Race to Cycle to the South Pole 2013 // ICE Trikes race to the South Pole // Maria Leijerstam beats two other male contenders //

British adventurer Maria Leijerstam has braved savage conditions to become the first person to cycle to the South Pole from the edge of the Antarctic continent. Maria, aged 35 from Wales, raced two men for the title and arrived at the pole hundreds of miles ahead of her nearest rival.

After 9 days cycling Maria completed the 400 mile expedition at approximately 1am GMT on the 27th December 2013. Despite starting days later than her competitors Maria made quick progress on a recumbent trike designed specifically for the challenge by Inspired Cycle Engineering. The custom-made trike is stable and aerodynamic, which has allowed Maria to focus her energy on progressing through the gale-force winds and hazardous terrain.

The cycles design is based on a standard ICE Sprint recumbent trike with modifications to ensure it can tackle the rigorous challenge ahead. The frame is made, as standard, from aircraft-grade steel selected for its strength and fatigue resistance. It is fitted with 4.5 inch-wide snow tires for unsurpassed traction and float over snow and ice. The gears are effectively twice as easy as a standard mountain bike, which would allow Maria to climb 1-in-3 gradients.

The ability to climb hills with relative ease meant that Maria could take a shorter route to the pole than her competitors, which required scaling the formidable Transantarctic Mountains; a similar route to that of Scott and Amundsen in their legendary South Pole expeditions. On the recumbent trike Maria was able to ascend the Leverett Glacier, despite strong headwinds and deep snow, to reach the polar plateau.
"The trike is amazing. It's completely stable, even in extreme winds and I can take on long steep hills that I'd never be able to climb on a bike" said Maria.

With the mountains and glacier behind her Maria then faced over 300 miles of the polar plateau. The snow, wind and sastrugi made progress slow and arduous, but by cycling in 12 hour stints Maria continued to progress 25-35 miles (40-60km) each day.

After a well-deserved celebration, call home and rest, Maria will return to her home in Wales where she will no doubt start planning her next mammoth expedition. Huge congratulations to Maria from everyone at ICE Trikes!

Other South Pole Explorers on bikes:

The South Pole Epic, Daniel Burton

Juan Menendez Granados

Eric Larsen, Cycle South Expedition 2012

Post by Brian Perić.

Racing over 400 miles from the edge of the Antarctic continent Maria Leijerstam hopes to beat two other male contenders to claim the world record. 

Race to Cycle to the South Pole 2013 // ICE Trikes race to the South Pole // Maria Leijerstam beats two other male contenders //

British adventurer Maria Leijerstam has braved savage conditions to become the first person to cycle to the South Pole from the edge of the Antarctic continent. Maria, aged 35 from Wales, raced two men for the title and arrived at the pole hundreds of miles ahead of her nearest rival.

After 9 days cycling Maria completed the 400 mile expedition at approximately 1am GMT on the 27th December 2013. Despite starting days later than her competitors Maria made quick progress on a recumbent trike designed specifically for the challenge by Inspired Cycle Engineering. The custom-made trike is stable and aerodynamic, which has allowed Maria to focus her energy on progressing through the gale-force winds and hazardous terrain.

The cycles design is based on a standard ICE Sprint recumbent trike with modifications to ensure it can tackle the rigorous challenge ahead. The frame is made, as standard, from aircraft-grade steel selected for its strength and fatigue resistance. It is fitted with 4.5 inch-wide snow tires for unsurpassed traction and float over snow and ice. The gears are effectively twice as easy as a standard mountain bike, which would allow Maria to climb 1-in-3 gradients.

The ability to climb hills with relative ease meant that Maria could take a shorter route to the pole than her competitors, which required scaling the formidable Transantarctic Mountains; a similar route to that of Scott and Amundsen in their legendary South Pole expeditions. On the recumbent trike Maria was able to ascend the Leverett Glacier, despite strong headwinds and deep snow, to reach the polar plateau.
"The trike is amazing. It's completely stable, even in extreme winds and I can take on long steep hills that I'd never be able to climb on a bike" said Maria.

