Running & Zzzooming: A New Category of Travel So what exactly is the zzzoomer? Instead of mimicking a traditional running stroller with small wheels and a "push" only mode of travel, the zzzoomer incorporates many aspects of a bicycle, minus the seat, gears and pedals. The cart has two full size road bicycle wheels up front and one full size wheel in the rear. Glen is strapped into the cart with a waistbelt and can run freely within the cart.
Glen R. Turner is running, scooting and zzzooming his way on a trans-continental journey across the United States. Glen is traveling "unsupported" in a custom cart he designed and had built. His cart holds all of his necessary equipment for his trip including water, extra clothing, lights, electronics and sleeping gear. While he runs inside of the cart during the day, he converts it into a sleeping shelter to rest in at night.
In addition to running inside of the cart, Glen has an aluminum foot rest that he can support one foot on an "scoot" along the road. After pushing the 135 pound cart up a hill, Glen can further support his whole weight on the foot rest, tuck into an aerodynamic position atop a pair of bicycle aero handlebars and use the force of gravity to go zzzooming down. These multiple modes of use allow Glen to travel faster and further than traditional running while using less energy.
Glen has chosen a southern and very direct route across 8 states that is roughly 4,000 kilometers (km) or just under 2,500 miles. Glen may travel anywhere from 100 km to 100 miles in a single 24 hour period depending on the terrain and the ratio of zzzooming vs. pushing.
To Glen's knowledge, no one has ever built or used a cart quite like the zzzoomer, especially for a 4,000 km journey! This zzzoomer promises to push the speed and endurance limits of non-gear driven human powered transportation. Stay tuned as Glen travels through the deserts, mountains, plains and forests of the United States over the next several weeks.
