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7.20.05 From left, Commissioner Johnson and Alex Gleason biked 85 miles on Sunday in 95-degree heat. Erskine student off and biking to promote nutrition awareness Erskine junior Alex Gleason is in the third week of his cross-country bicycle trek across America to promote healthy, active living. He's experienced a few glitches along the way, but things have pretty much gone according to plan. Gleason began his trip, called "Expedition Nutrition," late last month, when he flew out to Seattle, Wash., and embarked on his 3,500-mile journey from Olympia, Wash. He hopes his efforts will draw attention to his cause. "I am promoting proper nutrition, the importance of a healthy lifestyle and the dangers of obesity,” Gleason said. He is also working to bring attention to the need for consumption of agricultural products. The Calhoun Falls native had cycled into North Dakota by Sunday and was about one-third of the way through the trip by the time he arrived in Williston, N.D., where The Williston Herald published a story about him in its July 10 edition. State Director of Public Affairs for S.C. Future Farmers of America (FFA) John W. Parris, who is partnering with Gleason and helping him coordinate the trip, said the Erskine student is breaking new ground for the state organization. "Alex Gleason is bringing tremendous recognition to the South Carolina FFA — unlike any the South Carolina FFA has received in its 78-year history — to Erskine College and financial sponsors through this first-ever activity by a South Carolina FFA member," Parris said. In a telephone interview last week, Gleason reported he is doing well. "It's been outstanding," he said of the trip. "The miles have flown by so far and people have been great to me. This lady in a café recognized me and said, 'Aren't you the college kid I saw on TV?'" As Gleason makes his way across the nation, he's getting an opportunity to spread his message with the help of various media outlets. He has spoken at several press conferences during his first three weeks on the road, and anticipates more as he reaches more populated areas. Physically, the ride has taken its toll, as he anticipated it would. For example, he rode 120 miles July 12, burning about 6,400 calories. "The first four or five days were kind of rough, but it has gotten easier since then," Gleason said. He expected to be joined by his parents at the weekend. Gleason sent greetings to the Erskine family. "Tell them I said hello and look forward to seeing everyone in late August," he said. "I'm really looking forward to eating at Moffatt." One of the highlights of Gleason's trip so far has been riding with North Dakota Commissioner of Agriculture Roger Johnson. Johnson rode across North Dakota with Gleason July 10. The previous night, Gleason stayed with Johnson and his family. Gleason has stayed at various locations during the trip, including the homes of agriculture teachers and former state FFA officers' families. Sometimes he spends the night in a camping area at a state or national park. One night, however, Gleason slept behind a church in a town of about 770 people. Gleason's spirits were high as he reached the midway point of the trip — about 1,850 miles as of July 13. He expects to complete his ride to Charleston by mid-August. |
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