Why


Why do I want to bike to the South Pole?

That is the classic question and the classic answer is because it is there. To do something that hasn't been done before, the ultimate challenge! But...

I feel the world is facing an obesity crisis. We live a physically easy life compared to the past. Food is relatively cheap, labor is relatively easy, and entertainment is becoming less and less physical.

We Need to Create a Culture of Activity 

Nearly everyone needs to have some kind of exercise program. Going to the gym is great, however, if we don't truly enjoy our exercise we will eventually quit. We need to help people find ways to become active that they will enjoy. For me that is biking.

My Story

I was a computer programmer for 23 years. During that time I spent a lot of time sitting in front of a computer and not getting enough exercise. I had grown up being active. I spent a lot of summers hiking in the High Uintas. However it just got easy to be less and less active. Then I went and got my blood checked. My cholesterol numbers were real bad, my blood pressure was high, and I was a few pounds over weight. I panicked, thinking I might die early. So I got into mountain biking. It saved my life! My cholesterol numbers improved to healthy numbers, my blood pressure returned to normal, and I lost the extra weight.

Then I got laid off. My wife says that I went into mid life crisis. I think I just decided I wanted to do something to help others. So I opened a bike store to help others get the health benefits of an active cycling lifestyle. For the past 5 years I have been focused on getting people out on bikes, and have been involved with the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure each year.

The Problem

OK, I've already stated the problem but here it is in more detail. There are so many problems facing the world today, but I think returning to a culture of active lifestyles will help with so many of today's issues. Obesity is a huge drain on the economy. Violence and lack of concern for others seems to be on the increase. The number of mass shootings recently is beyond alarming. Returning to activity will increase our health, reduce the drain on the economy being caused by runaway health care cost. Physical activity helps our mental well being. And being outdoors having fun with others is a great way to learn to get along and be less selfish.


According to the CDC "Research has shown that as weight increases to reach the levels referred to as "overweight" and "obesity," the risks for the following conditions also increases:

  • Coronary heart disease
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
  • Stroke
  • Liver and Gallbladder disease
  • Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
  • Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
  • Gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility)"

My Cause

My cause is simple. First to inspire people to get out and be active. Find an activity that you enjoy and you can do on a regular basis. For me that is biking, so I hope my trip to the South Pole will inspire others to get out and ride a bike. Second, I would like to encourage people to donate to the American Diabetes Association, or get involved with some other diabetes, cancer, or other health related foundation. I'll be including information about opportunities to get involved in my blog.

4 comments:

  1. I agree with Dan's cause to inspire others. When I first met Dan, I was not physically active and weighed 280 lbs. Under his tutelage and with plenty of patience, he helped me not only loose 60+ lbs, but together we experienced countless century rides and a success LOTOJA. Dan is a man of sound character and truly loves to share his joy in being active and being on two wheels.

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  2. I love this! I wish you all the luck in the world.
    I just got done working a season in Antarctica and based out of the South Pole between field camps.
    You are about the have the most crazy other worldly experience of your life. Ready for that!!!! Bamm!
    As for me, this summer will mark the 10th and hopefully final year of a huge project in my life.
    I'm trying to be the first person to ever jump into every named lake in Glacier and Waterton National Parks in Montana and Alberta.
    There is 168 of them and some are super crazy to get to.
    I've been using it as a platform to raise money for a childrens Cancer/Oncology camp called Camp Mak A Dream in Montana.
    Get the kids out into the fresh mountain air, while still attending to them medically. Get them a once in a life time experience!
    Check me out at www.glacierexplorer.com .
    Sorry to plug myself on your comments but I love your project and feel it has plenty in common with mine.
    Staying active and living life as fully as we can while we can and help some other people in the mean time.
    Safe Travels to you,
    Marc

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  3. Dan, I'm a computer guy from New Orleans that opened a bike shop for similar reasons to yours. My life threatening event though was Hurricane Katrina.

    Although your current challenge is fraught with danger, it certainly catches the imagination and makes people rethink the impossible. Good luck and ride on.

    Larry
    RideTHISbike.com

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  4. I must say, you are really really really inspirational guy. Because you are NOT some uppumped pro athlete, you was not some celebrity, you are not some millionaire , you are just like we all are. And you did such historical thing. And you are absolutely right with these problems of mankind.

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