Taysols sponsors SouthSolo Expedition

Posted: 30 April 2008

Taysols have signed up as sponsor of the SouthSolo Expedition to the South Pole.  The expedition will be led by Mr Robert Knight, a young Australian adventurer.

SouthSolo begins in early-November 2008 at Hercules Inlet on the geographical coast of Antarctica. After transporting all his food and equipment from Australia to Punta Arenas, Chile, Rob will spend a week in this South American city making final preparations. From here he will fly south to Patriot Hills, a temporary base at the foot of the Ellsworth Mountains. A short flight takes him to his start point, Hercules Inlet, on the geographical coast of Antarctica.

Rob will tow a 120kg sled containing all that is required - food, fuel, clothing and equipment - for 60 days of Antarctic survival.  Skiing alone without the support of re-supplies or caches remains as one of the greatest Antarctic challenges; a test of resilience, endurance and skill.

From Hercules Inlet the route heads due south. With his sled at its heaviest, the terrain uphill and his body not yet acclimatised to the workload, this first stage will be the most demanding of the expedition. As the weeks unfold however, Rob will find a polar rhythm that will take him forward towards the bottom of the world.

Passing the Thiel Mountains, these will be the last geological features Rob will see as he ascends onto the austere Antarctic Plateau.  This vast expanse, the largest ice desert in the world and home to Earth’s coldest temperatures, will present the final challenge. After skiing 1000km across the world’s most inhospitable continent, Rob will be at journey’s end, the South Pole.

SouthSolowill utilise state-of-the-art communications technology to stay in touch with the world. The expedition website www.southsolo.com will be updated daily with news from the ice, giving the public a direct link to Rob’s progress.

SouthSolo, will be a test of skill, endurance and resourcefulness, and at 23, he will become the youngest person to ski alone and unsupported to the South Pole. The enormity of this expedition and Rob’s bravery inspired the Taysols team to assist in this epic adventure. Taysols has a tradition of supporting good causes, such as the United Buddy Bears, Oxfam and Surf Lifesaving Australia.

“SouthSolo is a bold and visionary endeavour that will galvanize the youth of our nation into believing that anything is possible and Taysols is honoured to assist Rob in this inspirational undertaking.” said Mark Taylor, Director of Taysols.

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