The South Pole station came into view when I was about 13 nautical miles away. When I saw it, I was so overcome with joy! I called home to my wife and lost all control of my emotions. The black dots on the horizon were the most wonderful thing I have ever seen. It was starting to feel like I would never make it.
I am now at the pole and have set up camp. I need to find where they cached my clean clothes and other items. I made a quick visit to the actual pole marker, but will go back later and bike around the pole to the song Around the World after I get all my batteries charged. I am so happy to have finally finished biking to the pole, going the full distance, 100% by bike.
Congrats Dan!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on achieving your goal!! I stand in awe of your accomplishment! It has been fun to track your progress.
ReplyDeletePIcture or it didn't happen ;)
ReplyDeleteSorry about taking so long to get pictures up. Batteries don't work so well at -40°, and it uses up a lot of sat phone minutes to upload pictures.
DeleteExcused my textual shouting but under the circumstances...
ReplyDeleteHAPPY HAPPY, JOY JOY, HAPPY HAPPY, JOY JOY, HAPPY HAPPY, JOY JOY, HAPPY HAPPY-JOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just saying "Congratulations!" seems so inadequate at this time. I'm a 55 year old guy and I'm trying to type this through tears of overwhelming joy right now. I have more to say, leaving it here for now, going to let others comment.
Daniel, you've made us all proud. I wish I had the resources to fly out to Utah when you get back and celebrate in person with you. YOU, DANIEL BURTON, are the very first person to bike to the South Pole! INCREDIBLE! AMAZING! TRUE!
All my best, be seeing you soon Brother! Be safe, have some fun, love ya man!
Scott, in Florida USA
PS: I can't believe I opened your blog just 2 minutes after your posted victory but it's true! YAY!
THANKS! Us old me ca still do amazing things.
DeleteLet me be the first to congratulate you (at least using the blog) on accomplishing a truly EPIC journey!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Dan! We are very proud of you.
ReplyDeleteMake sure to get some pictures of you with your bike at the pole marker.
Juan Carlos
Congratulations, what an amazing and inspirational ride... Make sure to stay safe on your trip back home!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Dan! This is an amazing achievement.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Dan! That's quite the accomplishment. Well Done!
ReplyDeleteJeff & Kris, Trek Bicycle Store, American Fork
Congratulations Dan!!! Been following your trip the last few days and I'm very impressed with what you've done, both the Pole and your own life turnaround as well.
ReplyDeleteSo proud of your accomplishment. It isn't any newsflash that it was a "crazy" expedition, but I never once doubted that you had the determination to complete the task you set out for. Excited to hear the rest of the adventure! Now, the BIG question...Was it worth it?
ReplyDeleteMarsha
That is a great question. It is so cool to do something that nobody has ever done before. One one person can be the first,and it is a great honor to be that person. I think it was worth doing it as the first person, but now that it has been done I don't think it would be worth it to me to do it again. Although I know so much that could be done differently and better.
DeleteCongrats Dan, proud of you! Excited for you get back and talk about it all.
ReplyDeleteReady Store
Congratulations Dan! First to bike to the South Pole! Great effort for this historic ride! Great to know you are safe, sound, and mission accomplished! See you soon in warmer Utah! -Michael Robinson
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Followed your Trip since the First Day and your are my Real Hero! Jakob
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Dan! First man to bike to the South Pole! Great effort for this historic ride. We are so proud of you! Happy to know you are safe, sound, and enjoying a big mission accomplished! See you soon in warmer Utah!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Daniel! A huge archievement! To be honest, I wasn't sure if you were going to make it as you started with limited experience and seemed to be struggling but your determination and hard work took you all the way to the South Pole - as the the first person ever to actually cycle there all the way! Incredible! And it was a joy to follow your journey.
ReplyDeleteAfter the first week or so of not getting the miles I needed I was pretty sure I wouldn't make it, but was determined to go as far as I could. There were some very simple things, like where to put the draw string of my hood that made a huge difference in how far I went each day. After I started getting 15 miles or more a day I then was sure I would make it. However the last week when I slowed back down I was seriously worried I might end up just a few mile short and not make it. Nobody will ever now the overwhelming joy I felt when I first saw the South Pole station. Ok, maybe Vesa, and others that have done expeditions to the South Pole might understand.
DeleteCheers!! Congratulations!!!
ReplyDeleteWell done!! Magnificent accomplishment! Congratulations
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Dan!!! Epic achievement. Now I can stop worrying about you dropping off into a crevasse, freezing to death, or being eaten by a carnivorous penguin.
ReplyDeleteOr maybe all three.
DeleteYou're amazing! Way to go!!
ReplyDeleteGood job Dan!
ReplyDeleteDan
ReplyDeleteCongrats !!!!! we look forward to seeing you when you get home. we are also looking for pictures of the south pole, you and the bike.