With the mountains and glacier behind her Maria then faced over 300 miles of the polar plateau. The snow, wind and sastrugi made progress slow and arduous, but by cycling in 12 hour stints Maria continued to progress 25-35 miles (40-60km) each day.

After a well-deserved celebration, call home and rest, Maria will return to her home in Wales where she will no doubt start planning her next mammoth expedition. Huge congratulations to Maria from everyone at ICE Trikes!

Other South Pole Explorers on bikes:

The South Pole Epic, Daniel Burton

Juan Menendez Granados

Eric Larsen, Cycle South Expedition 2012

Post by Brian Perić.

Racing over 400 miles from the edge of the Antarctic continent Maria Leijerstam hopes to beat two other male contenders to claim the world record. 

Race to Cycle to the South Pole 2013 // ICE Trikes race to the South Pole // Maria Leijerstam beats two other male contenders //

British adventurer Maria Leijerstam has braved savage conditions to become the first person to cycle to the South Pole from the edge of the Antarctic continent. Maria, aged 35 from Wales, raced two men for the title and arrived at the pole hundreds of miles ahead of her nearest rival.

After 9 days cycling Maria completed the 400 mile expedition at approximately 1am GMT on the 27th December 2013. Despite starting days later than her competitors Maria made quick progress on a recumbent trike designed specifically for the challenge by Inspired Cycle Engineering. The custom-made trike is stable and aerodynamic, which has allowed Maria to focus her energy on progressing through the gale-force winds and hazardous terrain.

The cycles design is based on a standard ICE Sprint recumbent trike with modifications to ensure it can tackle the rigorous challenge ahead. The frame is made, as standard, from aircraft-grade steel selected for its strength and fatigue resistance. It is fitted with 4.5 inch-wide snow tires for unsurpassed traction and float over snow and ice. The gears are effectively twice as easy as a standard mountain bike, which would allow Maria to climb 1-in-3 gradients.

The ability to climb hills with relative ease meant that Maria could take a shorter route to the pole than her competitors, which required scaling the formidable Transantarctic Mountains; a similar route to that of Scott and Amundsen in their legendary South Pole expeditions. On the recumbent trike Maria was able to ascend the Leverett Glacier, despite strong headwinds and deep snow, to reach the polar plateau.
"The trike is amazing. It's completely stable, even in extreme winds and I can take on long steep hills that I'd never be able to climb on a bike" said Maria.

With the mountains and glacier behind her Maria then faced over 300 miles of the polar plateau. The snow, wind and sastrugi made progress slow and arduous, but by cycling in 12 hour stints Maria continued to progress 25-35 miles (40-60km) each day.

After a well-deserved celebration, call home and rest, Maria will return to her home in Wales where she will no doubt start planning her next mammoth expedition. Huge congratulations to Maria from everyone at ICE Trikes!

Other South Pole Explorers on bikes:

The South Pole Epic, Daniel Burton

Juan Menendez Granados

Eric Larsen, Cycle South Expedition 2012

Post by Brian Perić.

Racing over 400 miles from the edge of the Antarctic continent Maria Leijerstam hopes to beat two other male contenders to claim the world record. 

WT: Panamerican or Circumnavigation, Guinness World Records Challengers

Jan 2, 2010 - Pedaling up the northeast coast of Korea
Start the new year off -right! Power to your pedals!

Correspondence for Glen's supporting group on a Bicycle Circumnavigation Record Attempt:

Glen Burmeister March 26 at 2:06pm
Hi everyone. My attempt on the Guinness record for circumnavigating the world by bicycle will not be going ahead on 3rd April. Another British rider Alan Bate is attempting the record next week and hopes to do it in 3 weeks less than my planned time. He has been sponsored £150,000 and has a support team with him who will carry all his kit, provide him with food and water and arrange all his accomodation. He aims to cycle over 180 miles a day. This is beyond my capabilities as a solo and unsupported rider. Unfortunately Guinness do not make any distinction between supported and unsupported rides. I've learnt that life doesn't always go to plan. Sometimes you just have to pick yourself up and keep moving. I am re-applying with Guinness today for another record which will go ahead in 10-12 weeks time. This one is for cycling the entire length of the Americas from Prudhoe bay in the north of Alaska to Ushuaia in the south of Argentina. Thanks for your support. Stay on the group and I'll keep everyone posted about my new challenge.

