TAKE-A-SEAT...IS BACK!!

Four years ago on a distant gravel highway in the wilderness of Alaska two worlds collided. One an '81 Toyota Land Cruiser, the other a tandem bicycle named 'Achilles'. Some of you may remember the encounter:

The Crusier was on an expedition from NY to the Arctic Ocean and back (shoutouts to the Alaskan cross-country crew, you can see our work here: http://www.crosscountry-2006.blogspot.com/) while Achilles had just begun a journey from the North Slope of Alaska to the southern tip of South America.

Four years later the pilot of Achilles, our great British friend Dominic Gill has finally released the documentary and book that captured his epic adventure. These pieces capture Dom's incredible journey as he pedaled south in search of strangers to join him on the back of his tandem. The documentary is currently circling the globe in the international Banff Mountain Film Festival:

http://www.banffcentre.ca/MountainCulture/Tour/

His Adventure:

http://www.takeaseat.org

The book on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Take-Seat-Tandem-Twenty-Thousand-Possibilities/dp/184596585X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1273656741&sr=1-1

A review:

Dominic Gill's trip began as a personal challenge - to cycle alone across two continents - but became, thanks to the many people who either jumped on the back of his tandem on the way or looked after him, an exploration of what it means to be human and a celebration of the generosity of the human spirit.

Of course I couldn't leave out my contribution as being the first rider to hop on the back of Achilles during Dom's adventure:

Is this guy the man or what?

Dom had a book signing at a local pub here in London just last week. It was the first time we had been able to catch up face to face in 4 years:

It was an awesome time and after 4 years it really didn't seem like it could have possibly been that long. I spoke to Dom on the phone just yesterday so we could make plans to grab brunch tomorrow before he heads out. Here is an excerpt from the conversation:

Me: Hey Dom, just wanted to let you know your hair made it into the new Disney movie 'Prince of Persia'

Dom: Oh hey Charlie, your ears must have been ringing.

Me: No, why?

Dom: 'Cause I was just telling someone how you used to look so cool and now you look like a loser!

This was the type of exchange that made my 68 miles on Achilles so memorable. It was one of those events that stick with you forever. Do yourself a favor and check out Dom's next adventure which starts shortly:

www.domandernie.com

Follow it in real time through his website and updates. I promise you that you will start to greatly anticipate the days they grace your inbox.

I'm off to get some sleep before our 'meet-up' as it is now almost 3:00am. Also working on growing as much facial hair as possible before the morning comes. oh and by the way, if you get the book...I highly recommend pages 33-47