In adventure and expeditionary travel, the UK is by no means underrepresented. Mark Beaumont's record-breaking cycle around the world, James Cracknell and Ben Fogle's row across the Atlantic, and Ranulph Fiennes' recent ascent of Everest are all notable examples of Britons exceeding in the extreme outdoors. But in the lesser-known diary of James Ketchell is a plan to complete each of his compatriots' achievements, all in 2013.
In the last two years, Ketchell has tackled the Atlantic and Everest, completing his first solo row of the Atlantic in May 2010 before summiting Everest in March 2011. Since meeting with the Hampshire-based adventurer in June 2011, his plans have shifted from what now seems like a mild cycle round the world, to the 'Pushing Limits' expedition in which the 30-year-old aims to row the Atlantic, climb Everest and cycle around the world in under 365 days.
The expedition starts in January 2013 on the shore of La Gomera in the Canary Islands, the same departure point used for Ketchell's row in 2010. Unlike his previous solo trans-Atlantic row, Ketchell shall be crossing the Atlantic assisted, with friend and ex-Royal Marine, Chris Gleghorn. The pair plan to complete the voyage in 50 to 60 days, giving Ketchell enough time to route to Nepal just as the climbing season starts.
Ketchell will begin to acclimatize and train in the Himalayas from late-March with a view to completing the ascent by early June. Though he has already conquered Everest, Ketchell acknowledges that unpredictable conditions could make this the hardest part of the challenge, both in terms of planning and the physical demands required to complete the ascent.
If things go well in the first six months of the expedition during the row and the climb, Ketchell will be on the bike at the beginning of July, setting off on the official 18,000 mile circumnavigation of the globe.
In preparation for the challenge, Ketchell shall be cycling from San Diego to Miami this July to test out his gear and make a 'Coast to Coast' documentary. Between training and planning, the adventurer also intends to raise the profile of theNSPCC and ELIFAR, the two charities that 'Pushing Limits' is supporting.
For updates, follow James on Twitter @captainketch and on his website, jamesketchell.net.
