Cycling through the world's hottest and most hostile desert may not be a walk in the park, but that doesn't faze Johannesburg adventurer Alex Harris, or deter him from his latest challenge.
After walking 1 208km in 40 days last year, it was only a matter of time before Harris decided he would ride across the Arabic Desert.
Harris, who has climbed the highest mountains on all seven continents, left South Africa yesterday for the world's first cycling expedition across this desert on a mountain bike.
"I love cycling and have a passion for all things adventurous. It may not be my toughest physical challenge, but it will be my toughest bike challenge," he said.
Harris is part of a three-man team alongside fellow adventurers Justin McLeod and Nic Jordan, who are all scheduled to cycle for 10 hours a day to cover the total distance of 1 200km at an average speed of 15km/h.
"Jordan and McLeod have also mountain-biked around Rwanda and Vietnam. However, I'm sure both agree the Empty Quarter will be their toughest adventure to date," said Harris.
The expedition kicks off in Salalah in Oman this Sunday and is expected take two weeks.
Also known as the Empty Quarter, the Arabic Desert crosses through most of the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula and is covered with sand dunes reaching heights of up to 250m.
"For me there is no better way to live a purpose-filled life than to disconnect from the conventional world, to push your boundaries and to experience things that the average human being won't."
In 1996, Harris resigned from a career in sales to follow his passion for exploration and went on to start Xplore Authentic Experiences in 2012.
Though he won't be around for his daughter Leia's fifth birthday, Harris sees himself as fortunate.
"After being an adventurer for 20 years, I've come to realise the privilege I have to travel to the corners of the world," he said.
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