word. Ironically, this is precisely one of the more important messages we discussed during this trip, and one that we would like to convey to others, especially the young generation.
Well done everyone ! Well done Active Earth !
On behalf of myself and the youth of my country and region -who are undoubtedly those who will ultimately benefit most from the MB2MC lessons learned- I sincerely thank all those who made this event possible, and reassure them that I will indeed do my part in “raising awareness for peace and sustainability through sports and adventure”.
A wise man once said: “it is when you reach the mountain top that the climb begins”, so although we didn’t quite reach the tippy-top this time, let’s all start climbing !
Yours in sport,
Max Chaya
max@thethreepoles.com
The final goodbye of the last Active Earth group leaving Nice airport. "Ce n'est qu'un AU REVOIR!"
Saturday, June 7. 2008
A Triumphant Finale
From Jed Milroy,
The morning of the last day of Mont Blanc to Mont Cinto found the Active Earth crew in somewhat more unusual environs. The flaking paint and psychodelic murals of the Port Asco dormitory left some of the group thinking they were still dreaming.
After a quick breakfast of coffee and croissants we were heading up the trail. The weather looked good with blue skies and cloud capped summits. Spirits were high and plenty of animated discussion was punctuating the stunning ascent. Even as we approached the snow line broad shorts and trainers still seemed appropriate. After a breezy ascent yesterday David had decided to wear trousers today.
This was where the climbing really started scrambling over loose rock and snow towards the daunting ridge line which was mostly shrouded in cloud. Some of the group started to feel the effects of the four hours of climbing and the need for concentration was paramount due to loose scree and boulders.
After a slow climb we reached the ridge and traversed towards the summit. As we gathered the group on the anti-summit, a closeby clap of thunder quickly dampened the europhic atmosphere. Paddy was reminded of the grave warnings of the restauranteer in Asco who had forecast death and doom to anyone climbing Mont Cinto this weekend.
Yves, our resident mountain guide, made the call to turn back just 50m short of the summit. A difficult call but vital in the circumstances.
Meanwhile back in the refuge concern was mounting. Our faithful support crew (Corrie) had taken on the role of calming the local's panic that we were all doomed...
As Tony's concern for whether he would see his family again mounted, Ramseyes (Raja's brother) handed Yves a bible. As we began our descent, some of the hardier Active Earth media types stayed to snatch a brief interview to camera. Mark Beaumont, giddy with the altitude and a little numbed by the cold, found himself once again in an extreme interview situation.
The descent like Yves was beautiful yet slimy. Around 5ish the group arrived safely back to the refuge, which was by now full of concerned locals and hot chocolate.
Once again we were reminded that we must always respect Nature. The real achievement of the day was the team work in taking an international team of committed individuals with mixed skills and abilities from Germany, Lebanon, Australia, South Africa, Switzerland, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, England and France on such a beautiful adventure journey Raising Awareness for Peace and Sustainability.
The morning of the last day of Mont Blanc to Mont Cinto found the Active Earth crew in somewhat more unusual environs. The flaking paint and psychodelic murals of the Port Asco dormitory left some of the group thinking they were still dreaming.
Stunning scenery ! (Photo courtesy of Max)
After a quick breakfast of coffee and croissants we were heading up the trail. The weather looked good with blue skies and cloud capped summits. Spirits were high and plenty of animated discussion was punctuating the stunning ascent. Even as we approached the snow line broad shorts and trainers still seemed appropriate. After a breezy ascent yesterday David had decided to wear trousers today.
The thick fog would occasionally give way revealing the impressive rock faces of Mont Cinto. (Photo courtesy of Max)
This was where the climbing really started scrambling over loose rock and snow towards the daunting ridge line which was mostly shrouded in cloud. Some of the group started to feel the effects of the four hours of climbing and the need for concentration was paramount due to loose scree and boulders.
Scotland (represented by DFP) leading the pack on the non-technical sections. (Photo courtesy of Max)
After a slow climb we reached the ridge and traversed towards the summit. As we gathered the group on the anti-summit, a closeby clap of thunder quickly dampened the europhic atmosphere. Paddy was reminded of the grave warnings of the restauranteer in Asco who had forecast death and doom to anyone climbing Mont Cinto this weekend.
