About
Since 2008, three brothers from a family farm in Starkweather, ND dreamed of a rugged Pan-American bike expedition to benefit Habitat for Humanity. In August 2011, this dream became a reality. In May 2012, they returned home from Ushuaia in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego and began the next chapter of their lives, forever changed by what they accomplished together.
Our goal was twofold. We fundraised enough money to co-sponsor a home with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity. We also hoped to document a powerful journey across Arctic tundra, Central American tropics, mountains, deserts, cityscapes and many other roads less traveled between Alaska and Argentina.
Many charity rides spend a great deal on various amenities and promotional efforts. We wanted something different. Bound South was a rugged journey of reflection, a fully self-supported trek across some of the most inhospitable places in the Americas. Supporting our cause allows you to become a part of our story. Every dollar you donate will go directly to Habitat for Humanity to continue their good work.
Real adventure was the spark for this journey. Our desire to help others sustained it. We are forever Bound South.
Isaiah Berg is the middle son in the Berg family, sandwiched between his older brother Nathan and younger brother David. Like his brothers, Isaiah was born and raised on a family farm in rural Starkweather, ND.
Isaiah graduated from Dartmouth College in June of 2011 with a degree in Geography and Economics. During his time at Dartmouth, Isaiah was a leader in Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, the Dartmouth Cycling Team, the Navigators, and other activities. He relished the privileges of a liberal arts education and will always draw great pleasure from reading and writing.
After his freshman year at Dartmouth, Isaiah worked as a Trip Leader for Bike and Build, leading dozens of riders across the northern United States on bicycle to raise funds and awareness for affordable housing. That experience was the inspiration for Bound South, the Pan-American bicycle expedition that he shared with his brothers. Since Bound South, Isaiah has been commissioned as an officer of the United States Marine Corps.
Nathan Berg is the eldest son in the Berg family. He grew up on a family farm a few miles away from Starkweather, ND. Nathan attended elementary school and graduated high school from Starkweather’s public school.
Nathan moved to Fargo to attend North Dakota State University. He graduated from NDSU with a Music Education degree, specializing in choral music. Throughout his education at NDSU, Nathan was actively involved in several musical ensembles. Nathan took advantage of myriad opportunities that strengthened his appreciation for his community and the university.
Outside of school he has pursued interests in swing-dancing and photography. His gift for photography will help capture the story of Bound South. Nathan is excited be a part of a journey like Bound South that is also supporting Habitat for Humanity. Following the trip, Nathan is working in education and on the family farm.
David Berg is the youngest son in the Berg family. David was born in Cando, ND and raised on a family farm near Starkweather, ND. Like his brother, Isaiah, he attended Oak Grove Lutheran High School and lived with his grandparents in Fargo, ND. He graduated in May of 2011.
David cherished his time at Oak Grove. Surrounded by the Oak Grove community, he excelled in many aspects of student life. He was elected Student Body President and served in a variety of capacities on campus. He was deeply involved in athletics—soccer, basketball, and track—and music—choir, musical productions, and worship band—while at Oak Grove. Academically, David was blessed with a number of extraordinary teachers and enjoyed his studies.
Early on in his high school career, David became involved in several leadership organizations including Students Today Leaders Forever and Fill the Dome. He also started Cadence Mobile DJs, a thriving mobile DJ service in the Fargo-Moorhead area, with his cousin Paul.
What draws him to this expedition is his passion for making a difference, the outdoors, and the adventure itself. He thoroughly enjoys photography and hopes to capture the beautiful journey from Alaska to Argentina.
David is now attending Dartmouth College in New Hampshire.
David Berg
Bound South
Isaiah Berg
Nathan Berg
Bound South 
You guys are SO AWESOME. I wish you the best and can’t wait to hear about your adventures.
It is a privilege to call you 3 cousins! God be with you all the way.
I searched the web to find an inspiring bicycle quote for you three, but I just couldn’t settle on one. So instead I would like to inform you that every quote page I saw was overtaken by an influx of highly regarded souls, such as John F. Kennedy, Mark Twain, and Albert Einstein, I mean Bam Margera from Viva la Bam even had one (sorta). For 10 months. 304 days. 7300 hours. 438000 minutes. 26280000 seconds. I will be keeping the three of you in my prayers. Best of luck you highly regarded souls, kudos to you.
Thank you! Perhaps we’ll reference Dorothy Bernard: “Courage is fear that has said its prayers.” That’s us, I assure you!
As a former Webster resident, and being raised on a farm near there, I am inspired by your ambition. I first saw your story in the DL Journal. I also believe i know your Father Jim, and I knew your grand father Barnie. Wishing you Gods best on your trip.
Hi Guys! I believe you bumped into my boyfriend Ian and his companion Lee on their 350South adventure. Its great that there are so many like minded explorers out there!
I wish the three of you the very best in your trip 🙂
Áine
Just curious to know what Isaiah is currently reading and in what format. Val from ND
We received gifts of Nooks (a Barnes & Noble product) that are basic e-readers. Currently, I’m reading The Closing of the American Mind by Allan Bloom, The Art of War by Sun Tzu, and some Tolstoy.
Gents,
Kevin Millman here. We ran into eachother while on a pit-stop on the Denali Highway in Alaska. I’m the one who is in the Argentine wine business.
It was great meeting you all and think your trek is nothing less then amazing. I wish you three a safe and fantastic journey and hope it is all you dreamed it would be!!!
