Jeff Barrie is in great shape or a little crazy. Either way, Barrie is passionate about preserving the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. First he made a movie about it, then he rode across the country to tell congress.

   Riding a low-tech, seven-speed "strand cruiser," 30-year-old Barrie set off Feb. 6 from the Santa Monica pier in Los Angeles on a 4,500-mile bike tour across the United States to Washington, D.C.

   The purpose of his cross-country excursion is to spread the word about his documentary film, "Arctic Quest: Our Search for Truth," open the public's eyes to the threat of oil exploration in the Alaskan animal refuge, and promote cleaner, more efficient forms of energy and transportation.

   A related concern for Barrie and his supporters is the fate of the indigenous Gwich'in people, native Arctic inhabitants who depend heavily on caribou. Oil development may disrupt caribou populations in their homeland, altering the Gwich'in's ancient way of life in the process.

   Barrie's ultimate goal is to encourage Congress to pass legislation that will strengthen the Arctic Refuge's wilderness designation, effectively blocking further oil exploration in the area. The bill in debate is Morris Udall Wilderness Bill of 1997, now in the House of Representatives. A similar bill has also been introduced in the Senate.

   "Arctic Refuge is a symbol of the need for change," said Barrie.

   His mode of transportation is by no means the latest in bicycle technology. Barrie's cruiser is the sort of bike you might use for a leisurely ride along the beachfront instead of a five-month, cross-country excursion.

   Except for a little soreness in his knees, Barrie feels great. Neither rain nor sleet nor sidewinds nor sandstorms will deter him from his destination, he says.

   Accompanying him is Alex Tapia, one of the stars of "Arctic Quest." Tapia is driving a Prius, the latest hybrid vehicle from Toyota. The car, which Toyota loaned to the cause, uses a combination of electric and gasoline power and gets up to 70 miles per gallon.

   "We'll cross America on seven tanks of gas, more than 800 miles per fill-up," said Tapia. The Prius uses an onboard recharging system that works while the car is running.

   In 1996, Tapia, then 17, and four other teen-agers went to Alaska to explore the Arctic Refuge coastal plain and discover firsthand the source of the debate between oil companies and conservationists. Barrie was invited along to videotape the trip, whence came "Arctic Quest."

   The movie documents their visit to the refuge and the Yukon Territory. It includes interviews with the indigenous peoples of both areas and representatives of the oil industry.

   While Barrie and Tapia were impressed with the technology used by oil companies to minimize the impact of drilling activities on wildlife and the environment, the students came to a unanimous decision: The refuge was too sensitive and must be protected.

   "Eighty-five percent of the North Slope is already available to oil companies," said Barrie. "Leave the other 15 percent alone." The Arctic refuge comprises the other 15 percent.

   The teen-agers also resolved to work for solutions to America's dependency on fossil fuels. Their current adventure is a testament to both causes.

   Barrie and Tapia are following a southerly route to Washington, D.C. They will visit many communities, and they plan to show "Arctic Quest" at least 100 times along the way.

   They've already stopped in San Diego, Phoenix and Tucson, Barrie said, where they presented the film to audiences upwards of 250 people. The reaction has been very positive, he said.

   The Northern Alaska Environmental Center is sponsoring the bicycle trip. Donations for the tour may be made to