EcoTrek

I got up at 5am to make it to a very popular Chicago radio show.  I can’t remember ever being this cold.  The “wind-chill factor” is 25 degrees BELOW ZERO.  The ice sheet on the water around the Navy Pier extends out about a mile.  PERFECT!

Many people have asked me why I didn’t wait until spring to do this test.  My response is simple.  It wouldn’t be a test if we didn’t encounter extreme conditions – it would be a road trip.  We wanted extreme condition, and as tough as that is at times, we wouldn’t know how cellulosic ethanol performed in sub-zero temperatures, unless we drove in them.  Which brings me to the Navy Pier in Chicago during the coldest, snowiest winter on record…  Perfect conditions!

The radio show went well.  The callers and hosts asked great questions and I was happy to educate a big portion of the Midwest about cellulosic ethanol. 

In fact, the interview went so well, NPR is going to rebroadcast it and Fox-TV has asked me to do a “live” broadcast in their studios on Thursday. 

So, I get to test EcoTrek’s vehicle and cellulosic ethanol for a few more days in these “perfect conditions.”

This is where POET hopes to begin production of their first full-scale cellulosic ethanol plant later this year.  (Please see www.projectliberty.com)

If successful, POET envisions this being a model to roll Project LIBERTY technologies into 180 biorefineries in America’s corn belt, which could produce 4.5 billion gallons of cellulosic ethanol annually, over 7,000 biorefinery jobs, 11,700 biomass logistics jobs and more than 70,000 farmers harvesting biomass, according to POET.  They also note that ”a recent study found that 80 billion gallons of [corn]ethanol could be produced annually from existing feedstocks, which is close to the amoung of gasoline that America gets from imported oil.”

Tom with POET Project LIBERTY Crew in Emmetsburg, Iowa

This last statement is for corn or grain ethanol.  Cellulosic ethanol reaches beyond traditional “feedstocks” and could include stover (cobs, husks and other non-food parts of corn plants), woodchips, fallen trees, uban waste wood-products, paper and all other plant-based materials.  Meaning, the supply of materials that can be converted into cellulosic ethanol is limitless. 

If successful, POET’s Project LIBERTY Plant, located in a remote corner of Iowa, could usher in America’s independence from foreign oil, create hundreds of thousands of jobs,  bolster America’s economy, help increase national security and create a more eco-considerate fuel source. 

EcoTrek will be monitoring POET’s progress and reporting on the advancements of cellulosic ethanol with high-hopes and guarding optomism.

With nearly 3,000 miles behind me, it was time to refill my fuel tanks with cellulosic ethanol (e85).  The only place in the world to do this today, without having it shipped, is POET’s Research Center in Scotland, S.D.

This fuel-stop enabled me to tour the Center to see have C.E. is made.  Basically, corn stover (cobs, husks and some stock) is delivered by local farmers.  The materials are ground up, treated and fermented into ethanol and then blending with 15% gasoline.  During the process, methane gas is created and then reused to help create the C.E.  This is an amazing recycling of energy.

"Stover" to be converted into POET Cellulosic Ethanol

After filling the tanks with C.E., the range of EcoTrek’s truck is roughly 2,400 miles, enough to get us to our next fuel-stop on the East Coast.

Sioux Falls was blanketed in snow when I arrived and the temperature topped out at 6 degrees – perfect for testing cellulosic ethanol in cold weather.

POET’s Nathan Schock and Matt Merritt had arranged several media interviews, which generated considerable “press” with the local TV, radio and newspaper outlets.  POET also hosted a reception, which included CEO Jeff Broin and his support team. 

Tom Holm and POET Project LIBERTY Director James Sturdevant

I enjoyed sharing my findings with the press and POET’s team.  And, I found it especially interesting to meet with James Sturdevant, POET’s Director of Project LIBERTY (www.projectliberty.com).  Project LIBERTY is where POET is focusing its resources on producing cellulosic ethanol economically on a commercial basis.  James is passionate about his monumental endeavor and is truly leading a noble cause.  My best wishes are with him and his crew.

After morning interviews, lunch at the local diner (a big treat after days of camping in the truck) and then more interviews, Green Drinks (www.greendrinks.org) allowed me to address their group to open a lively discussion on C.E.

Tomorrow, we head out to Scotland, SD to refuel EcoTrek’s Best of America Truck.

In Western South Dakota, you have four “must see” sites – Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Monument, Badlands National Park and, yes, Wall Drug Store. 

Wall Drug is a remarkable blend of Old West memorabilia and a Route 66-style American-Highway road stop.   It’s not just a drug store.  It’s a block-long mall that includes a western museum, art galleries, a travelers’ chapel, novelty shops, a great diner and, of course, a full-service drug store.    Out back, there’s even an 80-foot dinosaur. 

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is also a major South Dakota attraction for a more exclusive group of travelers.  But, you can bet, most of the bikers attending “Sturgis” make their way to Wall Drug for a “free glass of ice water,” Wall’s famous promotional item.  Of course Wall sells a lot of aspirin to those bikers as well to alleviate the aftereffects of Bike Week.

It’s still dark as I leave my campsite at the Crazy Horse Monument to head over to Mount Rushmore.  The temperature is near zero.

My hope is to witness the faces on the Mount emerge from darkness with the rising of the sun.  A blanket of stars overhead, so I know the sky is clear – a good sign. 

CNN is broadcasting non-stop coverage of the demonstrations in Egypt, and while their analysts debate the outcome and effects of this event, I pray that the world is witnessing the origins of a new democracy – free of tyranny.  Is that too much to hope for?  If George Washington would have thought so, his face wouldn’t be carved into the side of a mountain in a country he fought tyranny to start.

