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EXPEDITION NEWS, now in its 12th year, is the monthly review of significant expeditions, research projects and newsworthy adventures. It is distributed online to media representatives, corporate sponsors, educators, research librarians, explorers, environmentalists, and outdoor enthusiasts. This forum on exploration covers projects that stimulate, motivate and educate.
Expedition News is online at www.expeditionnews.com.

November 2006 – Volume Thirteen, Number Eleven

Baby Jogger Adapted for Cross-Country Endurance Run – Explorers might soon be outfitting themselves at neighborhood garage sales based upon the success of one endurance runner who souped up a baby stroller. The tale of a dedicated athlete, his trusty three-wheeled running companion and their 15-state, 120-day trek across the U.S. came to an emotional close on Oct. 20 just outside of Lewes, Dela. The journey, called Promoting Active Children Everywhere (P.A.C.E.) Run 2006, was the result of a promise Paul Staso made to elementary school students in his hometown of Missoula, Mont.: if they could together meet the challenge of virtually running and walking across the country throughout the school year, Staso agreed to run the entire distance solo – with the exception of “BOB,” his running partner and gear storage unit, an Ironman running stroller manufactured by BOB Trailers, Inc., of Boise, Idaho.

The “BOB” (Beast of Burden) stroller proved to be much more than a baby carrier throughout the 120-day, 3,260-mi. journey – rounding the Rockies with ease, keeping its cool in sweltering summer temperatures, and most importantly, keeping all of Staso’s 45 pounds of gear protected and dry – even during torrential rain storms and frequent “ditch dives” off the road’s shoulder. Dubbed “the ultimate running stroller,” the BOB Ironman kept a promise of its own: withstanding the toughest of terrain and conditions and keeping pace with Paul for up to 48 miles a day. Paul has described the stroller as “a truly impressive piece of equipment” and admitted that without “BOB,” he “could never run solo across the U.S.”

Staso’s stroller was rigged with all the essentials, such as a tent, sleeping bag, clothing, shoes, food/water, and more. The stroller was equipped with a small, waterproof Brunton Solar Panel that has a maximum output of 9 watts (15.4 volts). It was used to power his electronic gadgets (GPS, cell and satellite phones, iPod). Staso’s satellite phone and service was donated by Spirit Wireless in Portland, Ore. It was a Globalstar GSP-1600 Handheld Tri-Mode Satellite Phone and ensured that he had communication at all locations along his cross-country route. (For more information: www.pacerun.com, www.bobgear.com).
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