Introducing #Atlantic2Andes - A 3,500km Cycle in South America

My next adventure, #Atlantic2Andes, starts in a few weeks so I thought I should share as much about what it is and what I need to do to get to the start line.

What is the adventure?

It is going to be a one month cycling challenge in South America. I will start at the Sao Paulo International Airport, Brazil, and make my way to the La Paz International Airport, Bolivia, via Paraguay. The total distance is about 3500km. This means I will need to cover an average of 117km per day. At the beginning this should be manageable but the last section could test me as I will be returning to my old friend The Andes. While I tend not to plan my routes pre adventure, the below is how it might pan out.

Is 3500km achievable in one month?

I hope so... Looking at the profile above freaks me out but one of the things that drives me is taking on a physical challenge. The last 1200km looks horrendous but that is the challenge and that is what motivates me. If I don't make it and I need to get a bus to the airport then so bit it... I would rather set ambitious targets and miss them than make it too easy...

Why are you choosing this adventure?

The simple answer is that I want to test myself. Having run from Canada to Argentina I am keen to try a different mode of transport and cycling seems the sensible option. While I am planning new running adventures, it is also sensible to train in other disciplines so my body has the best chance of being in shape to continue for more years.

The reason I decided to head back to South America is purely because I had such a fantastic time there last time. Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia are three countries I didn't visit while running so this allows me the chance to do a little exploring.

Are you raising money for charity?

One of the key motivators for #RunningtheAmericas was to raise money for three charities (Macmillan, CALM and WaterAid). Through the generosity of everyone who followed me the total raised (including gift aid) was £24,000. I am not sure if I can ask everyone to put their hands in their pockets again but I will be starting a just giving page for CALM and wearing a calm t-shirt. While raising money for CALM is essential, it also benefits from awareness and that is something I hope to achieve.

How are you training?

I didn't train properly for #RunningtheAmericas and it had a huge impact on the first few days. So having learnt from that I am trying to have a much more structured training schedule. I am trying to pop to train twice a day if possible. This includes a mixture of running outside (10-15km), weights, hour long cycling machine and getting on the bike. You can follow my training schedule HERE

Blogging....

Over the next few days/weeks I am going to be blogging about what I have to do to get to the start line. This will include the costs, the kit, the admin, the training etc. Hopefully it will give a full picture of what needs to be considered when going on an adventure of this type.