The Outdoors Station

Its the beginning of May 2010 and Andy Howell drops by to collect a few goodies and discuss the growing impact wood burning stoves are making in the outdoor world. Specifically we look at the latest Titanium offerings from Evernew in Japan and Vargo in the US. Both items have just arrived in the UK and are combining with others already in the market, to offer more variety in outdoor cooking. As Andy is about head off on the 2 week solo cross Scotland TGOC walk, we also look at the subtle difference, both gear wise and physiologically, there is when walking solo compared to with your domestic partner. Does it mean for a better walking experience? Hope out partners aren't listening!

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This is the last release from our collection of interviews recorded at this years Outdoor Show at the NEC. The last time it will ever be there, so it is fitting we should talk not only to exhibitors at the show, but also the MD from Voss Media, the organisers to find out where the show is going and why. Other interviews include Keswick Tourist Information, something specifically for the walker or cyclist thinking of going to Slovenia and another with another author from Cicerone Press, the very interesting Kev Reynolds.

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Part 2 from The Outdoors Show at the NEC see's a wealth of information crammed into this podcast. We hear details of the forthcoming Keswick Mountain Festival, about usual 3D metallic map gifts, indulge in a bit of Glamping, chat with Cicerone author Paddy Dillon, catch up with Sam from Shewee, touch base with the forthcoming IOW walking festival and celebrate 10,000 members with the John Muir Trust. Phew! 40 minutes of entertainment to distract you from your daily commute and think about escaping outdoors!

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A very mellow show recorded in some glorious Spring sunshine to encourage us to get out there! A brief interview at The Outdoors Show with Evan Milner the project Officer for the Anglesey Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty about what could draw us self powered people to the island. Plus we talk once again to Gayle of Mick and Gayle Blogspot fame, who are currently walking from Kent to Cape Wrath. A completely different route up the UK and Gayle explains their preparations just before they left a couple of weeks ago.

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Just wanted to launch this podcast as soon as I returned from The Outdoors Show at the NEC 2010, as there's a very special offer available just for a few days from Montane, where a select range of Special Edition clothing is up for grabs and all the profits are going to Mountain Rescue. See montane.co.uk. Also I chat with the National Cycle Route Director from Sustrans and we discuss the growth of the National Cycle Network and how we can all use it to benefit our life. Finally Simon Ellar the editor of Bushcraft Magazine indicates the continual of growth of interest in the knowledge base his magazine offers, from outdoors people of all persuasions. It seems we all want to find out more about our surroundings to enhance any experience we have. Quite right too! This is just one of a series recorded at this years Outdoor Show. More coming soon!

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In part two of the Solar Cyclists, Susie Wheeldon shares the highs and lows of their 163 days in the saddle. How a simple thing like a bee sting can change your whole outlook on life, and how the Middle East isn't getting a fair representation in main stream media. We discuss practical things like money, health and water, and ultimately hear what impression a trip like this left on her. Make sure you visit the blog site for all the information www.thesolarcyclediaries.com and be prepared to be swept along on the journey.

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The one unique aspect of The Outdoors Station, is our ability to freely support people who get out there and do something inspiring. They may not get massive recognition in the main stream media, but we like to honour their efforts, share their journey, hear their passion and respect their achievements, no matter how big or small. One such group of people are the Solar Cyclists, who returned to the UK early 2010 following a 13,000 mile cycle trip, raising funds for Solar Aid and promoting Solar Energy on route. A small team, no back up, minimal gear and just lots of puff! A fantastic story and one which I guarantee will inspire you to do something this year. In part one Susie Wheeldon discusses the planning, the team and how it all came about.

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This is a timely podcast which may be of interest to those considering taking a break from a traditional holiday commitment, and perhaps doing something more useful with your time, than sitting on a beach reading a book. Have you ever thought about volunteering? There are many projects around the world, which rely on volunteers to support their efforts. This can be at orphanages, building projects or animal welfare to name but a few,where people go to share their skills and help out for a few weeks or many months. Beth has recently visited an Animal Welfare Centre in Thailand and in this podcast she interviews, a local coordinator as well as some volunteers, to see what a difference volunteering can make.

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Lands End to John O'Groats or LEJOG as it is better known is one long distance walking and cycling trip in the UK, that most people consider at some stage in their outdoors life. It isn't as massive as the Appellation Trail, or as wild and dangerous as walking to the North Pole say, but it does seem to be ingrained into the core of every British citizen as 'the long one'. At around 900 miles as the crow flies, we have the option to take the rambling rural high road of costal paths and walking trails, or the fastest route either by bike or on foot. David Stevens has decided to tackle the route in April 2010 running 60 miles a day, to attempt a world-record and raise funds for some worthy causes in the process. Totally unsupported (its against the rules) and on his own, carrying all that he needs, he is setting out to beat the current record of 17 days. This is an extreme lightweight trip!

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Hey we're back! Full of apologies mind you, but at least we're back! In this podcast we join in with a Haiti fund raising marathon hill climb relay, right here in our home town of Malvern. We chat to organizer Steve Ollis and then join our small group as we puff our way up the hill and down again. Later in the show I revisit our roots with a lightweight overnight wild camp using some of the new 2010 products and a rucksack weighing in at less than 5kg all in. The main purpose is to look at the new Vaude Power Lizard in the wild, and test the Golite 3+ season top bag in sub zero temperatures.

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