• Microadventures 28th Feb 2011

  Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be an adventurer, exploring the world and leading exciting expeditions? Or maybe you have, but not since you were 10 or so?

  For me, I still day-dream about dropping everything and setting off on a world trip. The fact is I don’t think that’s quite possible for me right now. OK, I know it’s always possible, but with home commitments, jobs, etc, it’s just not an easy choice right now.

  So the closest I get to leading the life of an adventurer is keeping tracks on the activities of people like Keswick-based Bruce Duncan (just returned as the 3rd time winner of the Wenger Patagonian Expedition Race in Chile – insane) and Alastair Humpfreys. Both keep me in awe of what the human being is capable of, and Alastair’s most recent ideas bring adventure much closer to home.

  Alastair is an adventurer, blogger, author, motivational speaker and photographer. He has a fantastic website and blog that features his latest expeditions and physical challenges that he has accomplished.

  

  Alastair Humpfreys, Expedition Portatraits

  Many of his expeditions are supported through motivational speaking at businesses and schools. The following snippets taken from his website highlight his skills:

  ‘You do not need to fly to the other side of the planet to undertake an expedition. You do not need to be an elite athlete, expertly trained or rich to have an adventure.

  Adventure is only a state of mind.

  I believe that adventure is about stretching yourself: mentally, physically or culturally. It is about doing what you do not normally do, pushing yourself hard and doing it to the best of your ability.

  If that is true, then adventure is all around us, at all times. Adventure is accessible to normal people, in normal places, in short segments of time and without having to spend much money.’

  Alastair Humpfreys, New Year in the Lake District

  A fascinating report commissioned by GO Outdoors, outdoor retailer, (See FreshAirFix) revealed that whilst three quarters of us like the outdoors, huge numbers have never tried simple outdoor activities such as standing on a mountain (40%), or swimming in natural water (41%).

  85% of the UK landscape is fresh green fields, lakes and beautiful mountains, but in the last year over a quarter of us haven’t had fresh air in our lungs and a fifth haven’t even walked on a natural surface.

  Microadventures
  These alarming figures have inspired Alastair to come up with the idea of microadventures. A concept that encourages simple expeditions and challenges that are close to home, affordable and easy to organise. Ideas designed to encourage ordinary people to get out there and do stuff for themselves.

  So, has this inspired you to embark on a microadventure of your own?

  This weekend I am going to cycle from my place in North West London over to my sisters in South East London. I know, it’s wild and crazy! Well, you’ve got to start somewhere …

  I might just spice it up a bit by doing no preparation whatsoever.

  By Rob
  
  

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