So, it is especially befitting to me to be setting my eyes on Mount Rushmore, a global symbol of freedom, as demonstrators in Egypt fight for their own freedoms.

Darkness lingers as I gaze in solitude into the shaded faces of George Washington, first president of the United States, who led our battle for freedom; Thomas Jefferson, third president and the author of the Declaration of Independence; Theodore Roosevelt, 26^th president and the leading land conservationist in history; and, Abraham Lincoln, 16^th president, who held our nation together during the civil war. 

As I look into their eyes, I am in complete awe – feeling, at the same time smaller than I ever have, yet growing with pride and promise in being an American resolute in my devotion to our country and democracy everywhere. 

The glow of the rising sun illuminates these great faces against the backdrop of a rich blue sky.  I stand alone, not a soul in sight, honoring great men who have shaped the lives of so many and who have advanced the best qualities of humanity.  God Bless America and all of those who have fought, and who continue to fight, for our freedoms!  Let freedom reign everywhere.

As much as I’ve seen in exotic and historic locations all around the world, Mt. Rushmore has always deeply intrigued me.   So much so, I’ve decided to push on, foregoing free beer at the New Belgium Brewery just north of Denver (a separate “Green” blog), to glimpse tomorrow’s first light reflecting off the faces chiseled into this iconic American monument. 

But, today has adventures of its own. 

Colorado is miraculous.  I hope to spend much more time immersed in her many environs.  During today’s short glimpse of her plains, I journey up Interstate 25, flanked to my left (West) by the great Rocky Mountains.   It’s unseasonably warm – about 65 degrees – and the sun is shining brightly, enhancing the hues of golden grasslands that surround me.  I am fully in the moment, not aware of the miles behind, or before me.  I am simply overwhelmed with the majesty of this time and place. 

 My wish is that everyone could experience this feeling.  As a world traveler, I can tell you that we are so blessed to live in this glorious country.  Experience it.  It’s out here waiting for you.

 All too quick, Colorado is behind me and I’m now in Wyoming.  When I wrote and hosted the Adventure Highway TV series on what was OLN (now Versus TV), one of my favorite episodes was on the Cheyenne Frontiers Days.  This event, staged at the stadium that I’m now passing, attracts a culture of cowboys (and cowgirls), rodeo fans and those longing for the lifestyle of the Old West.  However, Cheyenne is a modern city, blessed to be encircled by open plains and enriched by historic buildings and a colorful past.  It was once the cultural center of the West, where a then modern opera house was patronized by socialites donning fashions from Paris.    

 Just North of Cheyenne, I branch off onto Highway 87, a small roadway that meanders north through Wyoming.  Deer are ubiquitous, and I’m concern about hitting one, but, although they venture dangerously close to the highway, none stray in front of my truck. 

 Either in Torrington or Lusk, I see an old feeding building on the side of the road.  It’s so Americana to me that I stop to shoot the EcoTrek truck in front of it. 

 Night is beginning to fall, but I really want to see Mt. Rushmore at dawn, so I keep driving north.

 I steer east on Highway 16, which takes me into South Dakota.  It’s dark, so I miss seeing the topography of this part of the state.  However, this sacrifice was worth an unexpected blessing.  When I get to the Monument of Crazy Horse (which, when completed, will be the largest sculpture in the world) the gates are open.  I drive in and take some great pictures.  When the security guard approaches, he kindly directs me to a nearby campground.  So, for this night, I camp under the massive statue of Crazy Horse.

 Tomorrow at dawn, Mt. Rushmore…

Wow.  If you want to be reminded of how beautiful America’s Southwest is, take the drive from Phoenix to Holbook, AZ along highways 87/260/377.  This will connect with the I40 into Albuquerque.  I’m going to just let the photos do the talking.  These were all taken on the same day.

CBS Channel 5 morning host Pat McMahon proved to be very knowledgeable about cellulosic ethanol.  In fact, he is one of the most professional and entertaining hosts that I’ve encountered.   While being broadcast ”live” to millions of viewers, he presented amazingly well-reseached questions in an intellegent and witty manner.  However, I was most impressed with him after the interview when I asked him, what keeps him so focused.  His response, without hesitation: ”Always stay curious, young man!”  Wise words from a wise man.

ABC-15 News’ Michael Hagerty also proved to be a proficient investigative reporter AND a knowledgeable “car guy.”   After taping a segment for his viewers which addressed the virtues of POET’s cellulosic ethanol, we drove around Phoenix talking about renewable fuels, horsepower, gas vs. diesel,  etc…   I’m looking forward to reporting back to Michael the performance of C.E. during my trek in hopes that he’ll assist this amazing grass roots movement that’s growing around the Best of America Tour and POET’s Project Liberty (www.projectliberty.com).

My visit to Phoenix concluded with a gathering at Auto Now (www.liftedtrucks.com).   I especially like being challenged to “convert” truck and SUV owners to use renewable fuels.  Most are stubborn as hell about keeping their “big rigs,” so at least using biofuels can reduce their carbon footprint. 

Some truck owners try to bully me with their defiance.  But, I’m not intimidated. After all, preaching to the converted is for cowards.  I’m taking the message of renewable energy to the fields of friends and foes, because eventually most will be pursued that American-made fuels are good for our country, our economy, our national security and our environment. (At least one of these points hits home for every American.)  I’m willing to fight to get that message understood, because the alternative is unacceptable to me, as it should be to you. 

A special thanks to the guys at AutoNow in Phoenix (and Outlaw Offroad in California) for having the courage to display EcoTrek’s truck, fueled by POET cellulosic ethanal, at your locations.  You’re true patriots!