Rafting Pioneer Jan Warren Launches New Book About Controversial 1986 Sino-usa Yangtze River Ex

BEND, Ore. - July 8, 2013 - PRLog -- OREGON July 4, 2013— Local author and river rafting pioneer Jan Warren of Oregon has launched her new book. When Dreams and Fear Collide: The true story of the 1986 Upper Yangtze River Expedition,"  Jan Warren has been working toward publication of this book for 25 years.  

"When Dreams and Fears Collide: The true story of the 1986 Upper Yangtze River Expedition" is the story of Jan and Ken Warren's attempt to realize their great dream of rafting the Upper Yangtze River.

The 1986 Sino-USA Upper Yangtze River expedition, with over 40 departments involved, was approved by the highest authority in China, the State Council. This would be a first in joint ventures and joint efforts between the two countries, and would introduce the sport of whitewater rafting to China, with Ken and Jan Warren on the ground floor of opening China to adventure sports in river rafting.

After transporting nine tons of equipment into China the expedition makes its way to the highest point of any river expedition known to history. Rafting from the source, at 17,400 feet elevation in the great Himalayan glaciers, to the city of Yibin, the goal was to travel the 2,000 miles of uncharted water. Even making it to the source was celebrated as a phenomenal success for all who understood the years of sweat and tears required to make it that far.

But the death of a teammate, a so-called mutiny, and several all-Chinese rafting teams racing ahead of the expedition in an attempt to be first, turn a perfect trip into a voyage of drama, disaster and unexpected challenges. Four team members quit the Sino-USA team. Those who stayed prepared to face the unknown as they head into some of the biggest whitewater in the world. They knew their character and courage would be tested by the challenge.

The rest of the expedition takes them through whitewater so huge, it is off the chart. To survive, they must work as a team through the body-bruising, mind-twisting rapids that greet them at every turn. They strategize and end up rigging together their four 18-foot rafts to maneuver the enormous rapids. Facing injury, exhaustion, equipment damage, and uncertainty of the river below, the expedition ends short of its goal.

Upon their return to the United States, Ken and Jan are propelled into controversy and a web of legal battles, including a wrongful death lawsuit that becomes bigger than the whitewater they encountered.

"When Dreams and Fear Collide: The true story of the 1986 Upper Yangtze River Expedition," is a story about dreamers. People who think large, whose imaginations are not limited by normal expectations. We all have dreams. Each woman and each man must always look deep inside to the depth of their souls and ask the question, Is it worth it?  

Mutual of Omaha’s Spirit of Adventure DVD, “Challenging China’s Yangtze,” filmed during the 1986 Yangtze River Expedition, has been shown by ABC Sports, CBS, and ESPN and in over 20 countries.

Jan Warren is a 1969 graduate of the University of Oregon where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education and Health  She taught and coached in the Oregon school systems from 1969-1976  She met Ken Warren in 1978 and became involved in the Outdoor Adventure business..

Jan Warren is available for interviews and appearances. For booking presentations, media appearances, interviews, and/or book-signings contact mostprecious1@charter.net