Brian 브라이안 Perich March 27 at 10:03pm
Glen, they need to change that [unconditional support for world-record attempts on bicycles] at Guinness. James Bowthorpe's GLOBE CYCLE was completed successfully [current world circumnavigation record holder & great guy I might add!) rode 120 miles/200Km a day to set the current record and had his kit onboard his custom, revolutionary belt-drive - Santos travelmaster with dyno to produce the juice for the headlights and recharge electrical equip. The Panamerican is a popular and challenging route, if your going to set a record racing down there, more power to you, do it, I am heading there in 2012-2013, but I will only do what I can do. The record holders do get endorsements, which makes the current challenger well-equipped with his entourage, kind of kills the aspect of man vs. wild, or adventure...but in these cases, it's about time and fastest time is $$$ money in media attention drawn towards those generous sponsors. Perhaps Mark Beaumont will be all forgotten as the Circum-record continues to get smashed. Lest not the possibilities to drive the world-record attempts further than human limits. The unregulated aspect of the WT competition isn't monitoring athletes that could enhance their performance using a number of possibilities...blood doping, Ritalin or other stimulants, etc...many methods can be used to take the record from the next. Clearly, the Circum-record attempt should be done on two and require self-supported riders only. Another North American challenge to consider (MTBs) is the growing endurance ride called The Tour Divide that might be a nice challenge for you... I'm Canadian and will be heading home in 2012 and starting where you will be shortly, I'm definitely looking forward to it, no records to break...just a long hammer to Argentina. ^_^

Glen Burmeister March 27 at 10:31pm
Have you heard of Scott Napier? He has the Guinness record for cycling the Pan-American highway. He is on facebook. He has over 200 photos of his trip which you'll find very interesting. I will hopefully have a website about my attempt in a months time. I'll update my facebook group (RaceAcrossTheAmericas) daily and write a blog. Thanks for the information and good luck with your trip. You can watch Mark Beaumont cycling the Americas on BBC IPlayer if you've not already seen it. Regards, Glen.

Brian 브라이안 Perich March 27 at 11:03pm
Hey Glenn, thanks for this info. I couldn't follow Mark at all on the iBBC, the player was blocked in South Korea...I have never heard of Scott Napier either, I'm really too old to race...and my intentions are to support the Crohn's and Colitis Foundations of NA while pedaling across Canada, but I will be starting up at Prudhoe, AK or the NWT. It's kind of a gamble for time, and I have no sponsorship, need to organize on that and although I have secured the bike (09' Koga-Miyata World Traveller), I have to plan something to help my wife (then by this May)and two kids while I am away. It's a complex deal, I support other riders and spent about $1000 last year sponsoring their charities. It was an exciting year (last) meeting cool people, since I am really just a hermit rider based in South Korea, it's great to meet people who can get out and ride the world (like a dream of escape!!). James Bowthorpe was so kind to add me to friends, we all have many in common here on FB, we love bikes and know what it can do to change our lives, and in the case of the Guinness, perhaps offer chances we wouldn't have had without making the efforts. The PanAmerican Race sounds awesome, I will race to get back to my wife in Korea, which is why I am interested in what you guys do! I just can't endure like some, although, in the 90's I did endurance riding across America on the cheap, and accumulated 24000+? in about 60 days, with the aid of a motor and smooth roads. I'm involved in a Masters of Education right now, attempting to stay afloat in this, but definitely want to launch and enjoy the WT experience, as so many do, it's a great way to see/enjoy the real life beyond all these walls and make some great friends in the process. I will definitely follow your progress, sounds like a solid plan...so keep working it for the launch. Kind Regards, Brian Perich

Glen Burmeister March 27 at 11:11pm
Apart from the expensive flights, I think anyone could cycle the Pan-American highway without spending too much money. Watching Mark Beaumont, it appears there is always somewhere you can pitch your tent for free. I'm not sure yet how much my flights will cost but I wouldn't expect to spend much more than US$30 each day on average.

