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Mission Everest: A longterm dream come true 5/1/2007

This really is a dream come true to have this mission finally up & running!
I have dreamt about putting a team together - pilots, sponsors, base camp team etc. to attempt this for several years now, and so many times I have been told that to fly powered paragliders over Everest is asking the impossible! But here we are. The machines are built, the tests being completed and the mountain awaits, and it is happening because of the extraordinary team around me.

The reality also is that I am just the front man for a truly brilliant group of men, from my co-pilots to GKN head-sheds, through to the technical support and advice we have from other climber and paraglider pilots. Everyone involved (especially Gilo!) has worked unacceptably long hours to pull this off and I feel so proud to be part of getting this record attempt airborne!

From now on for the next few months we have a huge amount of work still to do, but together and with a bit of grace and good luck I believe we can do this and take GKN Mission Everest to the top of the world.

Do feel free to ask me or any of team anything that comes to mind - we are all in this together with one aim...and please don't underestimate how much your support and encouragement means to us all.

Thank you.

Bear x

Tim Grahame (08/01/2007 10:49:51)

As an elementary paragliding pilot (I've yet to complete the remainder of the course) I wish you all the very best and every success for this very brave project, you truly are an inspiration. I read in the telegraph that you've made a program for Channel4, when's it to be screened? PS - your a lunatic, a bloody good one, but a lunatic, obviously I mean that in a very nice way!!

Brian Wilde (08/01/2007 10:49:51)

First of all Bear I love your show Man Vs. Wild and am looking forward to getting your book Stranded. I think these are very helpful survival techniques that I hope a lot of people learned while watching your show. Secondly I am excited to hear about your latest endeavor of paragliding over Everest. What a challenge! That is great and I wish you and your team the best and I know you will be successful. Will this at all be shown on television because I would definately like to see it. Mount Everest is just such a spectacular mountain and to paraglide over it would just be a spectacular sight to see. Anyways don't forget your flint, some water, and your knife just in case. :) Have Fun! Best wishes, Brian

Randall Rose (08/01/2007 10:49:51)

Hi Bear, You are truly an inspiration. It's great to see the human spirit of exploration and achievement in full bloom with this project. I am extremely proud of what this group is doing. I wish you and the GKN team the best, and I look forward to the team's day of success! A Friend from Texas, Randy Rose

Allen Murray (08/01/2007 10:49:51)

Amazing!Absolutely the true spirit of adventure and benefits a wonderful cause.If anyone can do it, it would have to be the team you've put together. I look forward to the updates. It's the next best thing to being there. All the best! God bless.

Collin Haney (08/01/2007 10:49:51)

Hi, I'm a huge fan of your show "Man vs Wild" and have recently read your books, which have literally changed my life. I am exicited to see that you are continuing to push yourself to achieve what most people believe is impossible. Being a Christian also, it is obivious God has truly blessed you, and I pray this Everest mission goes smoothly and you can return safely home to your family. Thank you for being a huge inspiration and I look foward to keeping track of the progress of your soon to be successful mission of flying over Everest. Good Luck and God Bless.

Alan Clarkson (08/01/2007 10:49:51)

Bear, Congratulations to you and your team on this mission! I GREATLY enjoy your Man vs Wild series, and hope to see it continue. You have obtained one of my dreams, by reaching the summit of Everest, and I respect it so much. You've been an encouragement to me, and I have learned so much from your accomplishments and your show. I enjoy camping and hiking, and have learned some great tricks from you. I was a member of the U.S. Navy, and salute you for your commission in the Royal Navy as Lieutenant Commander. Again, I appreciate the lengths you go to on your show, and wish you and your team all the best on your new Everest mission. God Bless you, your family, and your team. I am an avid fan! Alan Clarkson Columbus, OH, USA

Tyler Stone (08/01/2007 10:49:51)

I'm sitting here at work and not on my lunch hour wishing my life was only a 1% as exciting as yours is. I envy your determination. My only question is how do I find adventure when no one that I am surrounded with has any desire for such? I am 34 yoa and bored to death. Thanks and good luck in all that you are going to do.

Ron Domingue (08/01/2007 10:49:51)

Congratulations Bear on getting Mission Everest off the Ground (both literally and figuratively)! My only question is with the thinness of the atmosphere how does your equipment account for it when even helicopters can't fly at this altitude? You are truly and adventurous spirit! // Ron

Torrey (08/01/2007 10:49:51)

Bear, I think this is great what you and your brilliant team are attempting. I wish you and your team luck and success! I just wish I could fly it with you all!! Your an inspiration. All the best, Torrey

Kathey A. Tucker (08/01/2007 10:49:51)

Bear: I think you're the closest thing to a super-hero that I've ever seen and I'm sure your team is up to the task at hand. Best of luck to all: I do hope you keep your fans informed of your progress and results. I hope it's filmed. God Speed and Protection, Kat

Yoshi (08/01/2007 10:49:51)

Best wishes in this tremendous endeavour into the record books. With air travel, we regularly fly at 33,000 ft but it’s easy to forget that we don’t belong there. Flying to those heights with a paramotor will be a testament to man’s ingenuity.

