The funds raised by the lecture will go towards subsidising young people on their Scottish and Alpine training courses. They provide a very worthwile service and thousands of students have benefited from their courses over the last thirty years. At only £10 per ticket it is a great opportunity to support the trust as well as getting to hear Sir Chris Bonington, one of Britains most sucessful mountaineers. For more details on the Jonathan Conville memorial trust and to find out how to buy tickets  for the event see below.

What is the Jonathan Conville Memorial Trust?

The family of Jonathan Conville established the Trust after he died on the Matterhorn 29th December 1979, aged 27. He was a sound, ambitious climber who had been to school at Marlborough College, spent some time in Australia, joined the Army (Paratroop Regiment) and taught at the Outward Bound School, Lock Eil. He identified strongly with the outdoors where he constantly found challenge. The Trust’s aims are to encourage and assist young people to train for and pursue their love of the outdoors in the spirit of adventure, which Jonathan embraced during his life.

The Trust encourages safe and enjoyable practice in mountaineering, by operating subsidised training for young people, operating Scottish Winter Courses based in the Cairngorms and Alpine Mountaineering Courses based in Chamonix.

Boundless Horizons – Sir Christian Bonington CBE – Ticket Details

When
Thursday 3 June 2010 7pm – 8.30pm
Bar open 6pm – 9.30pm

Where
The Royal Geographical Society
1 Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AR

Price
Tickets £10 Admits ONE

How to Buy
Please send SAE with name/email/telephone contact details to:

Melissa Kay
C/o JCMT
Titchbourne Barn
Redlynch
Salisbury
Wiltshire
SP5 2JX

Cheques made payable to Jonathan Conville Memorial Trust
Telephone 01794 884118

Households in rural Africa spend an average of 26% of their time fetching water.

It is hard to imagine spending all that time and effort collecting clean water when all we have to do is turn on a tap…even if it means walking across a campsite! When we go hiking and wild camping we must take our on water with us, or use purification tablets or a water filter. But let’s face it we would not want to have to carry or find and purify our water all the time! We thought that we should learn more, so we asked Abe Clark to tell us about the water crisis and about his running challenge…

Abe Clark “Running Water” Interview

CheapTents.com: What inspired you to get into running?

Abe Clark: Running was a hobby always encouraged by my parents. In the summer of 4th grade they said they would give me $10 if I logged 100 miles that summer. It was easy money in my 10 year old mind. The next two years my mom would pick me up from the small Lutheran school I went to and drive me 15 miles to the public school where my older brother was on the new high school cross country team that retired Coach Bill Greiten had started. He had coached many years previously and was filled with running knowledge. I got my fill of inspiration jogging next to Coach Greiten after the varsity team left us in the dust.
My older brother, Ben, who is now in the Marine Corps, started running in junior high. He broke the Gillett Junior High School mile record and it became my goal to break his mark of 5:18. Four years later I ended up tying the record with my teammate, Jason Soper, setting the mark at 5:07.9. It only stood three years before my younger brother, Josh, smashed it by running a 4:56. What started as friendly brotherly competition became a life time hobby and I have been hooked ever since.

CheapTents.com: What is the furthest distance that you have covered in any running event to date?

Abe Clark: After cross-country season my freshman year at UW Green Bay I really started to run a lot. Part of it was that I had an hour between classes instead of going to my dorm room I would just go running. After a winter and spring of running 80 to 115 mile per week I entered my first marathon pretty much on a whim. Three days before the race, when I was considering it, I ran 20 miles just to make sure I could make it that far. At the age of 19 I ended up running a 2:36 marathon. Since then I have run numerous 20 to 30 mile training runs. I am currently logging at least three 20 milers a week and one 30 miler in my preparation for the 2850 mile run.

CheapTents.com: What is your biggest weakness?