Brian 브라이안 Perich March 27 at 11:24pm
Yes, your completely right. I am wondering right now as i spend $3.00 on lunch sandwiches, or the small incidentals of urban living (the endless stream of money out of me, go back and earn more in ESL teaching...a continuous cycle). On the road, there's food for thought. I motorcycled successfully 5 times across America (no records, just cold bones sleeping outside!!) and could budget $200 on fuel/food for 4,000km. I completed a 4,000km jaunt in 64 hours (staying awake for 36)...so it can be done with coffee and cold air ramming into the helmet. I've slept on sidewalks, under rest station park/picnic shades, in National Parks (Yellowstone) without permit (learning the grizzlies or penalty from Park Rangers were much worse!!!), I've also been down the roads in the Baja of Mexico, camping in the desert, cooking mussels we caught along the endless coastline, loads to do, and doing it faster saves you $$$$! Glen, this is a great TRAIN of tought, I could go on and on...like a LOCOMOTIVE, and I think that is what you are going to do on the bike...you have to ride like a hammer and the nail is at the bottom when you hit Urshaia. ^_^!

WT: Panamerican or Circumnavigation, Guinness World Records Challengers

Jan 2, 2010 - Pedaling up the northeast coast of Korea
Start the new year off -right! Power to your pedals!

Correspondence for Glen's supporting group on a Bicycle Circumnavigation Record Attempt:

Glen Burmeister March 26 at 2:06pm
Hi everyone. My attempt on the Guinness record for circumnavigating the world by bicycle will not be going ahead on 3rd April. Another British rider Alan Bate is attempting the record next week and hopes to do it in 3 weeks less than my planned time. He has been sponsored £150,000 and has a support team with him who will carry all his kit, provide him with food and water and arrange all his accomodation. He aims to cycle over 180 miles a day. This is beyond my capabilities as a solo and unsupported rider. Unfortunately Guinness do not make any distinction between supported and unsupported rides. I've learnt that life doesn't always go to plan. Sometimes you just have to pick yourself up and keep moving. I am re-applying with Guinness today for another record which will go ahead in 10-12 weeks time. This one is for cycling the entire length of the Americas from Prudhoe bay in the north of Alaska to Ushuaia in the south of Argentina. Thanks for your support. Stay on the group and I'll keep everyone posted about my new challenge.

Brian 브라이안 Perich March 27 at 10:03pm
Glen, they need to change that [unconditional support for world-record attempts on bicycles] at Guinness. James Bowthorpe's GLOBE CYCLE was completed successfully [current world circumnavigation record holder & great guy I might add!) rode 120 miles/200Km a day to set the current record and had his kit onboard his custom, revolutionary belt-drive - Santos travelmaster with dyno to produce the juice for the headlights and recharge electrical equip. The Panamerican is a popular and challenging route, if your going to set a record racing down there, more power to you, do it, I am heading there in 2012-2013, but I will only do what I can do. The record holders do get endorsements, which makes the current challenger well-equipped with his entourage, kind of kills the aspect of man vs. wild, or adventure...but in these cases, it's about time and fastest time is $$$ money in media attention drawn towards those generous sponsors. Perhaps Mark Beaumont will be all forgotten as the Circum-record continues to get smashed. Lest not the possibilities to drive the world-record attempts further than human limits. The unregulated aspect of the WT competition isn't monitoring athletes that could enhance their performance using a number of possibilities...blood doping, Ritalin or other stimulants, etc...many methods can be used to take the record from the next. Clearly, the Circum-record attempt should be done on two and require self-supported riders only. Another North American challenge to consider (MTBs) is the growing endurance ride called The Tour Divide that might be a nice challenge for you... I'm Canadian and will be heading home in 2012 and starting where you will be shortly, I'm definitely looking forward to it, no records to break...just a long hammer to Argentina. ^_^

Glen Burmeister March 27 at 10:31pm
Have you heard of Scott Napier? He has the Guinness record for cycling the Pan-American highway. He is on facebook. He has over 200 photos of his trip which you'll find very interesting. I will hopefully have a website about my attempt in a months time. I'll update my facebook group (RaceAcrossTheAmericas) daily and write a blog. Thanks for the information and good luck with your trip. You can watch Mark Beaumont cycling the Americas on BBC IPlayer if you've not already seen it. Regards, Glen.

