Who are we?

We are two graduates who previously attended Dr Challoner’s Grammar School. From an early age we both competed in regional hiking competitions with the Scouts, winning various hikes, with and without problem solving en route. We both have a lot of experience of sport and these are skills we very much hope we can use during the trip.

In addition our car handling ability, which has been honed through years spent on the dodgems at Santa Pod, could not make us more ideal candidates to take on this trip.

Carl James

Studied: Sports Science

Sports: Pretty much everything, especially Mountain Biking, football and motorsports.

Previous travelling experience: Ethiopia (3 months), French Alps (3 months), North America, mainland Europe, UK on the back of a motorbike.

Skills being brought to the mission: Some mechanical skills, more to be acquired. Good with google. Sarcasm. An uncanny ability to always call ‘shotgun’ at the opportune moment. Hard work, likes to-do lists.

Tom Picton

Studied: Psychology

Sports: Rowing, Rugby, Cycling, Triathlons, Running, Swimming.

Previous travelling experiences: Peru, Alaska, Japan, Hong Kong, Mauritius, Canada, Australia, mainland Europe, North America and most importantly Wales.

Skills being brought to the mission: Upper class connections, more sarcasm, rowing physique, photography, endless patience with those in ‘authority’, diplomacy. Can also iron, sew on buttons, tune in the World Service, inquire as to the quickest way to reach the Boulangerie from the Gare and cook a mean Chilli Con Carne. But luckily, is also hugely modest. Also loves paperwork and visas (according to Carl).