Abe Clark: I always have to remind my self to live in the present. I am a dreamer or what I like to call a “realist dreamer” I am constantly planning and preparing myself for big future plans and often the little every day things of the present get ignored or neglected.
As far as running goes I never had a “kick” I am sure I will have many more weaknesses to report after the run across America.

CheapTents.com: What do you find most challenging about training?

Abe Clark: Living in Wisconsin it is definitely the cold winters. In the fall, the leaf covered trails and the weather beg you to come run. Then it turns freezing cold and you have to stick to the snowy roads. I think it takes three times the mental mind power to put on the running shoes. It is also challenging to keep a high level of motivation and consistency. Two to five hour runs is a bit long to fit in on the lunch hour.

CheapTents.com: What has been your worst injury from outdoor sports and how did it happen?

Abe Clark: I have been very blessed with a basically injury free running career, knock on wood. While living on a sailboat and cruising the great lakes this past summer I had my fair share of cuts and close calls but otherwise I have been quite healthy.

CheapTents.com: In February 2010 you will be running 2,860 miles across the United States. What has made you decide to take up this challenge?

Abe Clark: I am very drawn to adventure and the feeling of living in complete freedom. When the idea of running across America made its way into my mind four years ago. It seemed like everything was pushing me towards this moment. The two things that pushed me over the edge may sound a bit strange because they don’t have anything to do with running. 1) fixing up an old sailboat, living on it and sailing Lake Michigan all summer with no prior knowledge of sailing. This gave me a lot of confidence in my self and my dreams. A lot can be accomplished when you follow a dream 100%. The other major thing that inspired me to attempt the run was a speaker I heard at a Christian camp I worked at called Fort Wilderness. The message was on Gods will for your life and the speaker (Michael Lane) made it crystal clear. God works through your passions. This knowledge in combination with one of my favourite bible verses (Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.) made me an extremely motivated. I am so excited to use this strength that I have been empowered by. I plan to keep taking one step of faith at a time. There is an amazing comfort when you finally let go of your own life and agenda and just let God use you.

Abe Clark will be running 2,860 Miles Across the USA!

CheapTents.com: What is the Water Crisis?

Abe Clark: Here are a few of the facts that really stood out to me!
- 884 Million people in the world do not have access to safe water. This is roughly one in eight of the world’s population. (WHO-UNICEF)
- 1.8 Million children die every year as a result of diseases caused by unclean water and poor sanitation. This amounts to around 5000 deaths a day. (UNDP) That is like blowing up an American pre-school classroom every 6 seconds.
Learn more facts at http://www.water.cc/living-water/resources/

CheapTents.com: How does Living Water International help to provide people with clean drinking water?

Abe Clark: Living Water International projects provide safe water and hygiene education at an average cost of $1= water for 1 person for 1 year; so $25 provides clean drinking water for someone for a generation. LWI’s approach is to train, equip, and consult nationals. This ensures that the energy and resources contributed by volunteers and donors result in sustainable, participatory water systems that meet the long-term needs of communities. Their priorities are appropriate technology, community involvement, maintenance and sustainability, and to be a Christian witness. LWI faith in Jesus is the reason they do what they do. Jesus tells us to think more highly of others than ourselves; he calls us to love those on society’s margins, and to see the image of God in the poorest of the poor.

CheapTents.com: How long will it take you to run 2,860 miles across the United States?

Abe Clark: The plan is 140 days long from February 15th to July 4th that averages out to 20.4 miles a day including the 14 days off. I will in speak in churches along the way spreading word of the need for clean water in underdeveloped countries.

View Larger Map

CheapTents.com: Why did you choose the particular route from Dana Point, California, to Atlantic City, New Jersey?

Abe Clark: The biggest reason for starting in Dana Point which is south of LA was because I wanted to be in the warmer climates for the first part of the run. I also have family I knew I could stay with the days before the run and to send me off. Once I get through New Mexico it will start to turn to spring and the route will take me on a north east direction. To be honest there is no real reason for ending in Atlantic City besides the name sounded like a fitting city to end in. I really wanted to run through Washington DC for the political possibilities then just get close to New York City.

