SEE ALL OF OUR CYCLING POSTS HERE.
We did it!! TOPtoTOP Global Climate expedition made it from the highest point on the North American continent, Mount Denali, to the lowest – Badwater Basin, Death Valley, all under natures force and human power.
On Monday 17th Novemeber we had a early start to visit the handful of elementary school children who live and study in Furnace Creek. Although a very small class, it was great to visit and spend time with the young students, hearing how they adapt their lives to the intense summer heat they experience. Thank you for having us!
We also passed the impressive solar energy complex at furnace creek, which we were informed provides the area with around 30% of their energy needs – a really good starting place to build upon!
We then cycled the final 17 miles to Badwater Basin, our end goal on the cycle – a very momentous day. Celebrating the ‘finish line’ with Lindt chocolate and BBQ crisps – a real treat!!
The cycle alone has brought us over 1,300km on bike, climbing a total 35,400 feet (thats 1.2 x the height of everest!!!) taking us through all climate zones. Along the way we have met so many kind and generous people – thank you all again for your support in getting us here!
With the elevation level so low, the ground was hard and very salty, producing a white blank canvas. Dario pointed out that although very different climates, the peak of Denali and the pit of Badwater did have quite a few similarities; both were white, barren and subject to the extreme of the continents climate.
We then cycled on to a spot a the edge of the valley – leaving the two passes we needed to climb to get out of the valley until the next day. We were greeted with the most impressive sunrise over our little camp, which was a good wake up call before climbing the Jubilee and then Salsbury pass out of death valley, before heading down into Shoshone, where we had two talks at the Death Valley high school in the afternoon.
We are now camped in Tecopa and will be heading eastward into Nevada and on to Las Vegas, visiting schools there before the long Thanksgiving weekend. The next month or so, will then be spent cycling from school to school in Nevada and Southern California. If you know anyone in the Las Vegas or surrounding areas, or if you yourself are based there – please do get in touch! It’s always great to meet people along the way!
To download our latest press here – en_2014-11-19_press-release-toptotop-small.pdf
More photos to be found on dropbox when higher internet speeds allow too.