Entries by Mark Beaumont

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

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.

... it's all part of the adventure. Some great feedback about the GPS tracking (make sure you click on the aerial option and have a good look at the size of those climbs!) I realise it looks like we all had a long lie this morning but in fact I forgot to switch the GPs tracker until lunch! It would normally sit on my handlebars but as there has been constant rain it got forgotten in my bag!

'Beautiful but challenging' (and very wet) sums up days 1 and 2 on the bikes. Leaving Chamonix yesterday morning seems a looong time ago having done over 5km of ascent and 175 miles since then. Tonight we are staying in a Gite (at the top of an incredibly steep hill) looking forwards to some scram from Julie and music from Jed.

I am looking for inspirational flaire for this blog but my thought are being drowned by groans of pains from the next room as Fi (masseuse and physio) pushes lactic acid out of a cyclists tired legs!

The almost constant rain is not showing much sign of abaiting and has made for some very hair raising descents through many switch back roads. Despite early concerns about a split group everyone has proved fit and very determined. The only sign of frayed nerves and tired legs were this afternoon as we followed a wild goose chase to find the Gite (hence the slight detour on the GPS tracker).

Tomorrow is shaping up to be an even greater challenge as we tackle over 3km of ascent including the 2247m Col d'Allos, however should be rewarded by a superb descent down to Verdon river to Castellane. Photos and blogs from some of the team to follow soon...

From mark..... Bonjourno... France, Switzerland and now Italy. Yves, Max, Daron and I set out from La Fouly after a huge breakfast and hiked over the Col de Petit Ferret in strong winds and steady rain to Courmayeur.
Only about 800 meters of ascent but tricky conditions with a lot of snow over the top, steep descents and fast stream crossings.

Wet to the bone and a bit cold but after 25km to near Courmayeur we are enjoying a coffee and planning a big day climbing and skiing back over the top to Chamonix tomorrow.

Raja has been a huge help driving the van and is off to Geneva early to pick up the cyclists for the next stage. Plan B, this tour de Mont Blanc has proved an amazing challenge so far. Spirits are high, just hoping for a break in the weather.

What a wonderful adventure lies ahead - here in Chamonix the bags are packed and there is that amazing sense of suspense that you get before any challenging jouney. I don't think that anyone is under the illusion that the next two weeks will be easy, with very little margin to fall behind schedule as we ski, cycle, sail, kayak and walk/run our way from Mont Blanc to Mont Cinto. However tough it might be, it is set to be a huge success and well done to the team at Active Earth for puttng the logistics together. If you are participating in MB2MC then I look forwards to sharing this adventure with you and if you are following online then enjoy the stories, do spend the time to learn why we are out here and do get in touch to show your support. Off for a big pasta party now and to an early night before heading up the glacier in the morning.