Brian 브라이안 Perich March 27 at 11:03pm
Hey Glenn, thanks for this info. I couldn't follow Mark at all on the iBBC, the player was blocked in South Korea...I have never heard of Scott Napier either, I'm really too old to race...and my intentions are to support the Crohn's and Colitis Foundations of NA while pedaling across Canada, but I will be starting up at Prudhoe, AK or the NWT. It's kind of a gamble for time, and I have no sponsorship, need to organize on that and although I have secured the bike (09' Koga-Miyata World Traveller), I have to plan something to help my wife (then by this May)and two kids while I am away. It's a complex deal, I support other riders and spent about $1000 last year sponsoring their charities. It was an exciting year (last) meeting cool people, since I am really just a hermit rider based in South Korea, it's great to meet people who can get out and ride the world (like a dream of escape!!). James Bowthorpe was so kind to add me to friends, we all have many in common here on FB, we love bikes and know what it can do to change our lives, and in the case of the Guinness, perhaps offer chances we wouldn't have had without making the efforts. The PanAmerican Race sounds awesome, I will race to get back to my wife in Korea, which is why I am interested in what you guys do! I just can't endure like some, although, in the 90's I did endurance riding across America on the cheap, and accumulated 24000+? in about 60 days, with the aid of a motor and smooth roads. I'm involved in a Masters of Education right now, attempting to stay afloat in this, but definitely want to launch and enjoy the WT experience, as so many do, it's a great way to see/enjoy the real life beyond all these walls and make some great friends in the process. I will definitely follow your progress, sounds like a solid plan...so keep working it for the launch. Kind Regards, Brian Perich

Glen Burmeister March 27 at 11:11pm
Apart from the expensive flights, I think anyone could cycle the Pan-American highway without spending too much money. Watching Mark Beaumont, it appears there is always somewhere you can pitch your tent for free. I'm not sure yet how much my flights will cost but I wouldn't expect to spend much more than US$30 each day on average.

Brian 브라이안 Perich March 27 at 11:24pm
Yes, your completely right. I am wondering right now as i spend $3.00 on lunch sandwiches, or the small incidentals of urban living (the endless stream of money out of me, go back and earn more in ESL teaching...a continuous cycle). On the road, there's food for thought. I motorcycled successfully 5 times across America (no records, just cold bones sleeping outside!!) and could budget $200 on fuel/food for 4,000km. I completed a 4,000km jaunt in 64 hours (staying awake for 36)...so it can be done with coffee and cold air ramming into the helmet. I've slept on sidewalks, under rest station park/picnic shades, in National Parks (Yellowstone) without permit (learning the grizzlies or penalty from Park Rangers were much worse!!!), I've also been down the roads in the Baja of Mexico, camping in the desert, cooking mussels we caught along the endless coastline, loads to do, and doing it faster saves you $$$$! Glen, this is a great TRAIN of tought, I could go on and on...like a LOCOMOTIVE, and I think that is what you are going to do on the bike...you have to ride like a hammer and the nail is at the bottom when you hit Urshaia. ^_^!

WT: Panamerican or Circumnavigation, Guinness World Records Challengers

Jan 2, 2010 - Pedaling up the northeast coast of Korea
Start the new year off -right! Power to your pedals!

