Comments on: Future goals and a new web site

By: greg

greg — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:59:57 +0000

David: Not a bad idea. I will take one paddle with me, but it’s not a very efficient way of moving WiTHiN – we had to use the paddle when the DL broke in Comox.

My backup for the backup is a spare set of gears, shafts, bearings. If one DL broke, I could insert the spare and then overhaul the broken unit and replace any broken parts with my spare parts. If all 3 back-ups were to fail, I would have to bail and get a tow by the safety boat – expedition done.

By: David Webb

David Webb — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 03:43:05 +0000

Hi Greg,
a thought on powering of Within. I know that you have two drive legs but as a belt, suspenders and piece of string man, and a kong distance cruising sailor, I always like a backup for my backup. Would it be possible to install a hatch in your aft cabin that you could stand/ kneel in and then have a oarlock fitted to the stern just above the sternpost so that you could scull her with a sculling oar about 12 feet long?? This would give you motive power if the worst case scenario occured with the drive leg. If memory serves me correctly I believe that St Patrick sculled from Scotland to Ireland by this method many centuries ago.
All the best with your challenging project.
David

By: Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 01:54:41 +0000

Really exciting plan Greg.
So happy to see it evolving and coming together the last 3 or 4 years I’ve know you.

I’m anticipating the excitement … as you check “Done” to each of those adventures.

By: greg

greg — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:25:57 +0000

Blake buddy! You have NO IDEA how much I appreciate your comment!!. You made my day. Thanks.

By: Blake Springer

Blake Springer — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:15:27 +0000

Greg.

You have no idea how you have changed my life.

In 1989 I was just a geeky teen-age kid who thought he knew everything.

But, then I met you.

You sent me on a journey that has lasted decades. I have watched you evolve. When I need inspiration — when I need hope — when I need courage I think of you.

Many years have passed since we have met face-to-face…But, I still need you.

Keep reaching. Continue to evolve.

Peace, love and happiness,

Blake Springer

By: Blaine Penny

Blaine Penny — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:07:13 +0000

Greg – I am a dreamer and schemer myself and there is nothing more I love than to read about others who are doing cool things and thinking BIG. Obviously you fall in this category.

I initially thought you may have missed the ‘toughest ski race on the planet’, but crossing the Greenland Icecap definitely covers that. I’ll plant the seed: I have always wanted to do a ski marathon in Greenland, but would settle for an expedition if you are interested in teaming up. I am in the process of starting my own charity, MitoCanada, (for those suffering from Mitochondrial Disease), which will be incorporated in Feb., and will be looking for fun activities to raise awareness and funds in the future. You have your plate pretty full right now, but if you wanted to pick a year for that one, I’d be up for it.

I enjoy following the blog and best of luck with things.

Blaine

By: Nick Hein

Nick Hein — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:40:04 +0000

Greg,
I’m still here for you when you decide to go for the 24-hour HPV sky record. And the enclosed drivetrain for the icebike as well. I’ll do anything I can to help.
Nick

By: 25hz

25hz — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:15:42 +0000

Future goals? I can think of one or two . . .

1. 1 hour streamliner record
2. 6 hour streamliner record
3. 12 hour streamliner record (easy testing at things like Sebring, Calvin’s & Nat 24hr, etc)
4. 1 hour stock record (using your spiffy new NoCom)
5. 6 hour stock record
6. 12 hour stock record

The bonus with these goals, and perhaps the same reason they are not “challenging” enough for you, is the machinery is built – you just need to train. There may not be enough “in at the deep end” work to do on them aside from just training.

Another aspect of these is they could double up with your goal #4 in that Helen, being a competitor herself, might be interested in some of the same receumbent racing and records in the women’s class, and as there is a racing series all across the north central U.S. each year (from Apr to Oct) there would be some travelling involved too

By: greg

greg — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:15:00 +0000

Alex: I lOVE the North West passage idea!!!

By: Alex

Alex — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:12:58 +0000

Sounds like an excellent plan, I can’t wait for the Icecap HP-Snowmobile. I fear you wont be the first across the Sahara though, 20 odd years ago as I was heading to Tamanrasset in a 25 year old Citroen 2CV I bumped into a Japanese cyclist on his way across unsupported.

We camped together that night and shared food and he drank gallons of my water, and he told me that it was his third Sahara ride. Having ridden the Nullabor four times, he fancied a change.

Still think you should go for a HPB attempt at the North-West Passage.