James (08/01/2007 10:49:51)

Dear Bear, Im guessing due to the popularity of your new show, this message will never reach you! After looking through the challenge you have ahead, I just stopped by to say best wishes! I am truly envious of all you have accomplished at your young age. I am 27 and havent done anything like this! Your new show is awesome, and I cant wait for the second season! Cheers

Al (08/01/2007 10:49:51)

Bear, I will keep you in my prayers and hope your dream comes true. Good luck and stay safe!

Andy Hogan (08/01/2007 10:49:51)

Good luck to and the team on your latest challenge, hope all the preparations are going well. Even with all the training and planning that goes on before hand how much of the missions success will be down to luck or is every last detail meticulously planned?

Will Collis (08/01/2007 10:49:51)

How many spare socks should I bring -and a warm jumper?!

Brian Curnel (08/01/2007 10:49:51)

Bear, All my best on your and your crews adventure. I believe in your efforts and God bless you for your kindness and charity. Godspeed come back to us safely!

Alex Rayner & Captive Minds (08/01/2007 14:49:51)

Hi Bear, We all wish you every success, may you and Gilo come back safely. Alex & The Captive Minds Team. P.S. You can always leave Will Collis there, no-one will miss him!!!

Letitia (08/01/2007 17:49:51)

I love this site, Bear. Looking forward to seeing and reading about the mission. Good luck.

Giles Rayner (08/01/2007 20:49:51)

Alex I think you should go too! Good luck everyone and come back as I need a lesson when you do!

Seth (09/01/2007 00:49:51)

Bear, I look up to you alot. What your attempting is dangerous (as usual), I'll pray for you. Hooyah

John Mumaretta (09/01/2007 00:49:51)

Darn you Bear, I thought Man VS Wild was a good show, and it is! and now you going to try this Wow! I will pray for you dude!

Ed Wright (09/01/2007 20:49:51)

Hi Bear, I’m just about to embark on a risky business venture. It pales in to deep insignificance compared to what you are going to do. However, your spirit of “can do.... will do” is giving me great strength, as I’m sure it does for so many others. Best of luck to you and your team.

Brent (10/01/2007 18:49:50)

From watching you 'join' the Legion to surviving on Man vs. Wild, you truly are one amazing individual and someone to whom I find both inspiration and admiration. If anyone can pull off such an incredible feat such as this, I believe it is you and your amazing team. I just wanted to say thank you. Good luck and God Bless.

Bear (31/01/2007 17:48:28)

Thanks everyone here- so appreciated! x

Drew (04/02/2007 01:48:28)

Bear, I too am a fan of Man vs The Wild, I don't miss it for anything... Since you are on an extreme winter adventure, maybe you could provide some tips on keeping your hands warm in below freezing temperatures when you don't have the right equiptment. I am in law enforcement and wearing big bulky gloves isn't condusive to my needed dexterity on the job, I thought that you would have some helpful suggestions to help prevent frost bite ( that I have already gotten once this year). Thanks.

Bryce Tangvald (13/02/2007 00:48:54)

Bear, what can I say... Thank you. There is a real need for role models in the world. people who do things that are herculean, yet it's not out of reach to follow in their footsteps. Even as I get older, these things are necessary. Thank you for the support of the people who need it. something about "setting the captives free" comes to mind. I'll be praying for you and your team. Thank you

Joel Petch (05/03/2007 16:49:26)

Bear, I realise that in the past you have stated that your days of joining a serious expedition are over, however I would like you to join an expedition to the South Summit of Everest in 2008, mail me for more details, best wishes for this trip,

Nick Gagnon (14/04/2007 18:50:01)

Dear Bear, I think what you are doing over there is unbelievable, comparable to what Hillary and Norgay accomplished in '53. I have a off topic question however: did you ever get sick drinking that water out of the elephant dung in the safari? -Nick New Hampshire, USA

Emily Roat (07/05/2007 17:50:43)

Hi,I am so worried for you and your team.How are you going to breath if you don"t climetize?I hope you don't die up there or run out of air tanks,or paraglider rips,and get stuck on the mountain.Do you have a survivel pack?Hope you are safe, Emily Roat.

Halim Tahyer (17/05/2007 09:50:58)

Hi,Dear Bear the Team GKN Everest give a new insperation to the whole GKN mission & GKN Penang always together with you.Let's move!!

Amrit Bhambra (11/06/2007 17:51:10)

bear, ive recently been watching ur survival show 'Born survivor'. before this i didnt even know who you were. this site and many others gave me a lot of information and i know believe that you truly are an inspiration to lots of people. being right at the bottom of the ladder, im 15 years old and currently doing the duke of edinburgh award. in fact, in 3 weeks i have to travel 30 miles in wales but its nothing compared to everest. so i have one question: where did u start in terms of gaining experience and eventually climbing everest? would i have to apply in the army to gain training? Thanks Bear for all of your inspiration x

Dog Boy Malone (23/06/2007 23:51:10)

MAN I LOVE JESUS, PRAISE THE LORD HE SAVE'S COOL DUDES LIKE YOU BEAR. LOOKING FORWARD TO JUMPING OFF A MOUTAIN AND RACING YOU HEAD 1ST TO THE BOTTOM. (IN HEAVEN OF COURSE). NOT JUST YET THOUGH. SO KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!!!

Did you know?

Largest team:
In 1975, China tackled Everest with a 410-member team.

Highest cause of death:
Avalanches-about a (2:1) ratio over falls

Source: mnteverest.net