FOLLOWING THE LINE 2017 EXPEDITION
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Charlie Walker
[email protected]
www.cwexplore.com
+44 (0) 7749 924 742
www.followingtheline.com
What? A nine month, 5,600-mile triathlon expedition (ski-kayak-cycle) spanning the length of the border between Europe and Asia. Travelling from the midwinter
snowfields of the Russian arctic to the Bosporus in Istanbul, Following The Line will be the world’s longest ever triathlon. The expedition will also be the first to
travel the entire length of the Ural mountain range, proceeding on skis, hauling a sled and camping in temperatures as low as -50ºC.
Why? For more than two millennia, geographers and theologians have drawn arbitrary lines to divide ‘enlightened’ Europe from ‘barbarous’ Asia and to differentiate
between ‘us’ and ‘them.’ In reality, however, the gap between Europe and Asia is not continental in the tectonic sense, as with other continents, but simply conceptual
and cultural. This begs the question: is there as much of a divide as we think? And, if so, where does that divide lie?
‘Following the Line’ is an endurance feat undertaken by experienced adventurers. However, much more than that, it is an exploration into what it means to be Asian
or European, what divides or unites the peoples on either side of the line, and the diversity of landscape, environment, religion and culture along the border that has
traditionally demarcated East and West. The team will be shooting a documentary on the journey exploring these ideas.
Following The Line aims to raise £30,000 for Médicins Sans Frontières. MSF refuses to recognise borders and exists to save lives by
providing medical aid where it is needed most – armed conflicts, epidemics, famines and natural disasters. MSF currently have projects
in over 60 countries.
Why sponsor Following The Line?
This world-first expedition is not only a record attempt (world’s longest triathlon), but also has strong potential to attract substantial media attention for both its
challenging nature its investigative ethos. The brand exposure and the charitable association with MSF will raise corporate profile while simultaneously promoting a
healthy lifestyle among employees and giving them an exciting project to follow and feel a part of. Sponsors also have the opportunity for an experienced public
speaker (the expedition leader) to give motivational presentations after the expedition is completed.
Who?
Charlie Walker (Expedition Leader)
Charlie's largest expedition began aged just 22
when he set out on a 4-year, 43,000-mile solo
bicycle journey during which he endured a
Tibetan winter, suspicion of espionage, malaria,
and a beating from an Ethiopian village mob.
Other expeditions have included a 1,000-mile
solo trek across the Gobi desert, a 600-mile
horse trek across the Mongolian steppe, and a
dugout canoe descent of a little known
crocodile-infested tributary of the Congo river. Between expeditions
Charlie works as a writer and motivational speaker. He will chronicle the
story of the Following The Line expedition in a book.
Callie Morgigno
Having spent time on all seven continents, Callie
has worked in an Antarctic research base, donkey
trekked across Mali, taught whitewater kayaking
in Chile, and trekked through Afghanistan's
remote Wakhan corridor. Another of her
favourite adventures was a solo cycle tour of
Central Asia, China, Kashmir and Mongolia.
Callie is the expedition's snow-travel expert and
works seasonally as a glacier guide. She has led a
successful ascents of Aconcagua (6,971m) and Denali (6,190m) – two of the 7
Summits. When not on expedition, she teaches philosophy at the University of
Alaska.
FOLLOWING THE LINE 2017 EXPEDITION
Charlie Walker
[email protected]
www.cwexplore.com
+44 (0) 7749 924 742
SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES
£12,000 remaining to be raised for trip logistics and equipment
These packages have some flexibility and can be tailored to meet your needs
www.followingtheline.com
Expedition Patron: Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE
“The team will undergo the challenges of extreme Arctic conditions, intense and protracted physical exertion, and isolation in places that few ever visit, let
alone in winter. Their endeavour to explore the cultural divide, or lack thereof, between the continents is very worthy, particularly in the current political
climate. I wish them every success in their undertaking and look forward to tracking their progress as they strive for a world first in human-powered travel.”
BRONZE
£1,500 +
SILVER
£2,500 +
GOLD
£5,500 +
EXPOSURE
• Logo featured on expedition website
• Logo on expedition pulk (sledge), kayaks and
bicycles
• Publishable association with Following The Line
2017 Expedition on your website
• Brand publicity via social media channels before and
after expedition
EXPOSURE
Bronze exposure plus:
• Logo on expedition clothing
• Logo banner photographed, displayed and/or used
at start and finish lines
EXPOSURE
Silver exposure plus:
• Exclusive expedition naming rights: e.g. The ‘Your
Business’ Following The Line 2017 Expedition
• Brand publicity via Expedition Documentary Film
• Brand mentioned as “key partner” in all pressreleases
• Brand mentioned as "key partner" in all interviews
(TV, press, radio)
• Personal monthly blogs tailored to the sponsor
• Brand publicity via social media channels during
expedition (as well as before and after)
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
• Invitation to meet pre- and post-expedition
• Charlie Walker to deliver motivational presentation
upon return in place of your choosing (speaking fee
is usually £995)
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
• Invitation to meet pre- and post-expedition
• Charlie Walker to deliver motivational presentation
upon return in place of your choosing (speaking fee
is usually £995)
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
• Invitation to meet pre- and post-expedition
• Charlie Walker to deliver two motivational
presentations upon return in place of your choosing
(speaking fee is usually £995)
• Personal appearance at two UK events of your
choice (one pre- and one post-trip)