Best regards,
Kevin
We have just returned from Cantwell, Alaska, where we visited our son who is the pastor of Cantwell Bible Church. He told us about your trip, so now we’re following your blog. We live on 20 acres in Boring, Oregon–just outside Portland. Look us up if you need a place to stay.
From Alaska to Argentina – Amazing! I wish three of you the best of luck, a safe journey and may God always be with you.
Sabita
All of you guys are just amazing! I hope the road ahead is a smooth one I can’t wait to hear more stories!
Good luck on your awesome trip. I will be following this blog like a hawk.
Hey, this is Marie Vanderpan and Krystle Tufte. We are at your Grandparents house right now and your Dad was telling us all about your travels and so we decided to check out your website. You three are such an inspiration, and we are so happy to call you our second-cousins! Goodluck on your Journey. You will be in our thoughts and prayers as you continue your trip. Thanks for your dedication to God, it is so uplifting and encouraging.
“May the strength of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
Magnificent web site. Lots of useful information here. I am sending it to some friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks for your effort!
Just beginning to read the blog now that the days are shorter and it’s too cold to bike in the morning hours! ha I grew up with your dad (he was the smart one in the class) and heard about this journey you are taking. My husband and I bike a lot so we are really impressed with your expedition. We ache after 20 miles and talk about it for the next 2 days! So, prayers for endurance and good health as you travel to Argentina! Marcia Braathen Torning
Our hunting group from Wisconsin just finished a week long duck hunt on your family farm in Starkweather, ND. Your proud father Jim, told us all about your amazing journey. So, I just wanted to say good luck and keep up the great work men!
My husband Denny and I just visited your family on the farm last Friday. Met your sister when she dashed home from school to get something. Met your mom on her way to Devils Lake to work. Met grandpa too! Had a nice visit with your dad about Red Willow Bible Camp, where we are the directors. We will be following along on your journey, and wish you good weather and continued success.
Desde Argentian les desep lo mejor, y seguro que aca seran muy bienvenidos. Un fuerte abrazo a los tres y nunca cambien su manera de ser.
Silvia
My name is Mike Frase. I am a duck hunter and stayed at the Berg Family farm November 1-6th. Met your Dad, Jim. He was so proud and excited about what you are doing. Hope you had a good time with your mother in San Francisco. I’ll make a contribution and send it to your Dad.
Good shooting, I mean good riding.
Duckhunter Mike
Congratulations, me and my wife met you guys at a super on the road near Guadalajara yesterday saturday. We are bikers too, we´d have like to cycle with you for a while, but we didn´t had the bicicles with us at that time.
We would have loved to ride with you as well! It was nice meeting you during our hard ride through the sierra!
Hi there guys – I got an e-mail from my daughter and son-in-law in Mazatlan – You met them, Donna and Dan Devine and her friends in Mazatlan. They had a few drinks etc., together with you and they really enjoyed the time spent with you three. I am Donna’s mother and live in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. All the best to you. Right now our winter has been quite warm (actually above seasonal), but I am sure the white stuff will come any time. My best to all of you in your journey. I really enjoyed reading your educational experience, etc. Take care of each and God’s blessings.
Lil Grauer
“We hope to build awareness and fundraise $60,000 for the Lake Agassiz Chapter of Habitat for Humanity.” – this sounds very honorable and great.
Hi there, I’m a fellow blogger… congrats on your most recent “freshly pressed”. As a Mexican myself I have to say I’m awed by your pictures. How little I know my own country… Anyway, if / when you stop by Mexico City and/or its surroundings, you find yourselves in need of some advice / help / place to crash / food / bike repair, please do not hesitate on contacting me. (I’m quite serious… No, I don’t know you from Adam, but even Abraham encountered and hosted angels, why then should I not show the same hospitality.) Just drop me a message at http://www.dansk2spansk.wordpress.com.
GODT NYT ÅR / HAPPY NEW YEAR / FELIZ AÑO NUEVO and God speed
Hey! Such an awesome, awesome thing you guys are doing. I can’t wait to read more about your cause. I was a part of Students Today Leaders Forever in college–it’s an amazing thing to know how STLF has impacted young leaders to get out and continue serving. YEAH BUDDY!
Amazing! Good luck ! I am very amazed by people like you!
Love the action and the idea
Enjoy!
Wow, how incredibly inspiring! I love learning about people like you guys who do wonderful things to help others! This must be quite an adventure! I’ve been to Peru, Chile, Uraguay and Argentina, all the way to the southern tip of Patagonia and have fallen in love with this mystical land. I love to hike and Ecuador sounds like an amazing place. Enjoy!!!!
The Schunke/Bugni duck hunting crew would also like to send the best of luck to the Berg Brothers in their quest. Big dreams often come from small places. What a testament to the strength of young spirits and the courage to make the impossible happen. May God be with you every mile of your journey.
hey guys – I ran across your trip through a Facebook link from the Adventure Cycling Association. A couple friends of mine did the same exact trip about a year and a half ago, and I thought you’d enjoy/get some value out of seeing their adventures (if you get the chance of course!)… enjoy! http://blog.pebblepedalers.com/
I just met with you dad, he and his friend kim just bought a trailer from me in Wisconsin he was just telling me about your story. I just wanted to congradulate you guys and tell you keep on peddling. Adam
Thank you Adam!