Preparation
Work began on the vehicles in December 2006, at Resolute, Canada, from where the expedition would begin. Over 240 man-hours of labour were spent completely refitting the two vehicles in preparation for the journey. Testing of the vehicles began in February 2007, after which some further modifications were made to the vehicles — the suspension was altered and the original 29" tyres were replaced with 38" ones. Testing of the vehicles continued until April 2007 with repeated cold start evaluations being taken to make sure that the vehicles would start in all conditions. On 20 April 2007 the Top Gear presenters arrived and began their cold weather training. This intensive training involved a two-night expedition camping on sea ice, where the presenters learned how to erect a tent, build a makeshift aircraft runway, pull a sled and deal with polar bears. Also, Clarkson was pushed into the frigid water by their trainer, an SAS veteran. With help from satellite images provided by the BBC, the support team plotted the route that the expedition would take.
Polar explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes was called in to speak with the presenters after their constant joking and horseplay during their cold weather training. As a former guest on the show who was familiar with their penchant for tomfoolery, Fiennes bluntly informed them of the grave dangers of polar expeditions, showing pictures of his own frostbite injuries and what remained of his left hand.
Read more about this topic: Top Gear: Polar Special
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