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Sponsors
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| With 66 low orbiting satellites, Iridium is the only provider of truly global satellite voice and data solutions with complete coverage of the earth (including oceans, airways and Polar Regions). Using Iridium technology, Tim will be able to keep in touch with the world from the most remote corners of the steppe. In addition to phone call updates, Iridium’s unique data service means that Tim can send photos, and written updates on his adventure from anywhere at any time. Furthermore, Tim can be contacted by anyone for free through the messaging service. Any media wishing to request an interview with Tim click here |
Internetrix is a leading and innovative developer of internet applications that make it easier for people to work together- when it matters. A long time supporter of Tim, Internetrix has provided cutting edge solutions to enable him to share his unique journeys with a vast audience in a flexible, timely, and integrated way. Custom built functions to suit Tim’s requirements mean that he can provide instant updating to his website from anywhere in the world, send newsletters, and even run an online shop. If you like what you see, and want to achieve your own goals, visit Internetrix. |
Saxton Speakers Bureau is Australia's first and foremost speakers bureau and one of the largest in the world today. For nearly four decades Saxton has exclusively represented Australia’s leading speakers, its name becoming synonymous with such well-known identities as James Strong, Bryce Courtenay, Ita Buttrose, Hon E. Gough Whitlam, Hon Dr Barry Jones, Jacques Nasser, Dr Peter Ellyard, Rod McGeoch, Steve Vizard, Alan Jones, Bryan Dawe, Peter Couchman and Bob Savage. The fundamental factor in its success is a dedicated team that continues to provide the creativity, personal contact and service that has always been its hallmark. Saxton recognized Tim’s value and potential as a speaker in 2002, and has since been working to nurture his skill providing a range of audiences with a unique and exclusive service. Although Tim will be taking a break from the speaking circuit during the adventure, Saxton continues its support and is creating foundations for the future. For all your speaking, entertainment, and event needs contact Saxton Speakers Bureau. |
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| Odyssey Travel was established in 1985 as a not-for-profit travel organisation specialising in special interest and educational travel programs in Australia, New Zealand and overseas for the over 50’s market. Our travel programs are a mix of history and heritage, soft adventure and ecotourism. By working with a variety of member Universities, Colleges and partner organisations, we are able to offer a wide range of stimulating experiences in Australia, New Zealand and overseas. Our participants experience sites and facilities not available through commercial tours. Since its inception, Odyssey Travel has grown rapidly with offices now located in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand. Head Office is located in Young Street, Wollongong. It currently has a staff of twenty four and is a significant export earner. Being a not-for-profit organisation, all of the surpluses are placed in reserve (as distinct from a commercial enterprise which distributes profits in the form of dividends). Odyssey holds strong reserves, and with our full IATA accreditation and membership of the insurance fund, makes us an extremely viable organisation. |
A long time supporter of Tim, Mountain Designs is a leading Australian outdoor clothing and equipment provider. On such a long journey several qualities are essential: that the gear is hard wearing, functional, multi-purpose, light-weight, and also stylish (remember, Tim can only afford to take one or two pair of clothes for 18 months!). Mountain designs mountain climbing heritage and attention to detail provides the ideal solution. Click here for a review of the Mountain Designs gear Tim will be using. |
Sleeping, cooking, water treatment, and water transportation are crucial areas where there is little margin for error on an expedition. MSR multi-fuel stoves water treaters, Therma-rest mats , and platypus , water carriers are the most advanced, flexible, strong, and functional in the world. As the temperature plummets, the wind picks up, and the ground is far from flat, not only will Tim need to rely on this equipment to see him through, but even depend on it for survival. Click here to find out what gear Tim is taking and read a review. |
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| Reflex sports provides Australia with the world’s most advance leisure, sport, and expedition gear available in the world today. The unique X-socks with activity-specific designs will keep Tim’s feet warm, dry, and in healthy shape during 10,000km of the most arduous work out. Meanwhile the reliable Everwarm thermals that Tim has always used will be essential wearing in both summer and winter. In addition to this, Lowa boots will wear the brunt of the expedition while providing support, breathability, waterproofing, and unrivalled comfort. Cross shirts, pants, and light fleece are the essential every-day travelling garments. Click here for a review of the gear provided by Reflex. |
Recognized globally for its technological innovation and high quality, Fujifilm offers a complete portfolio of imaging, information, and document products, services, and e-solutions to retailers, consumers, professionals, and business customers. Fuji is equipping Tim with the world’s best slide film and digital tapes to ensure that he can share his journey with others. |