CheapTents.com: What are your favourite bits of gear, and why?

Abe Clark: I have a Recon 3 sleeping bag that my parents gave me for Christmas a few years ago that is awesome! Other then that I keep it pretty much on the cheap side. Kohl’s running shoes and Wal-Mart tents. I think it would be great to get some good gear for the run since there will definitely be days and nights where there is no one around and I will need supplies to be able to survive.

CheapTents.com: Any thing else you would like to say?

Abe Clark: I think that a lot of people look at this as just a run but I think if I look at it as a run I will fail. This run is so long that it will become a life style not an event. The Water Crisis is unimaginable and when I think about running across America it is also inconceivable. The good news is that taking one step at a time can solve them both. Please join my site and follow me on my journey across America and the quest for clean water and adventure. You can also donate to LWI from my site, my goal is to raise $100,000 if we succeed we will literally change to lives of 10,000 people! If you would like to buy Running Water apparel where the proceeds will go to supporting the run its self, visit www.cafepress.com/runningwater. I will have frequent blog updates as well as a weekly video update posted to my web site www.runningwater.ning.com

Let the adventure begin!

Happy Running

Abe Clark

CheapTents.com:

Thank you Abe for taking the time to answer our questions. Good luck with the run!

If you enjoyed reading this interview, you will surely like our interviews with ultra-marathon runner Sam Thompson and world champion orienteer Graham Gristwood!

Carl Loftus practising adventure running at the Winter Hill Fell Race.

We are always interested to hear from people of are taking on an outdoor related challenge to raise money for their favourite cause. We were recently contacted by tri-athlete Carl Loftus, of Warrington Tri Club, who is planning to do a bit of adventure running…

Running The Standstone Trail

The sandstone trail in Cheshire stretches from Whitchurch to Frodsham and takes in 34 miles of stunning scenery including Beeston Castle, Rawhead, Delamere and finally the Mersey view at Frodsham. And I’m going to run it all in one day!

Warrington Triathlon Club

The reason behind this is to raise money for a new junior section of Warrington Triathlon Club. The club started in 2004 and has steadily grown over the years, with club members representing Great Britain in the world championships for the last four years, we’ve also had regional champions and recently one of the club’s coaches was voted North West coach of the year. Last year we held our first open race, The Northwich Aquathlon. This was primarily a junior race, catering for ages 7 to adults. With almost one hundred competitors the event was considered a great success, and it was this enthusiasm from the participants that convinced us that the club should have our own junior section.

To get things off to a good start for the junior club we will need some financial backing and in order to do this Warrington Tri Club are going to be holding a few fund raising events. One of these will be my attempt to run the length of the sandstone trail. Having completed the Sandstone trail race a number of times, which, at 17 miles is only half of the distance, I have always fancied having a go at doing the whole thing. The incentive to raise money for the junior club is just the push that I’ll need.

Trail Running: Carl Loftus from Warrington Tri Club.

I came to the triathlon club in 2006 with a background in running and have done some landmark races including the London Marathon twice. Although this is a road race I have always been attracted to the off road side of things and have often found myself scrambling up hills or wallowing in mud on a rainy Saturday afternoon. I have been building up for this race by entering a few long fell races including the Windgather fell race, and the Winter Hill race, but none of them are as long as this!

Due to the race being so long I will probably have other club members running with me for sections along the way and hopefully they will bring extra supplies to keep me going throughout. I hope to complete the full length of the trail in around six hours but this is really an estimate, as I have never run this far before. The weather will probably play a big part in the run too as I will be attempting it at the end of February 2010. So mud and rain will probably play a large part in the post event discussions and whether people are going to be running it with me.

Can you help?