Bill and Laura
Way to go, Dan!!! This is amazing. Great accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteCongrats!
ReplyDeleteWay to go!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou'll have to let me know how your Nammatj tent performed when you return to Utah!
Congratulations Dan!
Thanks Charlie! I have to make a trip up to Bear River Outfitters and personally thank you. The tent was awesome. It was so cold at the pole that a hot drink would freeze before you could drink it, but inside my tent I was nice and warm. In fact Vesa, who was at the pole the same time I was and had the same tent had a thermometer, and back at base camp living on a glacier he said it was over 80° in the tent. The tent, mittens, pad and everything I got from you were awesome.
DeleteRespect boss man!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing feat. You have inspired all of us. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteFantastic, Danny!!!! What great stories and pictures you must have. Can't wait to hear them in person!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Dan! You have inspired my 76 year old mom to exercise more. She and I will be coming to your homecoming party as well as donating a bit to the expedition fund. Thanks for being epic!
ReplyDeleteIf it inspires people to get out and exercise then it was all worth it!
DeleteDan, Congratulations on a world class accomplishment! Shortly after starting to follow your blog, I went out and bought a Borealis Fatbike. Have been riding it day and night up AF Canyon and having a blast. You'll be pleased to know that lots of fun DOWNHILL await you back home; Ridge Trail, Mill Canyon, and Pine Hollow have all been rideable both up and down. Snowbikes rule!
ReplyDeleteHopefully all the snow isn't gone by the time I get home. The expedition was hard, so muc so that most of the time it wasn't "fun" but there were times that it was a LOT of fun. Biking without several weeks worth of gear and food on sleds will be great. The times I forgot my shovel and had to go back and get it were fun, so much so that I'm actually glad I forgot the shovel. Also a lot of the sastrugi was fun.
DeleteI have enjoyed reading your blog over the last two months! I have shared your story with many people! Thank you for being so diligent in posting your story each day! You are amazing! CoNgRaTs!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your inspiration. Stories like this need to be told.
ReplyDeleteOutstanding!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!!
ReplyDeleteWe are so happy with your unprecedented achievement. It was great to be able to follow your journey. Have a nice and very warm welcome home. See you soon.
Harshbergers:)
Congratulations. I enjoyed following your daily posts, and am impressed with your determination and perseverance. Hope you are soaking in the accomplishment, and I look forward to hearing more about it.
ReplyDeleteStarting following just a month ago, but great job on doing something most of us can only dream of, and sharing the experience with us.
ReplyDeleteSorry I was so sceptical at the beginning but I am so happy now!
ReplyDeleteYour personal fan from far far away Estonia
Congratulations! Please say hi to Vesa from Tuuli when he joins you at the pole tonight :)
ReplyDeleteVesa was awesome. He was and is a true friend when I really needed one.
DeleteSomeday you and Vesa have to come and visit us in Utah.
DeleteDan I can't even comprehend what joy you must feel after accomplishing this epic adventure. I am amazed at the support from your wonderful wife, family and friends. I have lived a little of your adventure as I have followed you daily through your blog. I hope you know that many people have had you in their thoughts and prayers. I am so grateful you have made it with out any significant injury. Way to go! Boy you can't top this. What could be next. Merilynn
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Dan! - Looking forward to the photos.
ReplyDeletecongratulations!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Dan! So happy for you and your fantastic accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration and example of passion, dedication, commitment, persistence, and never giving up. Congratulations Dan!
ReplyDeleteRick Nelson
I have loved and been inspired by your great adventure! Thank you and congratulations!
ReplyDeleteINCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!! Definitely letting everyone I know know!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletecongrats! snow biking will never be the same! Nance inPark City, Utah
ReplyDeleteOutstanding, Dan! You're definitely a pro in my eyes.
ReplyDeleteWow.. Over the top. Impressive... Ok could go on an on.. You are an inspiration... Good Job!
ReplyDeleteAllen
Great job on seeing your dream on through to fruition. We're proud of you!
ReplyDeleteNice Dan! I feel privileged to know you.
ReplyDeleteWay to go Dan!!! Absolutely thrilled at your accomplishement. I've been quietly reading but cheering loudly every day for you to get to the south pole on your Fat Bike. Two of my favorite forms of HPV got to the South Pole.
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll continue with post stories of your journey. Would love to hear about the equipment you used and pros and cons, after the race thoughts, more of whatever demons you stared down.
Not too shabby for the "last kid picked" but "the first kid to the pole!!"
Ride Long and Prosper
Congratulations Dan, great achievement, when you got within 20 miles, was sure you'd make it, even though the food was down to the wire. Got to have photo's beside the pole posted.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Sir, enjoy now, you deserve it :)
ReplyDeleteHerculean effort indeed. Congrats on this epic accomplishment!
ReplyDelete