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| To be able to update the website with pictures and stories en-route, and to make the most of the Iridium data-transfer, it became clear that I needed to have some kind of external power source and a laptop. After a lot of research into different possibilities Chris Hatherly referred me to www.mobilepower.com.au, an Australian based company providing hi-tech external laptop batteries. These slim-lined, light weight batteries, which can add up to 13 hours of extra working time and be recharged by mains or 12 volt power, were the ideal solution. These could be put to any use from car-trips, business trips, wilderness journeys, or even just to have the freedom to sit outside all day with the laptop to make the most of good weather. Thanks to Mobile Power for this device that is enabling me to keep everyone up to date even in the most remote of locations. |
Energizer e2 Lithium batteries are the world's longest lasting AA battery in high-powered devices, and Energizer is pleased to be providing these batteries to Tim to power his still digital camera and GPS equipment. Energizer e2 Lithium batteries can take up to 600 shots in a digital camera, which Tim will take full advantage of as he captures striking images of landscapes and people encountered on his journey. As Tim is limited in what he can carry on this expedition, he appreciates that Energizer e2 Lithium batteries last up to 7 times longer than ordinary alkaline batteries in digital cameras, do not need to be recharged, and weigh less than other batteries. Read more (click here) |
10,000km in 18 months, desert sands, glaciated peaks, -40 in winter: these are the conditions that Tim’s feet will have to take him through. Experience tells that if you don’t look after your feet, then you don’t get far! In the past Tim has had problems due to inflexible orthotics, which corrected his feet but didn’t allow for full movement. This contributed to cold and sore feet and eventually frostbite on the cycling expedition. On this journey Jason Nichols at IOS has provided the ideal solution with customized, flexible orthotics that not only provide insulation and support, but supreme comfort. This will give Tim confidence to reach his potential without cold, sore feet. If you are an active person, or just interested in an orthotic alternative, visit Inspired Orthotic Solutions. |
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| Mountain Horse is a young Swedish company dedicated to a simple philosophy – to let the needs and requirements from riders create the products. They make technically advanced horse-riding clothes, which bear a trace of the classical riding traditions, but meet stringent requirements for the highest possible safety. Tim and Kathrin (his partner) will be testing this equipment to the extreme, confident that Mountain Horse will truly ‘Wear Ever they Go.’ Tim will be reviewing the gear as he goes along. Thanks to all the staff at Mountain Horse! |
Equip provides an extensive range of professional ‘Hands on First Aid.’ Endorsed by the Wilderness Medicine Institute and Wilderness First Aid, Equip provides first aid kits and training that cater for everyone involved in travel and the outdoors. The courses offered in Australia are nationally accredited by the Training Accreditation Council, and three of the five courses offered are also recognised in many countries throughout the world. Tim will be carrying Equip first aid and relying on Equip’s mosquito protection to stay healthy. |
Baffin is the world leader in cold-weather and premium industrial footwear. With boots rated to –100° C, Baffin makes the boots many arctic and Antarctic explorers swear by. Tim would like to thank Baffin, a Canadian company, for being confident that their boots are ready for the elements that will be faced during the notorious Central Asian winter on the steppe. |
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| Leatherman is the original pocket sized multi-tool, that is by definition the world standard in quality, durability, precision, and attention to detail. For the traveller this is a must. Tim will be taking a Wave tool, and a new Leatherman carabiner watch. Thanks to Michael and David at Zen Imports! |
Magellan GPS Systems are one of the leaders in Global Positioning Systems. Through innovation and technology, Magellan GPS systems offer a wide range of systems for both land and marine applications. The SporTrak Pro, that Tim will be taking, is a premium hand-held GPS designed for advanced mapping and navigation. It is a compact, lightweight and waterproof receiver that is accurate to within 3 meters. Its 9 MB mapping database and 23 MB free memory for downloading maps will enable Tim to track, and plan his journey, in addition to navigating. For more information on the Magellan GPS range contact Magellan GPS Systems: Ph: 1800 644 033 or visit www.magellan.com.au. |
Dick Smith Foods are proudly made in Australia by Australian owned companies. Dick Smith Foods supports foods that are grown and made in Australia by Australian owned businesses, which operate in a highly ethical manner. This enables profits and employment benefits to stay in Australia, and therefore keeps many Australian businesses healthy. Needless to say, Dick Smith Foods is of the highest quality. Dick Smith Foods are also a strong supporter of the Australian community with a large proportion of their profits being donated to charities |
