Ben Fogle

James Cracknell and Ben Fogle today announce their next big adventure - to cycle The Tour Divide, from Canada to Mexico.

The Tour Divide is the world’s longest off-road bike race. At 2745 miles (4418 km) long and the mountainous route is the equivalent of climbing Everest seven times to and from sea level.

Ben and James have previously crossed the Atlantic Ocean in a rowing boat in the RTS award-winning Through Hell and High Water, and raced to the South Pole in the crushingly cold Antarctic in On Thin Ice, but this new adventure will challenge them, both physically and mentally, like never before. Although James has some experience on road bikes, neither is yet trained in mountain biking, and Ben is not a cyclist at all.

To add to the pressure, they are attempting to break the current course record and complete the route in less than the current best time of 17 days and 21 hours. This inspirational challenge is no mean feat for mountain biking novices - to beat the record they will have to cover at least 160 miles (257km) every day.

Commenting on why they’re taking on this particular adventure, James Cracknell comments: “As ‘fun’ as the last two challenges were, the scenery in the Atlantic and on the Antarctic Plateau wasn’t that varied so the chance to see the Rockies on a bike whilst pushing hard and seeing how close we can get to the record is an irresistible combination.”

The route starts in Banff, Canada, and traverses the Rockies along the Continental Divide, which is the watershed between the Pacific on the West Coast and the Atlantic on the East Coast. But although being an unbelievably arduous physical feat, the bigger test is likely to be maintaining the mental stamina required.

Talking about the expedition, Ben Fogle said: “I love a challenge, but as a cycling novice this is a huge test and could well prove to be the toughest yet. In training, I’ve already had broken fingers and black eyes and I’ve yet to step foot in the Rockies!”

To attempt to beat the current world record, they must race unsupported so there will be no back up team alongside them with equipment or supplies. They must carry everything they need on their bikes, including all their camera equipment, but they are allowed to send supplies to pre-arranged locations to pick up en route.

The challenge of handling the unending miles ahead cannot be underestimated and will undoubtedly put a strain on their personal relationship. The experience of their other expeditions has shown them that team work is the key to success, and in this adventure it is going to be more important than ever.

The production crew behind both their previous adventures will film their training and shadow them where possible during the record attempt which Ben and James plan to start in August 2010.

BBC Executive Producer, Lisa Edwards, commented: “We’re delighted that James and Ben are returning to BBC Two with another inspirational challenge which, as their previous series’ have done, is sure to keep viewers enthralled.”

“It’s really exciting to be working with Ben and James again on a third world-beating adventure,” said Melanie Leach, Twofour’s Executive Producer. “We have followed them over the sea and ice, and watched in awe as their grit, determination and good humour has seen them through. This cycle race will test them to the limits and it will be fascinating to see how their relationship develops as they chase yet another record.”

Ben at the RGS
Ben will be giving this years Ian Gardener Memorial Lecture at the Royal Geographical Society in London on Thursday 22nd April at 7pm
Tickets at http://www.motivation.org.uk

Ben and Chris Bonnington at RGS
Ben and Chris will be talking at the RGS about their life of adventure on behalf of the Campaign for National Parks on Wednesday 31st March
Tickets at http://www.cnp.org.uk

Ben and James will leave from Edinburgh Castle at 8am on Saturday 3rd october and cycle a rickshaw non stop 450 miles to London in time for ITV’s Pride of Britain Awards on monday night (5th oct). They will be cycling for SSAFA the injured servicemen and women and their families. You can make a donation and follow their progress at www.rideofbritain.org.uk and watch their efforts on Wednesday 7th oct on ITV.

About SSAFA

The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen & Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help provides practical assistance and emotional support to troops and their families as they come to terms with serious and life-changing injuries. The charity offers life-long support to servicemen and women past and present.

www.ssafa.org.uk

Don’t miss Ben talking about his latest book and adventures on Friday 23rd October at Lulworth Castle

• Castle doors open: 6.30pm
• Talk starts: 7pm
• Followed by a Q&A and signing
• Licensed bar

For more information visit www.weld-hospice.org.uk

60th anniversary, 10 days, 10 guest directors, over 440 events.
The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, 9-18 October 2009.

The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival returns from 9-18 October in a ten day 60th anniversary celebration. With its signature blend of award-winning writers, world-renowned thinkers and international star names the Festival has come a long way since its 9 events in 1949 - now attracting over 100,000 visitors to hundreds of events every year. At its heart the festival still rejoices in the joy of books, the thrill of debate and the unique interaction between writer and reader.

This year’s programme looks back over the last 60 years and questions what the future might bring: 10 Guest Directors will lead this exploration, with each programming a very special day of events. Poet Simon Armitage takes to the helm on the opening Friday, followed by theatre and film director Richard Eyre, national treasure Sandi Toksvig, prize-winning novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, scientist and broadcaster Alice Roberts, celebrated Brick Lane author Monica Ali, frontline foreign correspondent Rageh Omaar, bestselling children’s writer and Alex Rider creator Anthony Horowitz, comedian Mark Watson and acclaimed novelist Jonathan Coe.

Guest names include David Mitchell and Robert Webb, Judi Dench, Sebastian Faulks, Stephen Fry, Michael Palin, Audrey Niffenegger, Jack Dee, Jo Brand, Richard Eyre, Justin Lee Collins, Alan Davies, Rich Hall, Al Murray, The Now Show, David Walliams, Julia Donaldson, Michael Rosen, James Martin, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, James Cracknell and Ben Fogle.

For more information visit the Cheltenham Literature Festival web site.

For bookings contact the Box Office: 0844 576 7979