BE BOLD. BIKE COLD.
Two friends, one dream.
The Polar Pedalers, American cyclists John Nitti and Alex Taheri, are attempting to be the first to ever bike across Antarctica, the most inhospitable place on Earth.
About Us
Alex, from Jacksonville, FL, and John, from New York City, were roommates and football teammates at Cornell University, and have been close friends since. Crossing Antarctica will be their biggest and most ambitious adventure as expedition partners. To prepare for it, they've learned from their coach and mentor, renowned polar explorer Eric Larsen, who has completed more North and South Pole expeditions than any American in history, and have completed Polar Training expeditions with Eric and on their own in environments similar to Antarctica – in Lake of the Woods, Minnesota and Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Our Causes
We're using this expedition to raise awareness and support for important causes. Learn about the organizations and initiatives we're supporting through this historic journey.
Polar Training
In preparation for Antarctica, the Polar Pedalers have completed two levels of Polar Training. The first was a one-week ski expedition on Lake of the Woods, Minnesota in January 2024 and the second was a two-week fat bike expedition on Lake of the Woods, Minnesota and Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba in January 2025.
Equipment
Our expedition relies on two specially chosen fat bikes: the robust Surly Moonlander and the lighter Salsa Beargrease. The bikes and our other gear have undergone rigorous testing in extreme conditions ahead of the journey to Antarctica. Every piece of equipment must prove itself capable of withstanding the harshest conditions on Earth.