Self-propelled travel is a way of travelling using only human powered transport. This includes non-motorized machines such as a bicycle or skateboard.
Self-propelled travel is used to commute short distances or even for much longer distances such as bicycle touring. It involves a conscious decision made by people who realize that self-propelled travel is environmentally sound, the ideal mode of transportation, and that it enhances quality of life at the same time.
Definition
Self-propelled can mean one of two things:
# that one is self-propelled as soon as one engages in any locomotion even if it involves using any fossil fuel burning vehicles. For example, a person may drive by car to a trail, hike on foot and then proceed home by car.Fact|date=May 2008
# that one is only self-propelled if travelling without using any fossil fuel burning vehicles at any point. Fact|date=May 2008
Self-propulsion has been adopted by some adventurers as the new era of real adventure and exploring. A growing number of outdoor enthusiasts, such as the late Goran Kropp, Tim Harvey, and Colin Angus have achieved major feats entirely by self-propulsion. In 1995, Goran Kropp cycled from Sweden to Mount Everest base camp from which he climbed Everest. He then returned home on bicycle. [ cite web|url = http://www.jerberyd.com/climbing/climbers/kropp/|title = GÖRAN KROPP BIOGRAPHY|accessdate = 2008-05-19|last = Jerberyd|first = Per|authorlink = |year = 2002]
The Self-propelled Outdoor Club (SPOC) has formally adopted self-propelled travel as a method for approaching mountaineering and other objectives.[ cite web|url = http://www.selfpropelledoutdoorclub.com/spocmainpage.html |title = The Self Propelled Outdoor Club |accessdate = 2008-05-19|last = The Self Propelled Outdoor Club |authorlink = |year = 2008|month = May] ]For some, the technological advancements of the present day are undermining challenge, comparing a helicopter ride to the top of a peak to that of getting to that same peak under one's own power. For this, advocates of self-propelled travel can be likened to luddites.Fact|date=May 2008
Debate and controversy
Debate regarding which mode of transportation qualifies as self-propelled has been ongoing. For travel on skis, the use of an assisting parachute does not qualify. This was decided by a panel which assessed the recent increase of speed by kite assisted skiers reaching the North Pole and South Pole. Similarly there are questions regarding trips which take advantage of Sailboats.Fact|date=May 2008
Critics of such hard-line definitions suggest a double standard is placed on the use of such apparatus. Other critics question using tailwinds or drafting techniques when cycling and suggest that only travel by foot or swimming qualifies.Fact|date=May 2008
ee also
*Colin Angus
*Goran Kropp
*Erden Eruç
References
External links
* [http://www.selfpropelledoutdoorclub.com/ Self-Propelled Outdoor Club]
* [http://www.vancouvertovancouver.com/ Tim Harvy: Vancouver to Vancouver Around the World Journey]
* [http://www.angusadventures.com/ Colin Angus: Around the World Journey]
* [http://www.around-n-over.org/ Erden Eruç: round the world and the highest summits in each continent]
