The Idea
In
1976, I decided to take a few weeks off after graduating high school
and visit my older brother. I rode my bicycle from Manheim, Pennsylvania to Houlton, Maine. I have felt more at home in Maine
than any place else ever since. The two-week trip had a big
impact on my life and permanently whetted my appetite for
adventure. Three years later, the opportunity for a great
adventure presented itself again, just before I entered college. I took
advantage of what seemed at the time to be my last chance to have a
whole summer for adventure and headed out west. On this trip, I
decided to leave all goals behind and simply bike from one great wonder
to the next. I rode from Bozeman, Montana to Pagosa Springs, Colorado. This was an adventure of a lifetime! I became interested in kayaking because I live on the Maine
coast. Being an avid bicyclist, it has been a lifelong dream to
design a pedal powered boat. The kayak seemed a perfect
challenge, so I designed and built a pedal powered sea kayak. The
Maine Island Trail is a perfect place to test, not only my skills, but
also the pedal powered kayak design. On 30 June 2007, I will start the adventure from my home in Kittery, Maine. This time, however, I have a clear goal, and a purpose. |
The Cause
On September 10, 2001,
my sister in law was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor that took
her life two and half years later. A short time later, a coworker
was diagnosed with an operable brain tumor. He is surviving, but
is unable to return to work. To honor her lasting legacy and help
those, like my friend who confront the effects of this illness
everyday, I am partnering with Racing Ahead®. The program was
created by the National Brain Tumor Foundation and celebrates the
passion of cyclists, runners and other athletes. NBTF is a non-profit
organization dedicated to innovative brain tumor research and patient
care. I am committed to raising both financial support and awareness
for the NBTF through a summer long, 350+ mile kayak trip along the
Maine Island Trail. I hope that this trip will inspire you to join us
in support of this worthy cause through a contribution to Maine Trek. |