Cycle © 180 Degrees
Neuro Resource Group (NRG), manufacturers of the InterX pain management device, today announced that Rob Gauntlett and James Hooper, the first men to attempt a 180 degree pole-to-pole challenge, will be making a stop in Dallas to tell their story. Young eco-explorers Rob Gauntlett and James Hooper are now four months into the first ever 180 Degree Challenge, a hazardous zero-emissions journey from the Geomagnetic North to the Magnetic South Pole. They are traveling by sled, ski, sail, cycle and foot on a journey of over 23,000 miles that will take an entire year. Rob and James will be telling the story of both their ascent of Mount Everest and their 180 Degree journey at a free public event '180 degrees of Pure Inspiration' being held on Thursday, August 16 from 7:00 – 9:30 PM at the Ford Stadium Club, 5800 Ownby Dr, Dallas TX 75275, located on the campus of Southern Methodist University. The event will include presentations by Rob and James, complimentary refreshments and a silent auction to raise funds for their journey. Individuals wishing to attend should reserve their seats online at www.nrg-unlimited.comReservations are required.
Rob and James' presentation in Dallas is being made possible by Plano-based Neuro Resource Group (NRG), who manufactures InterX, a pain device being used by Rob and James on their trek from pole to pole. InterX is the new generation of neuro stimulation technology for the effective treatment of pain and injury. Its unique interactive technology actually reads the varying properties in injured tissue to target the proper treatment area and then applies dynamic stimulation at the appropriate level for the indicated level of injury. This new generation of interactive technology has been instrumental in helping Rob and James with treatment of their own injuries received during their trek. InterX is portable and battery operated and gives them an alternative to medications which might impair them on their journey.
The 20 year old green campaigners are undertaking their journey to highlight the impact of climate change - which they've already experienced firsthand, and to inspire a new generation to take action. Rob and James became the youngest Britons ever to climb Mount Everest the year – an achievement that reflects their belief that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. They are an inspiration for young people to take action – be it on climate change or on realizing their dreams.
They've traversed thousands of miles of the fast melting polar ice cap, experienced the life threatening dangers of the freezing arctic ocean, spent a week in intensive care after a fall through the cap– and are now back on track. After a brief stop in New York at Live Earth where they shared their incredible story with the nation, 20 year old British lads, Rob and James are about to undertake the next leg of their pole-to-pole journey; cycling nearly 5,000 miles from New York City to Panama.
Rob and James worked to put together a support team before leaving the UK in March after a pep talk from sports superstar David Beckham, whose team LA Galaxy also uses the InterX device for pain. They started training in Greenland's sub-zero temperatures before starting their journey on April 8th. Since then the boys have been filing daily reports on their journey and recording their observations of the visible impact of climate change along the way.
Speaking prior to departing New York Rob commented:
"By undertaking this challenge we hope to show our own commitment to a zero-carbon future. We want our journey to inspire other young people to do their part for the environment as well as encouraging them to reach for their goals."
James went on to add:
"We need to do more than just raise environmental awareness; we need to inspire people to make changes and to realize what they are capable of. Our 180 degrees website has a simple guide on how to take action for a zero-carbon future. 180 degrees is about turning energy trends around and about facing up to the challenge of climate change."
Rob and James need to raise $650,000 to complete this journey. Visitors to the website are invited to sponsor a mile of their journey and will receive a One Mile Closer sweatband in recognition of their contribution. Once the required funds are raised, additional monies will go to a selection of environmental charities to fund low and zero-carbon energy projects worldwide.
To find out more about 180 Degrees, please log on to www.180degrees.com where you'll find daily updates from Rob and James on their journey, information on the impacts of climate change, educational resources, a five-step guide to getting closer to a carbon neutral future and the opportunity to purchase a 180 degrees sweatband to help the project.
Ends
Notes to editors
Distance: "22,000 miles", but actually in the end it will probably be closer to 23,200 miles.
Duration: Approx 10 months. Was due to begin on 24/03/07, however was delayed due to bad weather. Opted to travel to pole by dogsled, and arrived on 08/04/07.
Dates: Started at Geomagnetic North Pole on 08/04/07
Rob fell through ice 26/05/07
Rendezvoused with yacht 03/06/07
Due to arrive New York03/07/07
Appear at Live Earth 07/07/07
Cycling to Panama arriving ~16/09/07
Sailing to Guayaquil arriving ~ 22/09/07
Cycling to Punta Arenas arriving ~ 26/12/07
Set sail for Magnetic South Pole ~ 31/12/07
Arrive at Magnetic South Pole ~ 09/12/07
Arrive Sydney ~ 21/12/07
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Transport: Dog sleds, skis, walking, sailing, cycling.
Training: Extensive physical training, including tire pulling, cycling and long distance running. Gym work with particular emphasis on core, back and thigh strength, and aerobic fitness and stamina.
Arctic training expedition – two weeks in Eastern Greenland in February 07 learning the skills to survive in the hostile conditions that they would face in the first leg of the expedition.
Radar and Sea Survival courses taken to prepare them for the sailing legs of the expedition. These were a mandatory safety requirement.
Nutrition: In the Arctic Rob and James survived on dehydrated meal bags and "grazing bags". The target calorie intake was between 6-7000 Kcal / day.
Once sailing the guys are back on to a regular diet of dried and canned foods (anything that has a reliably long life), which will provide enough protein to rebuild fatigued muscles from the Arctic leg and the cycling legs.
Throughout the cycling legs Rob and James well eat meals high in carbohydrates to provide enough energy for them to cycle up to 140 miles per day, and average ~ 115 miles per day where terrain allows.
Accommodation:
During the arctic leg Rob and James camped in tents designed for extreme conditions. They sleep in bunk bed cabins on the yacht. They will stay in tents and motels throughout the two cycling legs. They will use their tents wherever possible, but will need to stay in motels when both safety and security require this.
Journey: To our best knowledge, neither the manpowered pole to pole journey nor the specific route has ever been successfully completed by anyone before.
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InterX® Clients
The list of clients whose patients and/or teams have been changed by InterX® products is truly impressive and includes:
· Over 50% of the NFL teams in the US, (including the Dallas Cowboys)
· Over 40% of the NBA teams in the US
· MLB, NHL and MLS teams, including LA Galaxy
· Dr Nicholas DiNubile, Orthopedic Consultant to the Philadelphia 76ers and the Pennsylvania Ballet & author of 'Framework'
· Dr Jeff Spencer, DC "Chiropractor to the Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team Winners of the 2005 Tour De France"
· Dr James Dillard, MD, DC, author of 'The Pain Solution'
ABOUT NEURO RESOURCE GROUP
Neuro Resource Group (NRG) specializes in the development, design and manufacture of innovative medical products for injury management, rehabilitation, and pain management. The Company's management team has extensive experience in the healthcare industry and is committed to providing products and developing training materials and protocols that help to improve the quality of patient's lives and also enhance athletic performance. Neuro Resource Group 1100 Jupiter Rd, Suite 190. Plano, TX75074. 972-665-1810. www.nrg-unlimited.com