Correspondence for Glen's supporting group on a Bicycle Circumnavigation Record Attempt:

Glen Burmeister March 26 at 2:06pm
Hi everyone. My attempt on the Guinness record for circumnavigating the world by bicycle will not be going ahead on 3rd April. Another British rider Alan Bate is attempting the record next week and hopes to do it in 3 weeks less than my planned time. He has been sponsored £150,000 and has a support team with him who will carry all his kit, provide him with food and water and arrange all his accomodation. He aims to cycle over 180 miles a day. This is beyond my capabilities as a solo and unsupported rider. Unfortunately Guinness do not make any distinction between supported and unsupported rides. I've learnt that life doesn't always go to plan. Sometimes you just have to pick yourself up and keep moving. I am re-applying with Guinness today for another record which will go ahead in 10-12 weeks time. This one is for cycling the entire length of the Americas from Prudhoe bay in the north of Alaska to Ushuaia in the south of Argentina. Thanks for your support. Stay on the group and I'll keep everyone posted about my new challenge.

Brian 브라이안 Perich March 27 at 10:03pm
Glen, they need to change that [unconditional support for world-record attempts on bicycles] at Guinness. James Bowthorpe's GLOBE CYCLE was completed successfully [current world circumnavigation record holder & great guy I might add!) rode 120 miles/200Km a day to set the current record and had his kit onboard his custom, revolutionary belt-drive - Santos travelmaster with dyno to produce the juice for the headlights and recharge electrical equip. The Panamerican is a popular and challenging route, if your going to set a record racing down there, more power to you, do it, I am heading there in 2012-2013, but I will only do what I can do. The record holders do get endorsements, which makes the current challenger well-equipped with his entourage, kind of kills the aspect of man vs. wild, or adventure...but in these cases, it's about time and fastest time is $$$ money in media attention drawn towards those generous sponsors. Perhaps Mark Beaumont will be all forgotten as the Circum-record continues to get smashed. Lest not the possibilities to drive the world-record attempts further than human limits. The unregulated aspect of the WT competition isn't monitoring athletes that could enhance their performance using a number of possibilities...blood doping, Ritalin or other stimulants, etc...many methods can be used to take the record from the next. Clearly, the Circum-record attempt should be done on two and require self-supported riders only. Another North American challenge to consider (MTBs) is the growing endurance ride called The Tour Divide that might be a nice challenge for you... I'm Canadian and will be heading home in 2012 and starting where you will be shortly, I'm definitely looking forward to it, no records to break...just a long hammer to Argentina. ^_^

Glen Burmeister March 27 at 10:31pm
Have you heard of Scott Napier? He has the Guinness record for cycling the Pan-American highway. He is on facebook. He has over 200 photos of his trip which you'll find very interesting. I will hopefully have a website about my attempt in a months time. I'll update my facebook group (RaceAcrossTheAmericas) daily and write a blog. Thanks for the information and good luck with your trip. You can watch Mark Beaumont cycling the Americas on BBC IPlayer if you've not already seen it. Regards, Glen.

Brian 브라이안 Perich March 27 at 11:03pm
Hey Glenn, thanks for this info. I couldn't follow Mark at all on the iBBC, the player was blocked in South Korea...I have never heard of Scott Napier either, I'm really too old to race...and my intentions are to support the Crohn's and Colitis Foundations of NA while pedaling across Canada, but I will be starting up at Prudhoe, AK or the NWT. It's kind of a gamble for time, and I have no sponsorship, need to organize on that and although I have secured the bike (09' Koga-Miyata World Traveller), I have to plan something to help my wife (then by this May)and two kids while I am away. It's a complex deal, I support other riders and spent about $1000 last year sponsoring their charities. It was an exciting year (last) meeting cool people, since I am really just a hermit rider based in South Korea, it's great to meet people who can get out and ride the world (like a dream of escape!!). James Bowthorpe was so kind to add me to friends, we all have many in common here on FB, we love bikes and know what it can do to change our lives, and in the case of the Guinness, perhaps offer chances we wouldn't have had without making the efforts. The PanAmerican Race sounds awesome, I will race to get back to my wife in Korea, which is why I am interested in what you guys do! I just can't endure like some, although, in the 90's I did endurance riding across America on the cheap, and accumulated 24000+? in about 60 days, with the aid of a motor and smooth roads. I'm involved in a Masters of Education right now, attempting to stay afloat in this, but definitely want to launch and enjoy the WT experience, as so many do, it's a great way to see/enjoy the real life beyond all these walls and make some great friends in the process. I will definitely follow your progress, sounds like a solid plan...so keep working it for the launch. Kind Regards, Brian Perich

