As professional climbers, we are always on the lookout for the next big adventure tucked away in the world’s most remote regions. Places like the Antarctic, the Himalayas, Baffin Island, Patagonia, to name just a few. As we do so, we assume the major responsibility of protecting the environment in which we live, the mountains and nature itself. We also help to spread the word about this critical task.
But how can you square environmental protection with the constant flights to travel around the world? You simply cannot.
The travel restrictions imposed in 2020 suddenly created a lot of time to reflect on life and to adapt our lifestyles to the current situation. Climate change must be stopped in its tracks, and as an am-bassador and world-class athlete it was high time for me to do something about it.
After taking a spin on my bike, I was sitting on the sunny terrace of my home in the mountains of Berchtesgaden, Germany, and was overwhelmed by the desire to set off on a mountain-bike journey.
But who would go along with me? Caro North immediately came to mind. She is a friendly, young and really ambitious Alpinist whom I got to know in Patagonia. Caro and I planned to haul our gear in a bike cargo trailer and live off of local products. Naturally without using any sort of support vehicle.