I think that is neat. I think it is good they are using lower trikes instead of bikes. It would give them someplace to rest at breaks. I think it should have some kind of windshield or 'shell' to help protect from the wind / cold. If they succede, perhaps they could do a documentary on it? It would be interesting to see all that goes to prepare for this sort of journey.

Good luck to her. A trike that's intrinsically stable is a step in the right direction, but I think she should have abandoned wheels entirely, though. Skis in the front rather than wheels would be better in the snow. Less to go wrong. A wide, cleated track in the back for a much larger contact patch, more traction, better braking and far more flotation, especially on soft snow. Essentially a human-powered snowmobile. Snowmobiles are the supreme winter outdoor performance vehicle and I have to believe it's for good reasons. Plus insulation like three inches of Primaloft sewn on the underside of the seat mesh so it can provide warmth while maintaining full loft.

"As cold as -35°C" is no joke, particularly in the windstorms she'll be going through. I guess right now, this is as warm as it gets at the South Pole. Actually on her log, she said she tested her front wheel skis on, uh, Friday 13th. I hope she makes it, I'm really interested to follow this expedition!

I admire the spirit and endurance. For the trike, I would have added two long skis higher up, at roof level. These two skis overshoot the front and rear by quite a bit. The idea is that should she run into a crevice the two skis can support the trike while she gets out and works the bike back out. The two skis can also be swung sideways down, like a gull wing such that it forms a bridge to propel over a crevice. The two skis can also be used to hold sheeting top and sides for when the wind is really strong, creating a cabin to rest in. And for any reason, the skis can join and be used as tow skis.

Gadgeteer, I like your ideas. I would add a sealed vehicle with radar or some sensor and GPS to navigate in zero visibility.

Doesn't aluminum become stronger as temperatures plummet, and steel becomes more brittle? Why not simply thicker aluminum, instead of chrome moly substitution.

Truly admirable. The will power, the determination. The enormous risk taking. For fame? I hope, she makes it and it worth it. Beyond extraordinary endurance, what is she proving? That it is possible to tricycle on snow? Will that sell enough snow-cycle? I wonder, in that position, with so heavy gear, how can she pedal so strongly? The videos clearly show many basic flows of the tricycle design, which works against her. The rear wheel is heavily loaded, sinks deep in fresh powder, not in the front wheel track line. It spins faster than the front wheels, loosing lots of usable energy. Four wheeler with front ski “wheels” and right behind rear wheels would still qualify as bicycle. She could be more effective in upright position as she mostly trained on exercise bike. She could see forward better, even if her center of mass would be higher. The steel 4130 chrome-choice is questionable. Still heavy. 7xxx series High strength ductile aluminum alloy could have the same strength for 3x less weight. Wrapped in a layer of aramid fiber composite would be even better. There is only one type of wheel which could never skid on snow and ice, for having built-in tangential air-cylinders acting between the hub and the rigid ribbed rim as flexible torque coupler of exponentially progressive elasticity. For having long strokes, that provides 9x more comfort for the rider. Several videos testify that it can go on snow, sand, gravel, mud and ice as no other wheel and with 1/3rd less effort. Ask for the links, if you have not seen one on wheel chair or on car on dyno running. Though tire puncture may not be a danger there, fat rubber tire is heavy. Composite light but rigid rim would be a better choice. Similar to moon carts. The spare ski pair is a good idea, for just in case. I press fingers that she makes it triumphantly and comes back healthy, unhurt. Light helmet with visor could warm her face. I see that quite unprotected. I always wonder how you can take care of urgent calls of nature in that cold weather. What do you eat, just dry food? How you keep water from freezing? How can I sleep now until she comes back!

@Gadgeteer, Nantha Kumar Nithiahnanthan and Unbelievable: You guys make a lot of excellent points and ask a lot of excellent questions!
Can somebody from the expedition answer some of them for us please? Cheers!

The concerns about the weight and stiffness of frozen rubber tires is not only valid but this might well have been a great application opportunity for any of several springy wheel designs developed for moon or mars rovers. Given that she is already under way I can only wish her well. Using Chrome-Moly tubing is a good choice because there is a well known history of aircraft having parts fail or even shatter in the extreme cold.

to those of you who is asking why not skies instead of wheels - "to cycle to the South Pole" might mean that with skies it isn't technically "to cycle"