Have you ever wanted to challenge yourself to the limits of human performance? What about cycling across America? A Laurentian University graduate did both, and you can meet him Aug. 29 at Science North.

Considered the “World’s Toughest Bike Race,” the Race Across America (RAAM) is among the longest-running and most respected endurance events in the world. Cycling distances of 400 to 550 km per day, the race distance is 30 per cent longer than the Tour de France and racers must complete it within roughly half the time: only 12 days.

So how did a Laurentian graduate do it? Jason “The Hammer” Lane, 31, is a graduate of Laurentian’s Outdoor Adventure Leadership program and has been cycling in racing events around the world for more than 10 years. On June 13, he began the RAAM challenge which started in Oceanside, California and ended in Annapolis, Maryland. He cycled across 12 states and completed a distance of 4,800 km.

While there were about 300 cyclists competing in the team relay, Lane was one of only 50 participants who attempted the challenge solo, and became the fifth Canadian to ever complete this challenge, despite being run over by a car at one point in the race.

Lane also partnered with a film studio to produce a documentary about his adventure this past June. A teaser trailer is available on his website at www.teamhammerfest.com.

His next challenge? In August 2013, Lane will participate in what he believes will soon become the world’s toughest bike race. The Tour de BC, is a 5,100-km journey through British Columbia from the southern coast to the border of Alberta, up to the Yukon, and back.

Meet Lane on Aug. 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. for free at Science North in front of Body WorldsVital. Laurentian Alumni can stop by the Laurentian University Alumni Association table to receive 50 per cent off evening admission coupon to Body Worlds Vital that evening and enter for a chance to win some great prizes.