This had already been done as duo. What is so hard about doing it solo? I’m sure there is autopilot and all kinids of telemetry so they can say–“wake up goofball its time to land”. Plus, with the appropriate “help”, etc., who didn’t do this during exams at college?
I think it’s the fact that if he doesn’t successfully complete his voyage, Richard Branson is going to put a hit contract on him, all he’ll have for his troubles will be one big soggy diaper and a helluva bennie hangover, and Tom D. is going to kick his ass if he ever shows up at BikeSports.
How much press did this ger? The Virgin Logo has been on TV for days now. Richard got his moneys worth.
yup…it’s got an autopilot.
taking naps…thus the criticism from some people that this is not that impressive a feat. I think David Blaine is much more impressive. 
The immpressive part is the engneering. Build a plane that holds enough fuel and is efficient enough to make the trip. The engineers are the ones we should celebrate.
The immpressive part is the engneering.
If this has already been done with two people, the engineering feat to design a plane to do it again with one person seems somewhat less remarkable.
The really impressive thing is that so many people care what billionaires do with their money to entertain themselves.
I agree…except that the Voyager did that, only with two pilots, like 20 years ago. TWENTY years ago!!!
studying for exams can;t kill you.
Oh, well if he could crash, that makes it heroic and all.
Gag me.
HEY!!
This is much harder. During this solo effort, the pilot doesn’t get the benefit of shootin’ the breeze with (and boring the hell out of) his copilot…
Oh…but he was not able to eat normally…only protein bars and such. yawn
My next record: solo flight around the world on one tank of gas, PLUS no food or water and no evacuation or urination the whole time. Try to top that!!
or listen to his iPod…errrr…Virgin Pulse mp3 player!
I’d like to see him fly the gossamer albatross pedal-powered plane all the way around the world without stopping.
Now that would be remarkable.
-SD
Yeah, now that would be incredible.
Those efforts really captured my imagination. Especially after reading the book, "The Gossamer Odyssey: The Triumph of Human-Powered Flight. Incredible human horsepower and clever intellect solves one of the greatest dreams of humanity: to fly under one’s own power. A great book.
Or waxen wings to the sun!
Now THAT sounds dangerous.
<< Even more remarkable is if he pedaled using Powercranks >>
Yeah, but just imagine how fast he could run then afterwards!
Driving home from work can kill you. Riding a bicycle on the road can kill you. Screwing can kill you…well, not you.
Sorry Tom, couldnt resist.