Running the 34 mile off-road Sandstone Trail is certainly going to be tough challenge! If you are interested in sponsoring or supporting Carl in his fund raising efforts, please contact him at Warrington Tri Club: warringtontri@yahoo.co.uk

Mountain villages are at risk from natural disasters. Source: Flickr by www.viajar24h.com

Mountains are hazardous places. Many mountain communities live under the threat of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, avalanches, landslides and floods.

José Antonio Prado, Director, Forest Management Division, FAO.

The main reasons that people live in these dangerous mountain communities are cultural ties and poverty. The risks to these people can be reduced through sustainable agricultural, pasture and forestry practices. Local and national strategies also need to be put in place to help prevent loss of life.

It is very likely that heavy precipitation will become more frequent and likely that future storms will become more intense.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scenarios.

This year International Mountain Day coincides with the United Nations Climate Change talks in Copenhagen, which is why Disaster Risk Management in Mountains was chosen as this years theme.

The risk of natural disasters occurring is not just confined to the rural mountain environment. City slums are often built up the sides of mountains are particularly vulnerable due to the large numbers of people living in them. Rural mountain communities have a particular disadvantage since it is difficult for advanced warning to be given and also for emergency services and relief aid to reach remote areas. Men from mountainous regions often leave home to earn money in low-lying cities or abroad, leaving women, children and the elderly in the mountains. Since the women are not landowners they are not always eligible for emergency relief. They are often restricted in their social interactions and consequently do not receive risk management advice.

Half of the deaths caused by natural disasters occur in mountains and adjoining lands.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Disaster Risk Management in Mountains

Deforestation increases the risk of natural disasters. When there are no trees there is nothing to hold the soil together and landslips occur more readily. It also increases the amount of water run-off flooding land at the foot of the mountains. Trees also provide a barrier against avalanches. Increases in mountain populations of people and grazing of animals plus outside pressure from commercial logging companies increase the amount of deforestation that occurs. Other factors that increase risk from natural disasters are road construction, building of settlements on exposed slopes and poor terracing.

In developed countries, mountainside forests are planted to provide protection around cities and roads. It is often the tax payer who funds this type of project, however the cost of emergency relief and re-construction far out weighs the cost of preventative measures.

International Mountain Day 2009 - Disaster Risk Management in Mountains

Through PES schemes, and by educating mountain people and governments about risk awareness, the FAO can help reduce the number of casualties in natural disasters and also help break mountain people out the cycle of poverty.

Each year International Mountain Day focuses on a key aspect of mountain life or the environment. The issues raised to date are outlined as follows:

Two teddy bear climbers need to be rescued in this typical Lake District rescue scenario. One climber has fallen sustaining head injuries, the other cannot move after seeing his climbing partner fall. The Wasdale Mountain Rescue Teddy Bears are called into action! The team of four teddies, complete with rucksacks assemble at the foot of the crag. The teddies must climb up the crag and lower themselves back down to reach the first injured bear climber. They bring with the a trauma sack and provide care to the casualty. Meanwhile, two other members of the teddy bear mountain rescue team must climb further up to rescue the other teddy bear climber, facing an overhang followed by a grass rake. Climbing high up the crag they eventually reach the cragfast climber and lower him down. The day is saved thanks to the herioc teddy bears of Wasdale Mountain Rescue team!

Aren’t the teddy bears cute…and heroic too! Mountain Rescue Teddies can be purchased from Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team, their contact details are on the video.

The Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) are volunteers who are totally committed to improving their rescue capability, for which they need climbing equipment, communications equipment and training. It costs about £15,000 per annum for them to operate. They rely almost entirely on donations from the public, so buying a mountain rescue teddy is a great way to help!

There are twelve teams altogether in the Lake District Search and Rescue Association. Wasdale MRT covers Wasdale and Eskdale valleys and extends over Cold Fell towards the coast in the north, and onto Ulpha Fell in the South. Each year there are 50 to 60 call outs, the majority of which take Wasdale MRT up England’s highest mountain: Scafell Pike. There are over 40 members of Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team, who have an operations base in Gosforth. Each rescue requires about 25 volunteers who are interrupted from work or leisure to join the rescue. Rescues are normally carried out using Land Rovers and on foot and often require casualties to be carried on a stretcher, but they can also require assistance from the RAF helicopter.