Wet and cold yet jubilant a the summit. (Photo courtesy of Max)
Yves, our resident mountain guide, made the call to turn back just 50m short of the summit. A difficult call but vital in the circumstances.
Meanwhile back in the refuge concern was mounting. Our faithful support crew (Corrie) had taken on the role of calming the local's panic that we were all doomed...
As Tony's concern for whether he would see his family again mounted, Ramseyes (Raja's brother) handed Yves a bible. As we began our descent, some of the hardier Active Earth media types stayed to snatch a brief interview to camera. Mark Beaumont, giddy with the altitude and a little numbed by the cold, found himself once again in an extreme interview situation.
A slippery slope! (Photo courtesy of Max)
The descent like Yves was beautiful yet slimy. Around 5ish the group arrived safely back to the refuge, which was by now full of concerned locals and hot chocolate.
Once again we were reminded that we must always respect Nature. The real achievement of the day was the team work in taking an international team of committed individuals with mixed skills and abilities from Germany, Lebanon, Australia, South Africa, Switzerland, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, England and France on such a beautiful adventure journey Raising Awareness for Peace and Sustainability.
Which way did they go!
From Paddy Cave.
About 10 minutes after leaving Panasha, I took a wrong turn. The wrong turn took me over a stunning mountain col and I saw over a hundred dead boar skins decorating a farmer's fence.
On arrival in Calvi I realised that the slow group that I was trying to catch up must have made up some ground ahead of me so I set off immediately in pursuit, without stopping for food. About 100km later I arrived in Asco where the locals assured me that no cyclists had passed in a week. I realised that the slow group were not ahead of me. So after a cafe au lait and a lengthy warning about climbing mont cinto I made my way up the 15km climb to the gite.
Climbing over 1,000m provided a beautiful transition to Alpine Scenery. Arriving at the gite, spectacular peaks were framed by the clouds.
Meanwhile whilst I was clocking up the miles, the rest of the group took the scenic coastal route to calvi where they enjoyed a 3 course lunch spread over 2 hours 'which would explain why I did not see them on my pursuit'. After lunch and saying goodbye to perry the group enjoyed a beautiful section of road to Belgodere.
The group was pleased to have clocked up 80 scenic kilometres. David Fox-Pitt had undertaken the whole stretch in his M&S boxer shorts. Alongside David stood Jim Morrissey wearing a pair of budgie smugglers. As David broke into an impromptu Scottish jig, the locals gathered around to witness this unusual spectacle.
A quick look at the map and the watch spread confusion and panic with the realisation that there was still 70km and 1,300m of vertical left to do and it was gone 5 o'clock. Briefly the group motivation faltered and David wondered whether there was sufficient skin remaining on his rear end to last the day.
The group arrived finally at the gite between 10pm and 11.30pm for a welcome meal at the end of another cracking day!
About 10 minutes after leaving Panasha, I took a wrong turn. The wrong turn took me over a stunning mountain col and I saw over a hundred dead boar skins decorating a farmer's fence.
Mark, Karyn and Daron wondering which way to go to Calvi. Although longer, the 32km coastal road to the left proved to be the correct one. (Photo by Max)
On arrival in Calvi I realised that the slow group that I was trying to catch up must have made up some ground ahead of me so I set off immediately in pursuit, without stopping for food. About 100km later I arrived in Asco where the locals assured me that no cyclists had passed in a week. I realised that the slow group were not ahead of me. So after a cafe au lait and a lengthy warning about climbing mont cinto I made my way up the 15km climb to the gite.
Climbing over 1,000m provided a beautiful transition to Alpine Scenery. Arriving at the gite, spectacular peaks were framed by the clouds.
While Paddy is climbing the col, Daron, Karyn and Mark "clocking up the miles" on the scenic coastal road to beautiful Calvi. (photo by Max)
Meanwhile whilst I was clocking up the miles, the rest of the group took the scenic coastal route to calvi where they enjoyed a 3 course lunch spread over 2 hours 'which would explain why I did not see them on my pursuit'. After lunch and saying goodbye to perry the group enjoyed a beautiful section of road to Belgodere.
The Active Earth cycling group in Calvi "à table" headed by Perry who was to leave us for the airport straight after lunch. (Photo by Max)
The group was pleased to have clocked up 80 scenic kilometres. David Fox-Pitt had undertaken the whole stretch in his M&S boxer shorts. Alongside David stood Jim Morrissey wearing a pair of budgie smugglers. As David broke into an impromptu Scottish jig, the locals gathered around to witness this unusual spectacle.
