There are adventures we do – and adventures we only dream about. Take cycling around the world. I have always wanted to cycle the world but so far I have only got as far as dreaming about it, suggesting it as an early retirement idea (as if!) and  reading avidly about Mark Beaumont‘s trip, and any other round-world-cycle trips that come to my attention. I haven’t even got as far as getting out a map, or thinking about the route, or even working out how little me would be able to cycle a bike with laden panniers across deserts, up mountains and via dozens of countries.

And take climbing an unclimbed mountain. The G-Force dreams about such things. He would love to be the first to stand on a summit and to go where no other mountaineer has dared.

Then there’s:

* Crossing a desert

* Getting to the North Pole

*  Rowing an ocean

* Sailing the seven seas

* Reaching the south pole.

All big dreams for so many people.

Dreams can be achievable

But writer and adventurer Tim Moss believes that with a lot of planning, money, listening to advice, time and a huge sense of adventure all the dreams above are possible. And so he has published a book called How to Get to the North Pole – and other iconic adventures. In the book he draws on input from more than 50 explorers, as well as his own knowledge, to create a book that is useful, resourceful and entertaining.

Chapter by chapter he focuses on each adventure and outlines costs, strategy, options, routes, practicalities, testimonials, equipment, anecdotes etc.

I have never come across a book like this and I love the concept. It brings to life each adventure as an actual possibility. Of course, there would stil need to be tons of planning, money, advice and time given to such iconic adventures but then you are never going to achieve mega dreams within a couple of days of easy planning. The adventure wouldn’t be iconic if it wasn’t very difficult to achieve.

I can see the book setting readers off on the start of the planning for their chosen adventure, or two. Whether many of us ever achieve the dream adventure is another thing, but Tim does bring the dream just a little bit closer to being a reality.

I now have an idea of my route for cycling around the world, the sort of equipment I might need, a cost and the start of a training strategy. One day…

3 copies of the book to give away

I have three copies of How to Get to the North Pole – and other iconic adventures to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, tell me on Facebook or via email of an adventure or adventurer that inspires you. I’ll choose my three favourites and ask the publisher to send the books out. Closing date is May 25. (Er, the small print says, my decision is final!)

* How to Get to the North Pole  is available at all good book stores priced at £12.99