About the author

Tim Moss

Tim Moss has supported over 100 expeditions across all seven continents. He has climbed new mountains, crossed a desert on foot and recently cycled 13,000 miles around the world. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society London and a Guinness World Record Holder. He aims to encourage more people to live adventurously. Read more...

4 Comments

  1. 1

    Tom Allen

    I think there are some hidden assumptions in the language of this piece, namely in what might constitute the objectives of or motivations behind an ‘expedition’ or ‘adventure’, and in the definitions of those very words.

    You talk of “success” and “achievement” as related to tangible end-points or “feats of physical or mental prowess”, which only have meaning when compared to what has come before – the goal-driven mindset of this day and age. In the current media climate, of course, these are still the projects that do get all the attention.

    But the article ignores or sidelines the strands of the adventure/expedition/exploration/whatever-you-want-to-call-it field which are undertaken for other reasons – education, documentation, simple fun – intrinsic factors in which qualities you mention such as kindness, honesty, thoughtfulness, etc, may well be central to their ‘success’ or ‘achievement’, especially in a group or where communication is concerned; and qualities such as perseverance and determination far less relevant. Unfortunately, these kinds of project are a bit more difficult to write headlines for.

    This is a piece about myth-busting, so I think it’s relevant to pull the old ‘definitions’ thread out as well. Just a thought!

    Reply
  2. Pingback: If Cycling Around The World Is So Good Then How Come I Just Want To Watch DVDs?

  3. 2

    Rick Gunn

    Brilliant words.

    Refreshing in so many ways.

    Recently I was browsing through a website of adventure speakers, marveling at their lists of accomplishments: rowing oceans, crossing deserts, making first ascents of unnamed peaks, or into space. It was hard to come away without the feeling “less than.”

    Having cycled “only” 40,000 miles around the globe, I remember coming away from this website feeling I needed to accomplish “more,” so I could finally “be enough.”

    But then my head swirled back a realization I’d had on the road, after cycling 18,000 miles straight.

    What came to me was the deep recognition of the emptiness of any adventure based solely on seeking self-worth through externals.

    It’s really about honesty and authenticity, and cultivating a deeper connection to ourselves, and those that surround.

    This started with an admission that much of what drives endurance athleticism and adventure travelers, are the rather less than heroic feelings of vulnerability and inadequacy – accompanied by the strong desire for appreciation and human connection.

    For me now, adventure requires as much travel inward, as it does outward.

    This means using my words and stories to share the sometimes unfamiliar, uncomfortable, or downright scary landscapes within, with complete honesty, and heightened self-awareness. The connection component comes in by including hands on service to others along the way.

    Whether or not that makes me a better person in the eyes of those around me I can’t say.

    For the Zen master says, “all perception is misperception.”

    In that respect, I need only worry about what I see of the man in the mirror.

    Cultivating light there – means reaping the rewards that come by sharing that light with others.

    Thanks again Tim for raising this vital topic.

    Namaste’

    Rick

    Reply
    1. 2.1

      Tim Moss

      Thanks Rick. Glad you liked it.

      Reply

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