09.15.05



Alex Gleason arrived at the Isle of Palms with a police escort

Gleason back on Erskine campus after summer on the road

Erskine College junior Alex Gleason is back at school this fall, after spending much of his summer on the highways of America during his "Expedition Nutrition."

Gleason, 20, of Calhoun Falls, returned to South Carolina Aug. 12 after a coast-to-coast 4,000-mile journey that took him from Washington state, through Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia.

He started his trip in late June, flying to Seattle, Wash., and beginning the trek from Olympia, Wash. "The trip went a lot faster than I thought it would," Gleason said. "It ended a week-and-a-half early."

He averaged between 90 and 125 miles per day during the trip, spending between eight and 10 hours "in the saddle" each day.

Gleason wasn't an avid bike rider before the trip, but he has developed what he called an "addiction" to the activity now. "I like to get two hours in a day," he said. "That's when I feel really good."

He has even gone so far as to have his parents cancel his car insurance. "I'm taking my car off the road," he said.

Gleason takes his bike riding seriously, and it has a practical side too. "It's healthy," he said. "I ride to Wal-Mart (in Greenwood) to pick up groceries for the dorm."
He also rides to his home in Calhoun Falls. "With gas prices as high as they are, it certainly is cheaper. I know some students who are commuting from Greenwood and they're shelling out $400 a month for gas."

Gleason said he's had a difficult time readjusting to campus life. "I have a hard time sitting still," he said. "My attention span is shorter. I'm not ready to be controlled by time and schedule."

Since he has returned to school, Gleason has talked to numerous students about his summer adventure. "Some people have said they saw me on TV," he said. "A couple of students brought me newspaper clippings."

During the ride across the country, countless newspaper, radio and TV reporters interviewed Gleason, making people aware of his campaign to promote healthy, active living.

State Director of Public Affairs for S.C. Future Farmers of America (FFA) John W. Parris said Gleason is breaking new ground for the state organization. Gleason is continuing to gain notoriety for the group.

Next month, Gleason will be riding bikes with S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford, who was unable to join the Erskine student when he arrived back in South Carolina. He will also appear next month on the agriculture cable television network — RFD-TV — during the national FFA convention.

Gleason said he felt his greatest sense of accomplishment upon arrival back in South Carolina. A reception was given for him in Westminster and another in Anderson, where he was presented the key to the city.

The ride "officially" ended at Isle of Palms, where Gleason stuck his front tire into the Atlantic Ocean for the benefit of photographers.

"The trip to the coast was more symbolic than anything," he said.

Gleason said the highest point of the trip was early on — "knowing I was actually doing it and the realization that I was alone."

He said every day of the ride offered its own set of challenges, but "just when I needed a pick-me-up, I'd have an awesome ride. It just kept giving back to me."

A number of people helped make Gleason's trip possible, including Parris, who helped Gleason coordinate the trip, and sponsors Great Escape of Anderson, Alltel, AgSouth Farm Credit and Service and the S.C. Ag Educators Association.

"I had tremendous support from FFA chapters, members and advisers in all 15 states (that he rode through)," he said.

Gleason being interviewed by news crews

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