Let self-pride levels soar in 2012 – make a New Year’s resolution with Discover Adventure

Dec. 5, 2011 - PRLog -- It’ll be that time of year again soon – when many of us make, and then break, undertakings to become a new, improved person in the New Year. Whether it’s finally to get that gym pass, to say ‘no’ to cake or to show your altruistic side, New Year promises often fail to deliver.  

Stick to your New Year’s resolution in 2012, and do wonders for your fitness and self-esteem levels, by signing up to a once-in-a-lifetime expedition offered by Discover Adventure, the leading specialist in trekking and cycling challenges worldwide for charitable fundraising.  

Their trips include classic challenges, such as cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats and hiking to Everest Base Camp or the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, as well as unique adventures, such as cycling The Great Wall of China or from Panama to Nicaragua and trekking the Costa Rica rainforest.  

Participants can choose to heighten their sense of achievement by raising money for a charity of their choice at the same time. Discover Adventure offers the very best deal possible for charities; at least 60% of fundraising targets goes direct to the charity concerned.

The adventures have been designed to challenge participants but are nevertheless appropriate for beginners who are prepared to train, with Discover Adventure offering thorough support, training plans and training days for all participants.

Sample ‘new year – new you’ Discover Adventure trips:

Ten-day Kalimantan jungle trek in Borneo
Embark on this unique route through dense, steamy jungle and soak up the atmospheric sounds made by a myriad of insects and creatures such as gibbons, hornbills and tree frogs. Stay in local Dayak villages, gaining a privileged insight into their ancient culture. Departing 26 May and 10 November 2012, the trip includes nine nights’ accommodation (hotels, local village home stays and one night in a traditional Dayak longhouse), flights, transfers, most meals, experienced Discover Adventure leaders and local support crew of guides, cooks and drivers. Payment options are either a self-funded cost of £1,400 pp or a fundraising target of £3,500 pp (£399 registration fee applies).

One-day London ride of the Champions – NEW for 2012
Follow the road cycle route of the London Olympic Games 2012. This challenging 90-mile cycle ride sets off from Richmond, passing through Twickenham to the Surrey countryside. Participants cycle Box Hill and head back into central London via Hampton Court and Putney Bridge. The route continues along The Mall, past Buckingham Palace over the Thames and back to the finish line in Richmond Park. Departing 10 June and 2 September 2012, the trip includes Discover Adventure leaders, route marking, mechanical support, refreshments and lunch. Participants pay a £59 registration fee and there’s a suggested fundraising target of £150 if participants wish to raise money for charity.  

Ten-day Kilimanjaro trek
Tackle the tallest mountain on the African continent, trekking the less-trodden Machame route to fully appreciate the breathtaking surroundings and the clear night skies. Pass through thick forest and moorland to reach the highest point, Uhuru Peak. Departing throughout 2012, the trip includes nine nights’ accommodation (five nights’ camping and four nights’ hotel stay), camping equipment (except sleeping bag and sleeping mat), flights, transfers, most meals, National Park entry fees to all other sites on itinerary, Discover Adventure leaders and local support crew of guides, cooks and drivers. Payment options are either a self-funded cost of £1,580 pp or a fundraising target of £3,950 pp (£499 registration fee applies).

Nine-day Lycian Way and Mount Olympos trek – NEW for 2012
Experience the real Turkey on this exploration of the Lycian Coast - a diverse mix of mountains, coastline, traditional villages and ancient cities pre-dating Alexander the Great. Set off from Gedelme to climb the 2,365m-high Mount Olympos (also known as Tatla Mountain), returning to the rocky coastline to complete the trek at the small village of Karaoz. Departing 28 April and 6 October 2012, the trip includes eight nights’ accommodation (guesthouses and two nights’ camping), camping equipment (except sleeping bag and sleeping mat), flights and transport, most meals, entry into sites on the itinerary, experienced Discover Adventure leaders and local support crew of guides, cooks and drivers. Payment options are either a self-funded cost of £840 pp or a fundraising target of £2,100 pp (£299 registration fee applies).

Nine-day trek to ancient Petra
Journey to awe-inspiring Petra, with its gigantic rock-hewn tombs and buildings set amongst strange red sandstone formations and majestic desert. Trek through jagged mountain passes with the local Bedouin and witness desert, wadis and ancient archaeological sites that are among the oldest in the Middle East. Departing 14 April and 20 October 2012, the trip includes eight nights’ accommodation (camping and hotels), flights, most meals and experienced Discover Adventure leaders and local support crew of guides, cooks and drivers. Payment options are either a self-funded cost of £1,280 pp or a fundraising target of £3,200 pp (£299 registration fee applies).

Discover Adventure’s top tips for training success:

To allow participants to get the most from a challenge, Discover Adventure provides participants with training plans beforehand, as well as thorough support throughout the trip. Here are some examples of the most important things to do when preparing for an expedition:

Trekking

• Walking technique - carry your arms at 90 degree angles and pump them forward and back, rather than side to side.

• Avoid blisters – invest in a pair of quality hiking boots and be sure to wear them in. Wear socks made of fibres which draw moisture away from the skin, avoiding pure cotton.

• Diet – as well as eating carbohydrates before and after long walks, fruit is great for walkers because it’s high in fructose which provides walking energy as it is more easily absorbed from the stomach compared to other sugars such as insulin, obtained through eating chocolate (sorry!).

Cycling  

• Beginners – if you haven’t ridden a bike for several years, or at all, start your training regime at least four months in advance of the trip. Mileage should be built up gradually to avoid injury and to build stamina levels.  

• Get fit as you watch TV – practice on a Turbo trainer, especially during the winter months. This is indoor training but on what feels like a ‘real’ bike, getting you fit and used to the shape of a bike.

• Wear your kit - train with the kit (e.g. a small rucksack) that you want to use in your challenge. If you’re planning to use SPDs (clipless pedals) on your challenge, get used to them well in advance – most people fall off a few times when first using them.

For further information about Discover Adventure, visit http://www.discoveradventure.com, telephone 01722 718444, or email info@discoveradventure.com.
Ends – 5 December 2011
                       
Press:  For further information, high-resolution images or to interview the adventure expert, Managing Director of Discover Adventure, Jonathan Bryan, please contact Stephanie Reed at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email s.reed@travelpr.co.uk

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