11th of December is International Mountain Day

Each year International Mountain Day focuses on a key aspect of mountain life or the environment. The issues raised to date are outlined as follows:

Mountains cover a quarter of the world’s surface and are the source for all the world’s major rivers. Three billion people worldwide rely on the water from mountains for drinking, transport, irrigation and hydro-electric power. Mountains are home to 1 in 10 of the worlds people, as well as providing habitats for many species of plants and animals. The mountain ecosystem is very fragile and the affects of climate change are easily seen, with the retreating of glaciers being the most notable example.

Problems Faced by Mountain Peoples

1 in 10 people live in mountainous regions. Source: Flickr by A. www.viajar24h.com

Some of the main reasons for conflict to occur are competition for water, Ethnic diversity and ethnic clashes, mining and large construction projects, and farm land being used for growing drugs.

How Is International Mountain Day Helping?

By tackling different mountain issues each year, International Mountain Day can highlight the issues facing mountain environments and people. Discussion can bring wider awareness of mountain issues to people who do not live in the mountains as well as enabling indigenous mountain people to raise their own quality of life and look after their environment.

Transboundary Peace Parks in Mountain Regions

The longest mountain glacier in the world is the Siachen glacier located in the Karakoram between India and Pakistan. Extreme weather conditions have caused most of the 15,000 plus casualties who have died here in 20 years of conflict. The Saichen glacier supplies water to the Indus river which flows through both India and Pakistan. The water is contaminated due to military activity and dumping of waste in the glacier. The United Nations aims to set up Transboundary Peace Parks in areas like this to help stop conflict, bring peace and conserve the ecosystem.

Sustainable Tourism for Poverty Alleviation in Mountain Areas

Tourism has the capability to bring much needed revenue to poverty stricken mountain peoples. However, tourism can cause irreparable damage to the environment without bringing any benefit to the local people. The UN and FAO International Mountain Day 2005 served to highlight the need for sustainable tourism that directly benefits indigenous mountain people. Many of the people who read this blog will at some stage contemplate travelling abroad to enjoy hiking, trekking, mountaineering and climbing. In order to preserve the mountain environment that you are visiting find out what the tour operator does to help support the local community. The International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA) support projects that help benefit local mountain people and their environment. The UIAA can put you in touch with project organisers, maybe you can get involved?

Sustainable tourism development meets the needs of the present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing the opportunity for the future. It is envisaged as leading to management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled, while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity and life support systems.

World Tourism Organization (WTO)

High altitude, remote village. Source: Flickr by Hamed Saber

Managing Mountain Biodiversity

The focus of International Mountain Day 2006 was Managing Mountain Biodiversity. Due to the high altitude and remote nature of mountainous regions there exists a wide range of biodiversity within the flora, fauna and human culture of the mountains. Species and people have adapted to live in the extreme climate and support each other. However, these fragile ecosystems are under threat from new technologies and outside influences. In particular, intensive farming and exploitation of the mountain resources, e.g. water and minerals, can destroy the balance of the ecosystem and reduce the amount of biodiversity. Through setting up protected areas and Payment for Environmental Service Schemes (PES), the Food and Agriculture Organization intends to:

promote biodiversity management that will reduce poverty, improve livelihoods, and protect mountain environments for us all.

Climate Change in Mountain Areas

Mountain areas are effected by climate change much more than low lying areas. For the people, plants and animals in many mountainous areas climate change is already happening. Glaciers in the mountains are retreating and in some cases have disappeared. There are changes in the amount of rain and snowfall as well as avalanches, glacial lake outbursts and landslides.

The Global Terrestrial Observing System (GTOS) has been set up to reliably monitor the climate so that researchers and policy makers can detect and manage global change.

