Biking Antarctica

Last January (2003) Doug made the first test-run of a custom- built ice bike designed by Dan Hanebrink (an aerospace engineer who has been designing and manufacturing unique and highly effective bicycle and motorcycle parts for 30 years). Much was learned regarding the performance of the bike on the snow and ice. And the support team is currently evaluating the results for a future trek to the South Pole (contact us for details). A documentary is being shot of step by step progress.

While there have been bikes on the continent of Antarctica before, they have mainly been used as short range transportation from one building to another. Doug Stoup is hoping to be the first to traverse long distances on the continent (solo and unsupported) -- dragging all of his supplies on an attached sled.

In 2000, the CARA Snowbike, or "Ice Prowler" design by Bill Farrell and students at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh (and based on a Hanebrink) also made some Antarctic tracks with Steve Butler at the handle bars.

Dr. Andre Phillips has riden a "Brompton" at the South Pole since 1998 to check scientific recordings at various stations. Other Bromptons have been used around Halley Base ('95) and McMurdo Station (present). And I beleive a Czech cyclist, Lucie Kovarikova, is attempting to bike the world (including eventually Antarctica).

Phillips' Brompton

Stay tuned to ICEAXE.TV and journey with us to the most remote locations on the planet.

Potential technology partners, media and sponsors of the Ice Bike Expedition to the South Pole may contact tony@iceaxe.org