Authors: Victoria Crafar
Date Submitted: March 31, 2010
Article Type: Discourse

The story about to be told is one of great heart. At times unbelievable and utterly mind-blowing, it has come straight from a self-confessed mad-man. He is Ashburton, New Zealand’s Craig Hansen, aged on the edge of half a century, and the record is entirely true and correct. It speaks of four men and a support crew who conquered the rugged, unforgiving Sahara Desert and its many barbs – all the while in buggies – by harnessing the power of wind as their fuel alone. It tells of determination, innovation, inspiration, and new world records.

Welcome to the Mad Way South. It is all for a good cause.

Enter Kiwi (New Zealander) Steve Gurney, former professional multi-sport and triathlon athlete, now adventurer and legend. About four years ago, he and Craig were already acquainted and had missions on their minds.

At that stage, the target was the Namibian Desert to the Skeleton Coast solely by wind power, and funding was being sought from the New Zealand Government’s Sport and Recreation (SPARC) department. Out of many applications, the men made the final three, but missed out on the support. It went to two New Zealanders who were planning to walk across Greenland. However, the homework had already been done. “We knew it was possible, but we didn’t have the right time or money to do it,” says Craig.

Page Number: 18
PDF Link: Discourse Issue