For climbers and mountaineers the beauty and challenging nature of the mountain environment has additional meaning.

Food Security in Mountains

Farming in Mountainous Regions requires special skills and knowledge. Source: Flickr by Hamed Saber.

Increased transportation and food costs worldwide mean that mountain peoples pay even more for food imported to mountainous regions.

Food security in mountains can be improved by:

• promoting and expanding traditional mountain crops
• improving breeding programmes of mountain-adapted livestock
• safeguarding indigenous land use practices
• improving market access
• developing mountain-specific policies

Observing International Mountain Day

International Mountain Day is observed in many countries throughout the world, often through meetings and rallies attended by FAO and other officials as well as by representatives from mountain communities. These meetings enable people discuss problems faced in mountain environments and teach people skills that can improve their health and way of life. The media are often involved in publicising these events and in promoting International Mountain Day.

Cycling for Computer Aid International

Malcolm will be raising money for the charity Computer Aid International. Whether you are an individual or a company you can donate your old computers to Computer Aid International, who will refurbish them before taking them to developing countries for reuse in education, health and not-for-profit organisations. Over 145,000 PCs have been shipped to more than 100 countries by Computer Aid International.

Malcolm has set a target of £2,900 and has currently raised £1,885. If you would like to make a donation visit justgiving.com/chilemalc.

I love to travel and I like to keep, so it’s perfect for me.

If you’re thinking of raising money for charity you could jump out of a plane or eat a bath full of baked beans, but a cycle tour would make a much more enjoyable challenge. Our introduction to cycle touring will give you some good tips to get you started.

I take great delight in informing you that both Paul and Martyn successfully completed the Liverpool Triathlon, posting competitive times in the process. Most importantly the “lads” had a thoroughly enjoyable day and can not wait for next year’s event which take place on 27th June 2010. They both enjoyed the tremendous support they received along the route whilst participating around the iconic Albert Dock.

Man Flu!

Paul’s time for the Olympic distance of just over 2 hours and 33 minutes put him in the top 27% of competitors, whilst outside his target of 2 hours 30 minutes he did set a personal best in the swim. Having had time to reflect upon his performance he told CheapTents.com that he was pleased with his first triathlon of the year, although he cited strong winds in Liverpool and a serious dose of “MAN FLU” for not achieving his target time. (Yes! MAN FLU! how could he possibly leave his death bed to compete! It must have been a Lazarus like recovery!) Being serious, we, on the blogging team think he is a little hard on his self as the average time for an Olympic distance Triathlon is 2 hours and 54 minutes and Paul was actually only five or so minutes outside his personal best, which is a great effort for his first event of the year, and bodes well for the rest of his season.

A Great Experience

Martyn’s time of 1 hour 58 was irrelevant, having never competed before he had two main focuses, to finish and to enjoy himself. This he did and he told CheapTents.com he could not wait to take part in another Sprint Triathlon. Despite the day being overcast Martyn said that the swim in the docks was nice and the water was warm (Honestly that’s what he said even though his nose and lips were blue!). Martin joked to CheapTents.com that it seems whenever he gets on a bike he seems to always be cycling into a strong headwind, this was no different on Sunday and at times he thought he was cycling backwards! (Martyn, we hope this isn’t the case for your Manchester to Blackpool Charity Bike Ride on July 12th.) Martyn paced himself through out and believes this experience and with more training especially on running he can complete a Sprint Triathlon in 90 minutes in the near future.

Martyn asked to go on record to say;

“I would like thank all the people along the route who shouted encouragement at me it really drove me on and made the day so much more enjoyable. I would also like to say a big thank you to my fellow competitors who give me encouragement and advice throughout the race despite being in pain themselves. I can not wait for my next Triathlon.”

Congratulations

The CheapTents.com blogging team would like to say well done to Martyn and Paul and congratulations to all the people who took part in the Liverpool Triathlon, either as a spectator, organiser or competitor.

