2017 The North Face Adventure Grant winner announced!
WE’RE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE the recipient of the annual Australian Geographic Adventure/The North Face Adventure Grant – 34-year-old Lucy Barnard, in support of her goal to become the first woman to walk the length of the world.
Using entirely non-motorised means, Lucy will depart Ushuaia – the southern-most tip of South America – in 2017, and over the next three years cover 30,000km to reach the northern-most point of North America in Barrow, Alaska.
Lucy’s journey has been two years in the making, and not without its roadblocks. A year ago, she was hit by a car during an endurance cycling event and temporarily paralysed, losing a significant proportion of muscle mass and memory.
Born in Brisbane, outdoor adventure culture has long been a big part of Lucy’s day-to-day life.
However, in a show of endurance that will hold her in good stead for her epic undertaking over the next three years, Lucy worked tirelessly to regain her previous condition, pushing the limits of self-determination.
Born in Brisbane, Lucy grew up with two older sisters and an adventurous family and says she was introduced to endurance sports such as hiking, climbing, rowing and cycling at a young age.
“I am an energetic, outdoor enthusiast who never shies from a challenge or concedes that it can’t be done,” she says.
“Born into an active family I inherited my love of adventure from my father who never saw limitations in the ability of his daughters. Thirty-four years on, I am an aspiring adventure journalist building my online presence to transition into a career as a professional expedition leader, motivator and author.”
Lucy hopes to become the first woman to walk the length of the Earth.
Lucy already has an impressive adventure resume – she’s kayaked 404km over five days, cycled 314km from Darwin to Buley Rockhole in one day and participated in the Great Cycle Challenge, cycling over 3000km in a month.
Now, in support of her biggest adventure yet, Lucy will receive a $5000 grant from The North Face, $2000 worth of The North Face gear, and a $3000 grant from AG Adventure plus an exclusive story on her trip in AG Adventure magazine.
“It is easier to defy odds with a community behind me, people who are encouraging and keenly await success,” Lucy says.
Expedition fast facts
- Lucy Barnard, 34, born in Brisbane
- First woman to walk the length of the world
- Start Ushuaia, South America, 2017
- Finish Barrow, Alaska, 2020
- Three years, 30,000km, solo
- 15 countries
- Walking and paddling