A quick look at the map and the watch spread confusion and panic with the realisation that there was still 70km and 1,300m of vertical left to do and it was gone 5 o'clock. Briefly the group motivation faltered and David wondered whether there was sufficient skin remaining on his rear end to last the day.
The group arrived finally at the gite between 10pm and 11.30pm for a welcome meal at the end of another cracking day!
Friday, June 6. 2008
Pack up the kayaks
Day 3
Strong winds and high seas kybosh any chance of continuing on kayaks as even the large tourist pleasure cruisers refuse to venture out.
The morning is spent covering some Active Earth theory, looking at the role of adventure in the transformation towards peace and sustainability. Lively discussions follow as the group relate their experiences to the subject matter.
After a hearty lunch and plenty of caffine the group splits into three to connect Giroulata to Galeria by non-motorised means.
Group 1 (those who could not participate in the sailing crossing) took to the high seas in Panasha braving ferocious seas and winds to sail through the Scandola Nature Reserve, with Klaus getting excellent action footage as the 47ft catamaran was tossed about like a toy boat sending the kitchen utensils and provisions crashing to the floor.
Group 2 undertook a 2 hour hike and then a 2 hour cycle culminating in a glorious scenic descent into Galeria.
Group 3 took on a 8hr hiking route which passed over a beautiful ridge at around 800m which gave stunning views, completing the 25km plus run and over 1km climb in under 3 hours.
We have amazing photos and footage that will soon make it onto the blog. We have had no opportunity to upload photos since leaving the South of France. Corsica is wild and beautiful and that comes at the price of easy internet access.
Today we are now all undertaking a 100km plus cycle with over 2km of vertical to reach Asco, our base camp for the final stage, the ascent of Mont Cinto.
Strong winds and high seas kybosh any chance of continuing on kayaks as even the large tourist pleasure cruisers refuse to venture out.
The Kayaks are kept on shore as the storm hits Girolata. Panasha too is safely moored in the port, away from the high seas. (Photo by Max)
The morning is spent covering some Active Earth theory, looking at the role of adventure in the transformation towards peace and sustainability. Lively discussions follow as the group relate their experiences to the subject matter.
As the storm hits Girolata, the group engage in meaningful discussions on sustainability. Daron speaks as Tony, David, Karyn, Fi and Richard listen attentively. (Photo by Max)
After a hearty lunch and plenty of caffine the group splits into three to connect Giroulata to Galeria by non-motorised means.
Group 1 (those who could not participate in the sailing crossing) took to the high seas in Panasha braving ferocious seas and winds to sail through the Scandola Nature Reserve, with Klaus getting excellent action footage as the 47ft catamaran was tossed about like a toy boat sending the kitchen utensils and provisions crashing to the floor.
Group 2 undertook a 2 hour hike and then a 2 hour cycle culminating in a glorious scenic descent into Galeria.
Tony heads the group during the climb up from Girolata. (Photo by Max)
Group 3 took on a 8hr hiking route which passed over a beautiful ridge at around 800m which gave stunning views, completing the 25km plus run and over 1km climb in under 3 hours.
We have amazing photos and footage that will soon make it onto the blog. We have had no opportunity to upload photos since leaving the South of France. Corsica is wild and beautiful and that comes at the price of easy internet access.
Today we are now all undertaking a 100km plus cycle with over 2km of vertical to reach Asco, our base camp for the final stage, the ascent of Mont Cinto.
Daron, Mark, and Karyn heading towards the foot of the big climb to Haut Asco
Tough seas !
A beautiful coast !
Stepping ashore on the pictoresque quay at our landfall at Cargese, we were met by Vanina our local kayak guide. After a few safety instructions the group slipped away from the harbour and headed out to sea in a colourful mix of single and double kayaks.
Everybody soon got into a smooth rythmn on a steady sea under towering limestone buttresses.
The morning passed at a surprising pace threatened through numerous inlets and towering headlands. In the early afternoon Panasha overtook us and prepared a sumptious lunch which awaited us on sandy shores.
Fully replenished the flotilla pushed on to the next headland and into a series of interconnected sea caves - utterly magical and unforgettable.