Well done to everyone who took part in the Liverpool Triathlon, You are all winners!

Source Flickr by Hiking Artist

On monday Paul was moving like he was the Tin Man. Now where did we put the WD40? He will be ready for the race though.

Source Flickr
by J Bischoff

Paul, CheapTents Tin Man

With less than a week to go the Liverpool Triathlon there were concerns within the CheapTents.com team on Monday, as to the well being of our veteran competitor and “Ace” (his own words) shop manager Paul. Loud creaking noises were to be heard on the shop floor which staff attributed to building fatigue. Unfortunately for Paul the creaking was only heard when he moved. He later admitted that he was feeling a little tender due to his training regime over the weekend of a big Chinese meal…….. oh yes, and some running, swimming and cycling. Although we are all sure that after a few days rest he will be back to normal, maybe we should oil his joints!

Paul is competing in the Olympic distance event and his wave will start between 8:30 and 9:00. This is his first triathlon of the year and he expects by the end of the season to have achieved a target time of around 2hrs 20m. Paul told CheapTents.com he is concentrating on Olympic Triathlons in order to build up endurance so as to compete in Iron Man events. Participation we are informed does rely on the good will of his wife who we are sure enjoys him being out training more than he does.

Martyn or is it Rocky?

Martyn on the other hand can not wait for the Triathlon his raw meat diet has worked and he has watched his collection of Rocky DVDs to motivate himself and get some final ideas. I Think maybe someone should tell him the idea is to beat his opponents to the line and not to a pulp!

Martyn’s Training in the last week has gone well and he is quietly confident he will achieve his target time. Having spoken to Martyn his enthusiasm for the event is obvious and he is looking forward to competing in the Sprint Triathlon which starts between 9:00 and 9:30.

Will Martyn's hands be raised in victory at the end of the Liverpool Triathlon?
Or will he just have been another contender?

Source Flickr by Damon Green

Wait, there’s more!

Once the Liverpool Triathlon has been completed there is no rest for Martyn as he will literally jump back onto his bike to participate in the Manchester to Blackpool and back bike ride (July 12th). He will be hoping to raise money for his favourite local charities and I am sure he can depend on the support of the CheapTents.com blogging team, you the readers and the customers in our retail outlet, just so long as he doesn’t ask any of us to peddle!

Please continue to look for forth coming posts in the next few weeks about CheapTents.com’s particpation in the Liverpool Triathlon and Manchester to Blackpool bike ride.

Sherpa’s Belgian Chocolate Give-away!

If you were a Chocolate Sherpa, you would you have a different opinion about lugging 200 kg of Belgian Chocolate up to Mount Everest Base Camp. A team of four adventurers, led by the Belgian expeditionist Louis-Philippe Loncke have done just that. The Chocolate Sherpas as they are known, are raising money for a mobile hospital to help the people in remote areas of Nepal.

Many regions of Nepal are inaccessible through roads and thus providing care in these poor areas is a complicated task. People are unable to reach the capital, because of the cost and time of such a travel. Thanks to the mobile hospital, it will be possible to provide general and specialized care.

The expedition is a 400 km trek between Kathmandu and the Everest Base Camp, to organize a chocolate tasting event at 5350 m – the highest in the world! Half of the chocolate was distributed to porters and Sherpas on the journey and the other half was used for the chocolate tasting.

The Chocolate Sherpa team consists of:

1. Louis-Philippe Loncke, 32, Belgian
   (leader, originator of the project, photographer, cameraman, communications)

2. Norbert Eggermont, 24, Belgian
   (photographer, cameraman, communications, diplomacy, translator)

3. Joseph de Mahieu, 18, Belgian
   ( cameraman, drawings, communications)

4. Jeremy Roumian, 24, French
   (Logistics, Communications, homebase coordinator)

For more information about the expedition visit the Chocolate Sherpa blog.