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| ‘Bogong Horseback Adventures’ is the only tour operator to have access to Bogong National park, the grandest region of the Victorian Alps. They are also one of the only Australian tour operators providing traditional packhorse travel. Their tours are steeped in the cultural tapestry of the Australian Alps, and provide an unforgettable experience for beginners, and experienced riders alike. Steve and Cath Baird have provided invaluable advice, support, and experience for Tim. The five-day journey over Mount Bogong was one of the most inspiring journeys that Tim had ever experienced in Australia. For anyone interested in an unforgettable journey in a region equally as majestic and serene as Mongolia visit, www.bogonghorse.com.au. Thanks so much to Steve, Cath and the gang! |
Many thanks to Brent Watson of ‘Horses and Horsemen’ Brent took Tim on at the last minute to equip him with invaluable tools for working with horses. ‘Horses and Horsemen,’ based in Margaret River WA, offer horsemanship training for horse and rider - from beginners to advanced. Their carefully designed courses are developed from knowledge shared by some of the world’s leading horsemen. They teach strategies to enhance your safety and manage the horse’s energy - to encourage calmness for learning. Horses & Horsemen is dedicated to the pursuit of rider safety and maintenance of the welfare and dignity of horses. The skills provided by Brent and the crew will go a long way to making Tim’s journey a success. In fact so much so that Tim decided to fly to Perth less than two weeks before departing Australia! Visit their website for more information. A warm thanks to everyone there who has helped out. |
Nungar Knots was established in the Snowy Mountains of Australia in 1994. Supplying the World with high quality equestrian rope tack using the finest quality Australian made marine grade double braided rope for strength and durability. The hardware is carfully chosen to compliment the quality of the products. Nungar knots staff are highly trained, producing products to a standard that Nungar Knots customers have grown to expect and trust. Tim will be using Nungar Knot lead ropes, tethring ropes, and hackamores. No doubt they will last over the 18 months and withstand even he most firey-tempered of horses! |
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| Ortlieb provides the world’s most innovative and high range quality waterproof bags and accessories for active people. On this journey I required saddlebags (the bags that clip onto the riding saddle with accessible goodies for riding during the day) that were waterproof, an adequate size, and tough enough for my journey. I recalled how well my Ortlieb bike panniers on my bike trip had performed and only wished that Ortlieb offered the same design for horses……and then I discovered that they actually did! Their saddle bags come with straps for fitting to the saddle, and a girth strap that secures the load to the horses. Although not waterproof to the point of being submersible they will keep the heaviest of rain out- important when camera gear will be carried in them. At this stage these panniers look aptly suitable. Thanks to Ortlieb, and Aktiv8, the importers of Ortlieb in Australia. (I also use Ortlieb Camera and Video Camera waterproof carry bags). |
Buzz Box Driving School (Latrobe Valley, Victoria) embraces Tim’s adventurous spirit and welcomes the opportunity to help him achieve his goals. While Tim is living his long adventures, Shaun and Sue Dietrich, co-owners of Buzz Box Driving School, will be helping Tim keep things going smoothly back home. Shaun will be providing web support so we can all read Tim’s journals and Sue will be overseeing the online orders. |
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| Lonely Planet produce the world’s best travel guides and travel phrasebooks. They supply an abundant amount of practical information about everything that the traveller needs to know, and does so in an interesting and appealing manner. Invaluable companions for any kind of travel, Lonely Planet guide books will also help Tim avoid making horrid and embarrassing cultural faux pas! Thanks to Anna and the team at Lonely Planet Australia. |
Custom Pack Rigging is the only way to go when it comes to gear for packhorse travel. Their fully adjustable pack saddles, pads, and range of pack boxes and tack are suited to harsh wear and tear. They are not only lightweight, and functional, but most importantly are designed with the horses’ well being and safety in mind. |
Bates Australia provide the leading edge in a range of saddles. Their attention to detail, and use of CAIR technology means a comfortable and safe ride for both horse and rider. Bates also makes the reknowned ‘Wintec’ range of saddles, the premier synthetic saddle on the market. Tim will be taking a Bates Stock and Wintec saddle for the long journey ahead. |
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| Tour Asia has been running high end climbing, trekking, and city tours in Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Uzbekistan)since 1989. Vadim, the director is an accomplished mountaineer with a passion for the culture and environment of this spectacular and unique part of the world, nestled into the Pamir and Tien Shan mountains. Tour Asia has been a substantial supporter in getting Tim to Kazakhstan on the horses and for his continuing journey.For all your visa, tour, guide or information needs on Central Asia, contact Tour Asia provide link to www.tourasia.kz. |
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