SMU Alaska Expedition I

Eight Singapore Management University (SMU) students went on a 25-day, 2,000km eco-cycling expedition in Alaska. The expedition is the third of SMU's Zero Limits cycling expedition series to promote adventure learning. The team consists of Daniel Low Jia Liang, Jasbir Singh, Yukina Sumida, James Ng, Katherine Kee, Bryant Teo, Lesley Fu and Leong Jia Yong.

To complete the 2,000km on time, the team attempted around 100km of cycling a day. They started their journey in Anchorage, the south-central part of Alaska and ended in Juneau in the south-east. In order to prepare for Alaska's adverse weather and terrain conditions, the team started endurance training as early as March. They also incorporate gym training and long-distance cycling trips to places such as Desaru and Kota Baru in Malaysia.

One remarkable aspect about this group is that most of the team members picked up the sport only in early January 2008.

Zero Limits 2008 the eco cycling adventure across Alaska has been successfully completed. 6 months of preparation saw the team cycle 1,890km over 19 days, entering 2 countries (Alaska, USA & Yukon, Canada), across 2 time zones bringing us to our end point, Skagway, AK. The expedition began on the 11th of July and ended on the 5th of August.

The expedition was simply an unforgettable cycling experience coupled with several days of us immersing ourselves with the culture and knowledge on the effects of global warming on the environment.

Reaching Anchorage, we rested for four days to allow our bodies and minds to acclimatize to the local weather. We took the time to prepare our equipment, purchase groceries and other essentials needed on the expedition. Our first leg and day one of cycling started in Anchorage with the team feeling fit and strong. We rode through the Glenn Highway to Palmer and then to Wasilla. We were treated to the Talkeetna Moose Dropping Festival in Talkeetna on day 2. After the festivities, we finished leg 1 with long, hilly rides to the lovely Byers Lake and the small town of Cantwell.

The second leg treated us to the heritage of Alaska. From Cantwell we rode through Anderson to reach Denali National Park, the home of Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America. It was here we learnt the most about the Alaskan wildlife and the changes that have been happening to the environment.

The ride to Denali was one of the best rides yet. It had everything thrown into one ride - headwinds, crosswinds, tailwinds, picturesque descend and body crunching climbs. There were times when the tail wind was pushing us to a solid 40km/h on a flat stretch while at other times, the tailwind slowed us to 22km/h on a descend. Amazing fun it was! Most of us managed to break our individual top speeds on that leg!

The real excitement came after we reached Denali National Park. We had non-stop 15km climb during which we hit over 3,000ft from the base of the range on route to our camp ground up along Savage River. Tiring it was, but the ladies, Lesley and Yukina were beacons of strength setting the example for the rest of the team. The challenge was however eased by the beauty of riding right next to magnificent peaks breaking through the clouds.

After 3 days exploring the national park, we headed on to Fairbanks, where we learnt about the history of Alaska through visits to the University of Alaska Museum. We had the chance to interact with native Antabashkans to attain a greater understanding of the land. Sadly, it was on route to Fairbanks that our dear team mate, Lesley suffered an unfortunate accident.

While climbing up the Alaskan range surrounding the Tanana River on route, we were looking forward to celebrating Lesley's birthday feasting away and awesome cake in Fairbanks. But that dinner never took place.

As we were riding down the mountain, there was a bend in the strip-filled road coupled with a strong gust of wind that probably blew Lesley off balance. It all happened so fast; no one actually saw what caused her crash until it happened. We were all stricken with fright and disbelief as she lay there motionless for over two minutes. Helmet cracked, her blood was flowing from some cuts and rolling down the road. We were blessed with two EMT's and a nurse on site who guided us in tending to her as we prepared for the arrival of the ambulance. Many other local passersby's stopped to assist us in keeping her warm and calm while others helped divert traffic.

The doctors at Fairbanks memorial hospital identified facial fractures around the cheekbone and eye area. She was later transferred to Providence hospital, Anchorage for observation by a neuro-surgeon to ensure no serious damage was done to the brain. Her Limar helmet had came in handy and saved her life from a fatal crash.

Lesley may have missed her birthday celebration, but she has in turn inspired us all with her undying efforts to push on with the expedition. Due to the accident, Lesley had no choice but to return to Singapore and recover from her injuries. She is up on her feet once more and is eager to get back on the saddle again.

Await for part two...

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