01/13/2003

By MEEGHAN BLACK / KING 5 News

SEATTLE – A Seattle area man plans an around-the-world adventure that involves reaching the summits of the highest peaks on six different continents and using no motorized vehicles, no animals and no sails on boats to get around.

Erden Eruc is figuring out his new bike – a bike he'll know intimately after his upcoming adventure.

Erden is planning a six-year, human-powered adventure that includes cycling and rowing around the world and climbing six mountains.

Erden says it wouldn't be an adventure if it was all laid out.

Erden's wild adventure is dedicated to the memory of another adventurer and his good friend Goran Kropp who died recently while rock climbing. Erden hopes his journey will inspire others, especially children, to achieve great goals.

“A lot of us have self-imposed boundaries that we like to stay in – in our comfort zone. And if we have this big dream that's outside waiting, unless we take that first step, we're never going to get it done. Perhaps if I can provide that inspiration for people to break their shells that would be an accomplishment,” he said.

The McKinley trip is just the first leg. Next spring, Erden will row from Seattle to Chile, climb Mount Aconcagua, then row to New Guinea, climb a mountain and continue until he summits the highest peaks on six continents.

Erden will know his new bicycle intimately after the planned trip.

Erden doesn’t quite know yet how he is going to do all this.

“While it's unknown and I am scared, that's what makes it an adventure. If it were all laid out and guaranteed, would it be an adventure? No!” he said.

If that weren't enough, after climbing Mount McKinley, Erden is planning to get married at the base of the mountain.