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Blind Adventure – No Boundaries in Sight

Rob / 18.07.2003

Not many people would consider taking on the Arcitc Team Challenge, a 5 day adventure race covering 250 miles across Ammassalik Island, in the barren and beautiful landscape of East Greenland. Even for hardened endurance racers it’s a daunting challenge, but for one racer in particular the challenge will be even harder, as 34 year old Erik Weihenmayer is blind.

It’s almost impossible to imagine the difficulties he will face as he canoes, climbs, glacier treks and mountain bikes across some of them most remote terrain in the world, not far from the frozen polar seas. Yet Weihenmayer is one of the most accomplished adventurers taking part, a man who does not his blindness as any limitation to exploration, of the world, or of his own capabilities. He has already climbed Mount Everest, and completed the ‘Seven Summits’ by reaching the tallest peak on every continent, something only 100 top mountaineers have achieved.

Weihenmayer has been blind since the age of 14 but his achievements and his adventurous spirit are an inspiration to many and his book, ‘Touch the Top of the World’ has become a best seller. He will be racing with the aptly named ‘Team No Boundaries’ and admits he’s nervous, but siad, “You just gotta take a chance and go do it”.

The idea came initially from his training partner, triathlete Gavin Attwood. The pair run together near their home in Golden, Colorado, tied together with a bungee cord and ride a tandem. So now Weihenmayer has teamed up with Rob Harsh and Columbian racer Cammy Ronchetto, who have raced Eco-Challenge and The World Championships in Switzerland, and Weihenmayer’s climbing partner Jeff Evans, another adventure racing virgin.

They will be racing with 11other teams in the Arctic setting out from from the main settlement of Tasiilaq, one of only five on the island outside of which there are not even any trails, local transport is by boat when possible or skidoo. Ships can only reach the island, which is between the polar ice and the Greenland Icecap during 4 months of the year, and some of the canoeing will be among icebergs.

One advantage Weihenmayer might have is that night travel won’t worry him, but in the arctic midsummer there is virtually no darkness. However, if his past accomplishments are any guide his spirit of adventure and ability to inspire others, not least his team mates, will see him through.

You can find out more about the race and follow Eric Weihenmayer’s progress on the race web site.