The crowing glory of the afternoon was the dunking under a 25m waterfall at the mouth of sea cave 1km off the days end.
Kayak practice, with Panasha in the background. (Bullet Cam)
Everybody soon got into a smooth rythmn on a steady sea under towering limestone buttresses.
The morning passed at a surprising pace threatened through numerous inlets and towering headlands. In the early afternoon Panasha overtook us and prepared a sumptious lunch which awaited us on sandy shores.
Fully replenished the flotilla pushed on to the next headland and into a series of interconnected sea caves - utterly magical and unforgettable.
Typical coastal cave. (Bullet Cam)
The crowing glory of the afternoon was the dunking under a 25m waterfall at the mouth of sea cave 1km off the days end.
Beautiful waterfall, note the rainbow! (Bullet Cam)
Open water, glorious ! (Bullet Cam)
Mozzies and dolphins
After 4 hrs sleep/battling mosquitos, everyone was up at 5.30 for a 16 hour crossing to Corsica. Unfortunately only 12 could sail on the catamaran, the rest left for the ferry crossing to meet us 24hrs later.
We set off under sail passing in between the scenic isles of Porquerolles and Port Cros. Everyone enjoyed resting some wearing legs after the gruelling cycle stage.
The highlight on this beautiful crossing was being joined by jumping dolphins at the bow and an incredible sunset over dinner.
Daron and I took the late shift until 4am to help our skipper Laurence into port.
We went back to bed for a few hours sleep before rising to commence the kayak stage.
We set off under sail passing in between the scenic isles of Porquerolles and Port Cros. Everyone enjoyed resting some wearing legs after the gruelling cycle stage.
The highlight on this beautiful crossing was being joined by jumping dolphins at the bow and an incredible sunset over dinner.
Daron and I took the late shift until 4am to help our skipper Laurence into port.
We went back to bed for a few hours sleep before rising to commence the kayak stage.
Panasha's escort !
Monday, June 2. 2008
Ahoy matey's, Anchors Away...
Sunday, June 1. 2008
The Cycling Leg - A Potted Summary
the cycling team riverside
The cycling leg has been absolutely incredible and has exceeded everbody's expectations on many levels. I have been guilty of under-estimating the amount of climbing significantly, ignoring the minor aclivities that all add up and changing the route. It has all turned out for the best and I have just about kept the group together and sane. There were two close moments today though. Firstly after a tougher than planned morning taking the scenic route around the Gorges de Verdon, which tripled the planned distance, we headed into a head wind and at 2pm with no lunch stop the group realised we had 100km to go.
the scenic route
I sensed a near mutiny moment, but happily after a few more km's heading into the wind we were descending and then heading west, munching tarmac greedily. Then about 7pm after 11 hours in the saddle and no end in sight, Richard and Karen are gibbering and laughing uncontrollably. Fortunately the final hour to the coast is a fast blast cruising in at around 50kmph despite a fierce headwind.
Our accomodation also exceeded expectations with each night spent in an idylic gite where we spent quality time eating and relaxing with Juliet supplying incredible food, Fiona incredible massage and Jed incredible music. 3 pairs of magic hands looking after us, all of which helped us get through this tough challenge.
magic hands looking after us
incredible food, or incredibly hungry??
The final stats are:
DAY 1 - Chamonix to Pinet (near Grenoble) - 103 MILES (165km), vertical 2,450m.
DAY 2 - Pinet to Col de Manse (near Gap) - 80 MILES (128km) vertical 2,600m
DAY 3 - Col de Manse to Castellane - 100 Miles (160km), vertical 2,265m
DAY 4 - Castellane to Hyeres, via Gorges de Verdon - 111 miles (177km) vertical 2,000m.
Total - 394 miles (630km) total ascent of 9,315m (more than climbing Mt Everest from Sea Level)
The feedback from all participants was that it was an exceptional and incredibly tough but rewarding challenge. For me the last 2 days of the route exceeded all possible expectations, the sweeping bends tracking the verdon river, passing through tunnels and under rock arches can only be described as Fantasy Cycling, more reminscent of a video game than reality! As I looked at everyone's faces it was clear that they were all thinking the same
fantasy cycling
Comments
Mon, 02.06.2008 10:46
Hi Daron Sounds great so far buddy - you are getting some serious training in for the 24 hour MTB race !! Enjoy [...]