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I have been on the go for over 200 days since arriving in Alaska!

Getting to the summit of Mount McKinley and the six months of cycling since have been hugely challenging but ultimately a success in terms of filming the documentary series, blogging and staying on target. At this stage every ounce of energy and focus are on reaching to be able to start climbing at the start of January. There is still a long way to cycle and the recent headwind and an illness have not been making this easier, but I remain optimistic that I can make it. To my knowledge, no-one has ever made it to the top of the two highest mountains in the Americas and cycled between them in a single season.

Aconcagua is a major expedition in itself. Standing at 6,962 meters (22,841 feet) it is the highest mountain in the Western and Southern Hemispheres with a formidable reputation. I will also not be attempting to cycle up it! It's worth clarifying this as I have been asked. As romantic as it sounds, I will be unable to cycle to base camp, lace up my boots and start climbing. My plan is to try and reach the same latitude as Aconcagua by just after Christmas. I will then stop in the city of for 3 or 4 days for intensive rehabilitation and preparation. After nearly seven months on the bike my body will be fit but tired and not used to walking, let alone climbing. If I recover enough and it's safe to do so I hope to start climbing soon after my birthday, New Years Day! The climb should take between 2 and 3 weeks depending on the weather and my acclimatisation. Like all expedition plans, this schedule is subject to many variables, many of which are outwith my control and so things may change - but this is the plan I am focusing on.

I am under no illusion as to the scale of the challenge to get to Aconcagua in time and in good condition to make a successful climb. Every day on the bike starts at 5am and I am rarely off before sunset at about 7pm. I spend my days focusing on the very short term. Cycling, filming, photography, blogging, finding enough food and water, plus a safe place to stay each night is a full time job. It is the job of my team back in the UK to keep an eye on the big picture and figure out the many logistical challenges to keep the expedition on target. Despite being alone out here in the Americas, there is great deal of communication to make sure my world and their plans all work out.

The relentless wind and never ending sands of Peru have been tough pedaling and ahead lies the 600 miles of inhospitable in Northern Chile. Its going to be a challenging finish to 2009!

Mark

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