“We do something that has never been done before …” writes Bex a.k.a. The Ordinary Adventurer – of course SOURCE and #sourcehydration is part of the adventure. Here’s a first report about the latest adventure of our digital nomad friends. Best of luck from all of us at SOURCE!
How do you take on a world first expedition?
“Over the past 2 years since leaving our regular jobs to become digital nomads, my husband and I have been using adventure to see he world and to find out what we are capable of (read their 10 hard earned Thru Hiking Tips). But this year we wanted to test ourselves to the absolute limit and to do something that has never been done before. Kicking the States is a 3 month, 1,500+ mile expedition that will see us attempt to be the first people to kick-scoot the length of the USA from Canada to Mexico.
Taking on an adventure that has never been done before brings on all sorts of challenges. There is no guide book available. So how do you take on a world first?
#1: know what you need to know and what you don’t
There’s a tendency to over plan adventures which often takes away a lot of the fun and spontaneity. We worked out what was essential – knowing how to scoot safely on the roads, having a hotel and onward travel booked for the end so we would be approved our entry visa and some first aid skills so we can look after ourselves.
The rest we sort out as we go. Each day we will need to work out where to stay that night – maybe a campsite or even just knocking on doors to ask if we can camp in peoples yards.
#2 shout about it
Although this is about challenging ourselves and enjoying the advenutre it will bring, the main focus of this expedition is fundraising to help build a school in Tanzania. To effectively fundraise you need to spread the word. We’ve contacted press in all the places we are pacing, shared on social media sites and built a website for the expedition (www.kickingthestates.com).
Not only have we received donations from this but we’ve also had offers of a spare room from strangers and even restaurants willing to feed us as we pass!
#3 get the gear right
We have just a 17L pannier each and a Source Outdoor hydration pack each so the gear we are carrying needs to be minimal and of good quality. Our sleeping bags, mat and tent are as lightweight as they can be. We will be carrying our backpacks all day so we wanted something that was close fitting and comfortable. The SOURCE hydration system also makes it easy to stay healthy on the move without having to constantly stop to drink water.
#4 Take that first kick
The hardest part of the entire process is making the decision to do the expedition in the first place. Once you’ve committed and put it out there then the ball is rolling and everything will start to happen. When the day comes that I start an adventure, I’m usually wired with nerves. As soon as I’ve taken that first step though that all fades away.
The first really is the hardest!
#5 One day at a time
It’s the same with any big project – never look at the big picture or how many miles or days you have in front of you. Instead take each day as it comes. Break down daily distances into manageable chunks and enjoy the sense of unknown that each day brings. That’s what it’s all about!”
We’ll be following Bex and Gil on their blog The Ordinary Adventurer, Facebook & Instagram.