Meet The Crew

I’ve been fortunate to spend more than two decades in AR, with a particular passion for long-format international expedition races and rogaining. Over the years I’ve competed in events across Australia, New Zealand, UK, South America, Africa and China, including AR World Championship races, where I often had the role of navigator. I love the challenge, the teamwork, the amazing places we get to move through, and solving the crazy problems that inevitably arise. I have made so many great and lasting friendships and memories. In recent years I’ve gradually shifted from competing to helping at events. I’ve really enjoyed working behind the scenes and it has helped me stay connected to the adventure racing community that has given me so much I love being part of the AR community, meeting people from different countries and cultures, and helping deliver an event that competitors will remember for years. It’s a wonderful opportunity to contribute my experience as a racer and navigator, while spending time in what promises to be a spectacular and inspiring environment.

I thrive on adventure and exploring the great outdoors. Africa is my favorite destination for camping, hiking, trekking and adrenaline rush. Every country comes with its own unique people, culture, cuisine and diverse landscapes. I have authored the book “Grid and Glory of Adventure racing” in 2024 depicting the stories and inspiration of some of the world’s great adventure racers. Being an adrenaline junkie myself, what draws me most to Expedition Mechukha are the expectation of mountains and jungles, the unique culture and lifestyle and purity of the spirit of the mountain people.

Project Manager by day, adventurer by heart — I thrive in the outdoors and embrace every challenge that comes my way. For 10 years, I have had the privilege of participating in Adventure Races, combining teamwork, resilience, and a passion for adventure. After competing, I have proudly volunteered for the last 5 years, giving back to a community that has inspired and shaped me. Whether navigating trails, supporting fellow racers, or taking on new experiences, the outdoors is where I feel most alive.

I am a qualified paramedic who has been assisting at various Adventure races. I worked at 3 Expedition races so far and at 1 world champs. I thrive on adventure and exploring the great outdoors. Africa is my favorite destination for camping, hiking, trekking and adrenaline rush. Every country comes with its own unique people, culture, cuisine and diverse landscapes. I have huge gratitude for the privilege to be part of Adventure Mechukha.

Originally from the UK, I now live in Tasmania, Australia. I last competed in AR at the World Champs in Australia (2015) and I have volunteered at the World AR Champs in Ecuador and many events in Australia over the last 20 years. I never excelled at AR, but had more success with rogaining. I have been advisor to the World Rogaining Champs (Finland) and several national orienteering championships in Australia, UK and Norway. I am a cartographer specialising in mountain terrain and orienteering maps. My partner Thorlene volunteered for Expedition India organised by Stephan Heidi & Ajita a few years ago. She had a great experience. This time I decided I should join her and share in some of the fun

TBA

I am a former mid pack adventure racer that participated in and thoroughly enjoyed Adventure Racing for about 15 years. I stopped the longer racers when my children were born and I was getting older, but I have continued to help Race Organizers as a volunteer in various capacities. Around seven years ago I joined the AR World Series panel of Race Referees. Since joining I have been a ARWS referee at racers across Southern Africa including South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia with a highlight being one of the three referees at the AR World Championships in 2023 Cape st Francis in South Africa. I also consult with and contribute to the interpretation of rules and penalties with other Race Referees who face situations across the world in their races. The Race Directors in Heidi, Stephan and Ajita are skilled, experienced and a pleasure to work with, so this was an attraction. Also, Ajita has bugged me for years now to come to see and experience India and this is the perfect chance to take up the invitation, connect with her and Sayeesha again and to see their wonderful country.

I loved my time as an Adventure Racer, competing in multiple expedition length races including the Bull of Africa, the Australian XPD and the ARWC in Costa Rica. Made the switch to mountain bike racing (Cape Epic and La Ruta) and now volunteering. I love the people, racers and volunteers, you meet at these events. The energy and positivity is inspiring. The chance to see amazing backcountry around the world is terrific and the opportunity to work with Heidi and Stephan again is too good to pass up. I am a licensed Wilderness EMT, Whitewater Rescue trained, hold an Advanced Scuba Diver certification and currently work as rafting guide. More than anything I love to be outdoors, in a remote location, suffering miserably. Even better if we’re lost…

I thrive on nature and the great outdoors.  While never an AR competitor, I have loved participating as a race volunteer over more than two decades across four continents, including 3 AR World Championships, most recently in South Africa and Canada. Closer to home, I explore local trails and write a trails blog in my home state of Connecticut, USA.  I love to meet new people and experience different cultures, and am honored to participate in Adventure Mechukha.