Glen Burmeister March 27 at 11:11pm
Apart from the expensive flights, I think anyone could cycle the Pan-American highway without spending too much money. Watching Mark Beaumont, it appears there is always somewhere you can pitch your tent for free. I'm not sure yet how much my flights will cost but I wouldn't expect to spend much more than US$30 each day on average.

Brian 브라이안 Perich March 27 at 11:24pm
Yes, your completely right. I am wondering right now as i spend $3.00 on lunch sandwiches, or the small incidentals of urban living (the endless stream of money out of me, go back and earn more in ESL teaching...a continuous cycle). On the road, there's food for thought. I motorcycled successfully 5 times across America (no records, just cold bones sleeping outside!!) and could budget $200 on fuel/food for 4,000km. I completed a 4,000km jaunt in 64 hours (staying awake for 36)...so it can be done with coffee and cold air ramming into the helmet. I've slept on sidewalks, under rest station park/picnic shades, in National Parks (Yellowstone) without permit (learning the grizzlies or penalty from Park Rangers were much worse!!!), I've also been down the roads in the Baja of Mexico, camping in the desert, cooking mussels we caught along the endless coastline, loads to do, and doing it faster saves you $$$$! Glen, this is a great TRAIN of tought, I could go on and on...like a LOCOMOTIVE, and I think that is what you are going to do on the bike...you have to ride like a hammer and the nail is at the bottom when you hit Urshaia. ^_^!

WT: Panamerican or Circumnavigation, Guinness World Records Challengers

Jan 2, 2010 - Pedaling up the northeast coast of Korea
Start the new year off -right! Power to your pedals!

Correspondence for Glen's supporting group on a Bicycle Circumnavigation Record Attempt:

Glen Burmeister March 26 at 2:06pm
Hi everyone. My attempt on the Guinness record for circumnavigating the world by bicycle will not be going ahead on 3rd April. Another British rider Alan Bate is attempting the record next week and hopes to do it in 3 weeks less than my planned time. He has been sponsored £150,000 and has a support team with him who will carry all his kit, provide him with food and water and arrange all his accomodation. He aims to cycle over 180 miles a day. This is beyond my capabilities as a solo and unsupported rider. Unfortunately Guinness do not make any distinction between supported and unsupported rides. I've learnt that life doesn't always go to plan. Sometimes you just have to pick yourself up and keep moving. I am re-applying with Guinness today for another record which will go ahead in 10-12 weeks time. This one is for cycling the entire length of the Americas from Prudhoe bay in the north of Alaska to Ushuaia in the south of Argentina. Thanks for your support. Stay on the group and I'll keep everyone posted about my new challenge.

Brian 브라이안 Perich March 27 at 10:03pm
Glen, they need to change that [unconditional support for world-record attempts on bicycles] at Guinness. James Bowthorpe's GLOBE CYCLE was completed successfully [current world circumnavigation record holder & great guy I might add!) rode 120 miles/200Km a day to set the current record and had his kit onboard his custom, revolutionary belt-drive - Santos travelmaster with dyno to produce the juice for the headlights and recharge electrical equip. The Panamerican is a popular and challenging route, if your going to set a record racing down there, more power to you, do it, I am heading there in 2012-2013, but I will only do what I can do. The record holders do get endorsements, which makes the current challenger well-equipped with his entourage, kind of kills the aspect of man vs. wild, or adventure...but in these cases, it's about time and fastest time is $$$ money in media attention drawn towards those generous sponsors. Perhaps Mark Beaumont will be all forgotten as the Circum-record continues to get smashed. Lest not the possibilities to drive the world-record attempts further than human limits. The unregulated aspect of the WT competition isn't monitoring athletes that could enhance their performance using a number of possibilities...blood doping, Ritalin or other stimulants, etc...many methods can be used to take the record from the next. Clearly, the Circum-record attempt should be done on two and require self-supported riders only. Another North American challenge to consider (MTBs) is the growing endurance ride called The Tour Divide that might be a nice challenge for you... I'm Canadian and will be heading home in 2012 and starting where you will be shortly, I'm definitely looking forward to it, no records to break...just a long hammer to Argentina. ^_^

