About Us

 

 

 

 

We are TEAM BRIGHT EYED. On January 14, 2012 we will rev the 4.2 L I6 1HD diesel turbo engine in our 1995 Toyota Land Cruiser (British version) to crossing the starting line in Hero Square, downtown Budapest, Hungary to begin Budapest-Bamako 2012: The Great African Run. The Budapest-Bamako is a charity rally adventure from Europe to Africa. Budapest, Hungary to the city of Bissau in the African country of Guinea-Bissau. We will have no rescue helicopters, tow trucks, translators, lawyers or tour guides.

Our mission is to build a permanent rural school in one of the world’s poorest countries, Guinea-Bissau. A school and adjoining well will help break the cycle of poverty and will give an elementary school education to children who have no access to any type of schooling. Of course we’re going to try to win the race too!

Arthur Edstrom is an Adventure Rally Racer (January 2012), Angel Investor, Entrepreneur, Songwriter, NSX, Jeep and right handed Toyota Land Cruiser driver, Harley rider, Guitar collector, Marathon Runner, Sushi lover. He has more than 25-years of experience in business worldwide. Grew up in Wisconsin on a chinchilla ranch. Home base is Austin, TX.

“I met Dan the very first day I was on the Harvard Business School campus. It was January, 1997. I was watching the Green Bay Packer in a playoff game in the dorms. Dan walked in. Introduced himself and soon I found that he represented a business competitor of mine. We’ve been great friends every since. He’s the kind of friend a friend loves to have!” – AE

 

Daniel Byrne is a proven entrepreneur and leader. After formal training in engineering and sales experience with two major corporations, Dan founded Byrne Specialty Gases, Inc. in Seattle in 1984. By 2005, BSG had become a nationally recognized leader in the life sciences and analytical laboratory fields.. In March of 2006, BSG was acquired by Airgas, the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases.

Daniel is currently working on the commercialization of innovative and reliable temperature control and refrigeration systems. These systems are based upon Free Piston Stirling Cycle core technology. Powered by electricity or solar power, these systems will be used to deliver vaccines to the developing world.

He earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Tufts University and a master of science in mechanical engineering from Stanford University. He completed the Owner President Manager Program at Harvard Business School in 2000 were he met Arthur Edstrom.

He is the proud father of three sons, an avid cyclist, mountaineer, and volunteer. Certified auto mechanic. Home base is Seattle, WA.

 

Conor Byrne is a Pilot, a Rock Climber, and outdoor enthusiast.  One that is drawn to adventure, Conor has mountaineering experience, enjoys flying airplanes, and is excited about the opportunity to participate in this Adventure Rally. Passionate about photography and adventure, and with a skill set in navigation learned from both flying and remote backpacking, Conor will bring these things together to be a productive team member.

Conor completed B.S. in Aviation Technology from Central Washington University in June 2011. Conor lives in Seattle, Washington.

“Basically, Conor’s going to save our asses.” – Arthur Edstrom