With the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial beginning to heat up, a major increase in visitors is projected.

Just last week we told you about a return visit involving the Breezy, a Wright Brothers era aircraft, that stopped for a short visit.

Several will come by air, train and by various modes of transportation over land.

Over the weekend we had an opportunity to meet and greet another interesting individual and product.

PEDAL-PADDLE HERE

If you happened to come upon a strange looking bicycle with red pontoons on the side, you will know what we're talking about.

On Saturday evening Jay Perdue, who hails from Amarillo, Texas, rode into town on what he calls Pedal-Paddle.

Accompanied by Shawn Nelson, driving a motorhome and pulling a trailer, he was serving as the ground support for this venture.

Nelson, a college student, was on the education real-life fast track.

The duo settled in the Wal-Mart parking lot to rest for the evening and attend church Sunday morning.

TREK ACROSS COUNTRY

Williston proved to be a scheduled stop and the pair took advantage of some brief down time.

Perdue jumped on his amphibious bicycle back on May 8 at Seaside, Ore., in an effort to be the first land/water vehicle to cross the country.

The trek began at the Lewis & Clark Monument, calling attention to what the famed explorers accomplished nearly 200 years ago.

Upon arrival here Perdue had logged 1,500 miles, spending 200 miles of that portion in the water.

He estimated the distance to this point put him approximately half-way, with the Statue of Liberty listed as the final destination.

Perdue has plans to reach that significant landmark by the Fourth of July.

Once he arrives he has plans to enjoy himself and celebrate a wedding anniversary with his wife in the Big Apple.

MOUNTAIN-TYPE BIKE

While the bicycle is a mountain-type craft, the addition of a small Staton motor and the pontoons makes it very interesting.

A small gear box allows for the vehicle to move right along.

The motorized bike manages up to 120 miles per gallon, while averaging up to 30 mpg on the water.

The motor is not used at all times, however it is available when needed, according to Perdue.

It takes only 60 seconds and two pins to convert the bike from a land craft to setting it up for travel on water when available.

HOLDS PATENT

Perdue told us he was involved with 76 boys in a Cub Scout pack and they were always looking for "something to do."

With that in mind it led to him inventing the Pedal-Paddle.

Since that time he has taken the project and worked it in as a side business.

His regular business, Perdue Acoustics, deals with sound systems for schools and churches.

You can check that business out at www.perdueacoustics.com.

INSPIRATION FROM ABOVE

As a matter of fact Perdue considers his invention as being, "God inspired."

He looks on this as a mission and is determined to accomplish the feat.

From a business sense he noted, "the only rule in creativity is you have to fail."

Prior to the trip Perdue spent months preparing, while securing the necessary paperwork from water authorities in each state.

He spent five weeks training time in Florida, getting himself set for the challenge.

WHY ATTEMPT IT ?

The main reason he gave for wanting to do this is the fact, "the United States has never been crossed before by an amphibious vehicle."

That alone was enough of a challenge for this determined explorer.

Along with setting world records, he also is raising funds for a charity entitled Care Net, earning pledges of a penny per mile.

Care Net is a national crisis pregnancy center.

EARNS A GRANT

Prior to his departure on this adventure Perdue received a check for $75,000.

That award came from a work challenge in his home community, which was open for any business to come up with ideas to create additional employment.

He met the challenge and was rewarded with the top prize, with his venture providing more employment opportunities.

CHECK THE WEB

If any one might be interested in this product you can check the web at www.pedal-paddle.com for further details.

You can also call 1-806-373-9402, however you won't be able to chat with Perdue for a few weeks as he continues on the road.

Cost of the bike and pontoons is approximately $600, while the engine sells in the $600 range.

We noticed Dan Bundy eyeing this craft as a way to get him closer to the big ones.

Hey, one never knows!

Perdue has traveled up to as much as 220 miles on a good day, while logging 67 miles in one outing on the Upper Missouri.

That just might be a good way for Bundy to chase the fish down.

With about four weeks remaining on this voyage we will attempt to update you on arrival at the Statue of Liberty.

There's one thing about living in America, if you have a dream, you have every right to dream and see those dreams become reality.

Perdue is living proof of that.

scope@willistonherald.com|572-2165