Glen Burmeister March 27 at 10:31pm
Have you heard of Scott Napier? He has the Guinness record for cycling the Pan-American highway. He is on facebook. He has over 200 photos of his trip which you'll find very interesting. I will hopefully have a website about my attempt in a months time. I'll update my facebook group (RaceAcrossTheAmericas) daily and write a blog. Thanks for the information and good luck with your trip. You can watch Mark Beaumont cycling the Americas on BBC IPlayer if you've not already seen it. Regards, Glen.

Brian 브라이안 Perich March 27 at 11:03pm
Hey Glenn, thanks for this info. I couldn't follow Mark at all on the iBBC, the player was blocked in South Korea...I have never heard of Scott Napier either, I'm really too old to race...and my intentions are to support the Crohn's and Colitis Foundations of NA while pedaling across Canada, but I will be starting up at Prudhoe, AK or the NWT. It's kind of a gamble for time, and I have no sponsorship, need to organize on that and although I have secured the bike (09' Koga-Miyata World Traveller), I have to plan something to help my wife (then by this May)and two kids while I am away. It's a complex deal, I support other riders and spent about $1000 last year sponsoring their charities. It was an exciting year (last) meeting cool people, since I am really just a hermit rider based in South Korea, it's great to meet people who can get out and ride the world (like a dream of escape!!). James Bowthorpe was so kind to add me to friends, we all have many in common here on FB, we love bikes and know what it can do to change our lives, and in the case of the Guinness, perhaps offer chances we wouldn't have had without making the efforts. The PanAmerican Race sounds awesome, I will race to get back to my wife in Korea, which is why I am interested in what you guys do! I just can't endure like some, although, in the 90's I did endurance riding across America on the cheap, and accumulated 24000+? in about 60 days, with the aid of a motor and smooth roads. I'm involved in a Masters of Education right now, attempting to stay afloat in this, but definitely want to launch and enjoy the WT experience, as so many do, it's a great way to see/enjoy the real life beyond all these walls and make some great friends in the process. I will definitely follow your progress, sounds like a solid plan...so keep working it for the launch. Kind Regards, Brian Perich

Glen Burmeister March 27 at 11:11pm
Apart from the expensive flights, I think anyone could cycle the Pan-American highway without spending too much money. Watching Mark Beaumont, it appears there is always somewhere you can pitch your tent for free. I'm not sure yet how much my flights will cost but I wouldn't expect to spend much more than US$30 each day on average.

Brian 브라이안 Perich March 27 at 11:24pm
Yes, your completely right. I am wondering right now as i spend $3.00 on lunch sandwiches, or the small incidentals of urban living (the endless stream of money out of me, go back and earn more in ESL teaching...a continuous cycle). On the road, there's food for thought. I motorcycled successfully 5 times across America (no records, just cold bones sleeping outside!!) and could budget $200 on fuel/food for 4,000km. I completed a 4,000km jaunt in 64 hours (staying awake for 36)...so it can be done with coffee and cold air ramming into the helmet. I've slept on sidewalks, under rest station park/picnic shades, in National Parks (Yellowstone) without permit (learning the grizzlies or penalty from Park Rangers were much worse!!!), I've also been down the roads in the Baja of Mexico, camping in the desert, cooking mussels we caught along the endless coastline, loads to do, and doing it faster saves you $$$$! Glen, this is a great TRAIN of tought, I could go on and on...like a LOCOMOTIVE, and I think that is what you are going to do on the bike...you have to ride like a hammer and the nail is at the bottom when you hit Urshaia. ^_^!