North Pole Speed Record

Game On

Posted on 23^rd March, 2008 By Ben Saunders ~ 17 comments

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I had my first case of pre-match nerves mid-way through this afternoon, brought on in part by the fact that the only other person trying to get to the North Pole this spring, Hannah McKeand, is currently sat in her tent waiting for a pick-up flight after injuring her back and shoulder. So I’ll have 5.4 million square miles (an area bigger than America) pretty much to myself for the next month.

Sat here just before midnight, laptop on my lap and feet up on a chair, the nerves have subsided, the last bag has been packed, and I'm feeling unstoppable. I'm also feeling utterly humbled by the amazing people that have got me this far, and sorry that I haven't yet thought of a way (other than skiing my socks off) of thanking them all. I've spent the last few days surrounded by the finest team anyone in my position could hope for: Andy Ward, my expedition manager, and two of the most gifted (and bloody hard working) photographers on the planet, Martin Hartley and Adam Scourfield. We've moved mountains in our brief time here in Resolute Bay, and I haven't laughed so much in years.

And there's a massive team in the background of course, all of whom I'll try to remember to thank in the coming 30-odd days. To top things off, I'll be wearing ski boots that belong to Borge Ousland (this is essentially the same as Tiger Woods lending you his golf clubs) and I've just had an email from my expedition mentor and hero, Pen Hadow, that moved me to sweet, grinning tears.

The one job that remains is to load up my two little MP3 players with a month's worth of music. I was struck by a childhood memory just now, as I clicked and dragged songs into folders, of building the cockpit for a spaceship out of a big cardboard box. I was probably seven or eight years old. I drew all the buttons and guages with a felt-tip pen, and sat there wondering what it would be like to blast off into the unknown; to leave the world, and all its safety and comfort and security behind.

This time tomorrow night, I'll let you know how it feels.

Comments

1. 

   By Your supporters in Grantham on 23^rd March, 2008

   Can’t start to imagine how you must be feeling right now, but hope that we can send you a tiny bit more encouragement and positive vibes. We have several inches of snow here this morning - it’s beautiful! We can’t wait to go sledging later so will be thinking of you again then as you are maybe even setting out.
   I will tell the Walton girls on Tuesday that this website is up and running as I know a lot of them want to follow your progress. We still talk about your visit and are on a real high at the moment after a brill Ofsted.
   So have fun out there in your snow and cant wait to hear you’ve done it!

2. 

   By Alison Lowndes on 23^rd March, 2008

   Woke up to snow this morning .. incredible because I know its the kind that will be almost gone in a few hours but its beautiful nevertheless (poignant in this context too I guess). My favourite photo is here http://tinyurl.com/2bbbko though I truly can’t wait to see the photos you’ll be posting. You have so many people with you, Ben, maybe not in body but most definitely in spirit, that the vast area around you should NEVER feel empty.

3. 

   By Alison Lowndes on 23^rd March, 2008

   Who got you the lickle teddy bear ?
   (Adam’s portfolio photo http://tinyurl.com/2vks6o)

4. 

   By Oli Barrett on 23^rd March, 2008

   Thinking of you Ben!  Just by setting out on this adventure, you are a massive inspiration to more people than you will ever know.  Good luck, keep going, and I’m REALLY looking forward to the stories when you’re back safe and sound.

5. 

   By Simon Jones on 23^rd March, 2008

   Hi Ben. Hey I know it’s probably too late but I wanted to share a new progressive track with you that I think you might like to put on that mp3 player of yours. It’s called ‘It Works’ and I think you might like it. Though, as I say, it’s probably too late to find its way to your player.

   http://www.beforeiforget.co.uk/ItWorks.mp3

   Once again though, good luck mate! I’m going to blog about you again in the next day or two again because I know a lot of (the few) readers I have really enjoyed the TED talk you gave that I posted.

6. 

   By Simon Jones on 23^rd March, 2008

   PS. I should add that while I’ll remove that link in a few days (after you’ve set off) because I don’t want to find myself in any ‘bover’ with the little known artist, Mossy.

7. 

   By Alison Lowndes on 23^rd March, 2008

   Great track, Simon

8. 

   By Ryde School Boarding Campus on 23^rd March, 2008

   Hi Ben, it’s amazing to think by the time we return from our Easter holidays, you will have reached the North Pole!  We are all watching your progress with real interest and hoping everything goes according to plan.  We look forward to hearing more of your adventures upon your return.  Thanks so much for the ski - about to take ‘pride of place’ in the Saunders’ Wing - just looking at it makes us realise how absolutely incredible your journeys are. 
   Best of luck - Ryde School Boarders

9. 

   By Pablo on 23^rd March, 2008

   You forgot Polvorones!! Good luck from Tete and Pablo

10. 

    By James Hill on 23^rd March, 2008

    Good luck Ben!

11. 

    By Paul Bower on 25^th March, 2008

    Go for it Ben, you can do it!

12. 

    By Simon Jones on 25^th March, 2008

    I’m taking that MP3 down now. Hope you got it mate!

13. 

    By Matthew Whipple on 26^th March, 2008

    Ben.  I saw you speak at the EY event in Palm Springs last Nov.  Best of luck mate!  You inspire people around the world!

14. 

    By Nikki on 26^th March, 2008

    Seriously?  You used to build spaceship cockpits too?  My mom won’t believe this when she hears it.  LOL!

15. 

    By Nelly on 22^nd April, 2008

    Cool. Ben is interesting man. Good luck!

16. 

    By Laptopius on 23^rd April, 2008

    Good game, I guess!

17. 

    By Timmy on 28^th April, 2008

    Good luck man! You inspire me to get out of my comfort zone and do the impossible.