Daniel Burton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daniel P. Burton
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Burton at completion of first bike ride from coast of Antarctica to the South Pole
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| Born |
Daniel Paul Burton
December 4, 1963 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Public speaker and entrepreneur |
| Known for | First person to bike to the South Pole |
Daniel Paul Burton (born December 4, 1963) is an American adventurer and bicycle lover from Eagle Mountain, Utah. He is famous for being the first person to ride a bicycle all the way from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole. This amazing journey was a huge challenge!
Burton started his special trip, called "The South Pole Epic," on December 2, 2013. He began at a place called Hercules Inlet. After many days of riding, he reached the South Pole on January 21, 2014.
Why Daniel Burton Started Biking
Daniel Burton used to work as a computer programmer. When he was in his 40s, he realized he wasn't very fit. His doctors told him his health could be better. This made Daniel decide to make a big change.
He started mountain biking to get healthy. He loved it so much that in 2008, he opened his own bike shop. It was called Epic Biking and was in Saratoga Springs, Utah. Daniel also completed a long bike race called the LOTOJA Classic six times! He wanted to do something even bigger. He decided to ride to the South Pole to inspire people. He also wanted to encourage donations to the American Diabetes Association. This was a way to honor his mother and her health journey.
Riding to the South Pole
To ride in the snow and ice, Daniel needed a special bike. He used a fatbike. These bikes have super wide tires. They are built to ride easily on sand, ice, and snow. Daniel became very interested in polar expeditions. He learned about Eric Larsen's attempt to bike to the South Pole in 2012. Larsen had to turn back, but Daniel was still determined.
Daniel trained for a whole year to get ready. On December 2, 2013, he began his incredible journey. He started at Hercules Inlet. He rode about 775 miles (1,247 kilometers) on his special Borealis Yampa fatbike. Finally, he reached the Geographic South Pole! It was an amazing achievement.
See also
- List of Antarctic cycling expeditions
