Antarctica to the South Pole: A Pioneering Motorcycle Expedition with Jim and Rolf!!
Pushing the boundaries of exploration with a world-first attempt to ride 900 kilometres across Earth's most hostile continent
Partner with us
The Explorer: Declan McEvoy
I am an Irish adventure motorcyclist with a distinguished track record of extreme, world-first journeys spanning seven years across 59 countries, five continents, and 93,000 kilometres. My expeditions have taken me through some of the planet's most challenging environments, from scorching deserts to frozen wastelands.
My achievements include a Guinness World Record for riding the length of Lake Baikal in Siberia during mid-winter at –30°C, camping on the frozen lake whilst filming the documentary One Mile Down: A Siberian Scramble. This extraordinary feat demonstrated both technical mastery and mental resilience in extreme conditions.
In recent years, I have specialised in cold-climate expeditions. January 2023 saw me ride solo from Ireland to Nordkapp in mid-winter using studded tyres and camping in –25°C conditions. Two years later, I successfully led a second winter ride to Nordkapp with a novice rider, proving that with proper preparation—logistics, machinery, and mindset—the seemingly impossible becomes achievable.
Proven Track Record: Expedition Highlights
Guinness World Record
Lake Baikal, Siberia: Rode the length of the world's deepest lake in –30°C conditions, camping on ice
Seven-Year World Circuit
59 countries, five continents, 93,000 kilometres solo—demonstrating endurance and adaptability
Nordkapp Winter Expeditions
Two successful mid-winter rides to Europe's northern edge, including leading a novice rider
Each expedition has refined my expertise in extreme-environment logistics, cold-weather survival, equipment modification, and risk management. These journeys have built a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to succeed where most would not dare to venture.
The Ultimate Challenge: Antarctica to the South Pole
My next project represents my most ambitious endeavour: to ride a specially-modified motorcycle from the edge of the Antarctic ice shelf to the Geographic South Pole—approximately 900 kilometres across Earth's most unforgiving terrain. This journey will traverse vast ice fields, navigate treacherous crevasse zones, and endure temperatures plummeting below –40°C.
Few have attempted such a crossing, and successful completion on a motorcycle remains uncharted territory in global exploration history. The technical, logistical, and physical challenges are immense: extreme cold affects machinery and human performance, whiteout conditions eliminate visibility, and rescue options are severely limited or non-existent.
"This expedition will test the absolute limits of human determination, mechanical engineering, and expedition planning in the world's most extreme environment."
The project demands meticulous preparation, cutting-edge equipment modification, comprehensive risk assessment, and unwavering mental fortitude. Success will require innovation in cold-weather motorcycle engineering, navigation systems, survival protocols, and team coordination.
Two-Phase Strategic Approach
Phase One: Reconnaissance Mission
January 2026 – A crucial 60-kilometre hiking expedition with two nights camping on the Antarctic ice. This recce will study snow load and terrain characteristics, understand survival and navigation requirements, test equipment in authentic conditions, and establish essential Antarctic contacts and logistics networks.
Phase Two: Full Expedition
January 2027 – The world-first attempt with a three-person team: myself on a specially-modified motorcycle, a second rider on a motorcycle with sidecar for additional supplies and redundancy, and a third adventurer on a quad providing support and emergency backup capability.

Why the reconnaissance mission matters: The January 2026 recce is not optional—it is the foundation upon which expedition success will be built. Without firsthand data on snow conditions, navigation challenges, and environmental realities, the full expedition would be reckless rather than calculated.
Reconnaissance Mission: Critical Objectives
1
Terrain Analysis
Comprehensive assessment of snow load characteristics, ice surface conditions, and crevasse distribution patterns
2
Equipment Testing
Real-world validation of camping systems, navigation equipment, communication devices, and cold-weather survival gear
3
Logistics Mapping
Establish relationships with Antarctic research stations, understand supply chain requirements, and identify emergency protocols
4
Route Planning
Firsthand observation of navigation challenges, weather pattern impacts, and optimal travel corridor identification
This reconnaissance mission will generate invaluable intelligence that cannot be obtained through desk research alone. The data gathered will directly inform motorcycle modifications, fuel calculations, daily distance planning, emergency procedures, and team coordination protocols for the 2027 expedition.
Technical Innovation & Engineering Challenge
Motorcycle Modifications
  • Extreme cold-weather engine adaptation
  • Specialised track system for snow and ice
  • Enhanced fuel capacity and efficiency
  • Lightweight materials for reduced snow load
  • Emergency heating systems
  • Reinforced frame for harsh terrain
Navigation & Safety
  • Satellite communication systems
  • GPS with Antarctic-specific mapping
  • Emergency beacon technology
  • Weather monitoring equipment
  • Crevasse detection sensors
The engineering challenges are substantial. Standard motorcycles cannot operate in Antarctic conditions—every component must be reimagined for extreme cold, from lubricants that remain fluid at –50°C to electrical systems that function in low-pressure, high-static environments.
The reconnaissance mission will provide critical data on required modifications, weight distribution, track width for optimal flotation, and power requirements for navigating soft snow versus hard ice surfaces.
Partnership Opportunity: Join a Historic Endeavour
For the January 2026 reconnaissance mission, I am seeking €20,000 in co-funded partnership support. This represents a strategic investment in groundbreaking exploration, with opportunities for two to three partners who share an interest in Antarctic science, exploration engineering, logistics innovation, sustainability, or extreme-environment research.
Brand Association
Connect your organisation with a pioneering expedition that pushes human and technological boundaries
Early Involvement
Be part of the foundation phase of a potential world-first achievement, with strategic input and visibility
Storytelling Platform
Gain visibility throughout preparation, execution, and post-expedition documentation across multiple media channels
Partners will receive comprehensive expedition updates, media coverage inclusion, logo placement on expedition materials and vehicles, content collaboration opportunities, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access to preparation and execution phases. This partnership offers authentic association with genuine exploration—not manufactured adventure.
Why This Matters: Beyond Personal Achievement
This expedition transcends personal ambition. It represents a test case for human adaptability, mechanical innovation, and expedition science in Earth's most extreme environment. The insights gained will contribute to understanding cold-climate vehicle performance, human endurance limits, and sustainable exploration methodologies.
The reconnaissance mission will generate valuable data for the scientific community regarding snow load characteristics, terrain navigation challenges, and equipment performance in Antarctic conditions. The full 2027 expedition, if successful, will demonstrate that with proper preparation and innovation, even the most hostile environments can be navigated responsibly.
Moreover, this project serves as inspiration—proof that with determination, expertise, and meticulous planning, extraordinary goals become achievable. It demonstrates that exploration remains vital in understanding our planet and pushing the boundaries of human potential.
Partner with Us: Make History Together
01
Initial Discussion
Connect with us to explore partnership opportunities, discuss alignment with your organisational goals, and understand expedition objectives
02
Partnership Agreement
Formalise collaboration terms, establish visibility and engagement parameters, and finalise contribution arrangements
03
Preparation Phase
Regular updates on equipment development, training progress, and logistics planning throughout 2025-2026
04
Reconnaissance Mission
January 2026: Real-time updates and content from Antarctica as we gather critical intelligence for the main expedition
05
Main Expedition
January 2027: Partner in a potential world-first achievement with comprehensive media coverage and documentation
This is a rare opportunity to support genuine exploration at the frontier of human achievement. Join us in proving that with vision, preparation, and partnership, the impossible becomes possible.