Vancouver to Vancouver Sponsors - a visionary team

Xtracycle - Making it physically possible (with the forward evolution of bicycles)

Tim's choice for huge-load hauling is the Xtracycle. The freedom and ease of stacking on luggage, the smooth ride and low centre of gravity, and the double takes of passers-by - Tim love it all about riding a SUB. He looks forward to using one at home for hauling everything from a kayak to groceries.

From www.xtracycle.com: " We designed the Xtracycle Sport Utility Bicycle system for people like us . We like being outside and feeling strong. We care about the planet . We believe in being part of the solution and know that sometimes we aren't even close. We abuse products. We hate trying to find a parking place on Friday night. We kayak and surf. We love music. We like to push ourselves. We also like slippers and tea. We love free stuff. We love freedom and wind in the face. We love riding bikes. Sometimes we're too tired to ride. Sometimes we just can't get up the gumption . We love good food with friends. We have kids in our lives, and moms. We have friends who need rides. We always want to laugh more and be happy."

Question: What really excites Tim about the ride north from Panama?

"As if the SUB wasn't revolutionary enough, you can now make fruit smoothies as you ride. I'm serious, they've got this Fender Blender device that mounts easily over the back wheel and runs off it, like a dynamo. Toss in mango and yogurt, Ride a block and you've got breakfast! Imagine being invited to a margarita party with this thing!"

"I also see it as an instant friend-maker, and therefore a key item for safety. If anyone tries to mug me, I'll just offer them some passionfruit puree!"

The problem with Sub is the temptation to overload...

Amazing, yes. Brilliant, yes also. And healthy and tastey too. A bike that blends as you ride.

It is pleasing to know you can load a kayak on your bike at any time, then ride some single-track down to the beach...

Norco - Bike Sponsor )

The ultra-tough Norco Bigfoot was the bike of choice for Tim, Colin and Yulia in frozen Siberia. Now, on the warmer roads north from Panama, Tim and Jonathan are sampling another gem from the Norco line-up: the Charger. This light and versatile all-mountain hardtail can be applied anything from gnarly downhill to cross-country and of course, long-distance touring through the varied terrain of the Americas.

From www.norco.com: "Our All Mountain Hardtails [such as the Charger] were created around a simple philosophy: if an XC Hardtail is too spindly and a Shore Hardtail is too heavy, then the All Mountain Hardtail is just right. With slacker angles, a higher BB height, and a longer-travel fork than our XC hardtails, the All Mountain Hardtails are at home in a wide variety of riding conditions."

Question:

Why doesn't Tim choose a conventional touring bicycle?

Answer:

"I don't like boundaries on my freedom. Norco's bikes are built tough, and road trips put massive strains on a bicycle. Imagine riding the North Shore with an expedition-loaded bike. You'd want a truly kick-ass mountain bike for that. My last Norco took me through everything from rivers of ice to forest fires, snow, mud and slush from hell. Some pretty deep rivers, too!"

Minesched Software - Emergency Support Sponsor

Minesched Software International specializes in reducing innefficiencies in the mining industry.

Prior to the expedition, Minesched Software International (MSI) offered to "mobilize an army" if the team ever needed a rescue to save life or limb. It took only two months before MSI's international head office in Vancouver received a rather frantic satellite telephone call from a rowboat in a storm in the Bering Sea. MSI's swift response led to a Russian research vessel (Professor Khromov) rescuing Tim Harvey and Colin Angus only hours before they would have shipwrecked against Alaskan shores.

MSI contributed heroically to the success of the expedition.

Old Man Mountain - Front Rack Sponsor

Old Man Mountain racks were Tim's choice when he needed something built tough to withstand heavy loads, rough terrain, and ultra-cold temperatures riding across Siberia. The rumour was that Old Man Mountain made just what he was looking for. Tim started the expedition with suspension, which makes rack selection difficult - unless you're using Old Man Mountain, who in 1996 pioneered the development of suspension-compatible racks. Switching to solid forks in Siberia, the racks were still compatible. Tim chose the Ultimate Lowriders for Russia, and the hand-crafted racks never even showed a hint of fatigue. For the final leg of his journey, from South America to Vancouver, he will use the highly-acclaimed Sherpa.

From www.oldmanmountain.com: "Our philosophy is simple; don�t discriminate, innovate.That's why we developed the first suspension compatible cargo racks back in 1996.

After years of using backpacks to carry our bike-camping gear, we realized there had to be a more efficient and ergonomic solution. We wanted something that would allow us to ride trails and carry our bikes over rivers, locked gates and rocks. Panniers and racks were the obvious answer. But we soon realized there were no racks compatible with mountain bikes with suspension and no frame eyelets. No one considered this type of bicycle as a viable option for touring and bike-camping. So instead of buying new bikes we made our own racks, and the �Cold Springs Carriers� were born."

The bicycle pictured above carries the revolutionary first ever set of suspension-compatible racks, built by Channing Hammond back in 1996.

Question:

Why is Tim switching from the Ultimate Lowrider to the Sherpa?

Answer:

"The Lowrider was great, don't get me wrong. While Colin and Yulia were using bailing wire, duct tape, metal pins, hose clamps and rope to fix their front racks, which were not Old Man Mountain, my Lowriders never showed the slightest sign of fatigue. There's nothing worse than rack breakdowns in the wilderness, and the Lowriders allowed me to avoid that. The low centre of gravity they provided also kept my bicycle more stable, a pleasure to ride.

I guess now, I am curious to try something new. The Sherpas have a great reputation. We're going to be riding in the tropics, and that platform above the wheel looks ideal for lugging some extra water."

This Expedition continues to be possible with the generosity of our supporters:

These fine and caring individuals and organizations include:

* Dorothy, Christopher, Crane, and Matthew Harvey;

* Windermere Galiano Realty (special thanks to Hedi Kottner)

* Ingrid Paynter;

* The Skyfish Project;

* Erden Eruc;

* Sonia Cheevers;

* Juan Ortiz, Cafe Etc, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico;

* And many others...

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