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After 30 years in the corporate world, I have decided to take a short sabbatical, in order to clear my head and sort out the options that lie ahead for me.
The last 30 years have been a great run with few regrets. My professional career has afforded me a fabulous network of friends and colleagues, and experiences that I could never have dreamed of as I sat in my first accounting class at John Carroll University (JCU) decades ago.
At age 51, a strange convergence of events—some good and some bad—have provided me an opportunity to fulfill a dream that was born by a class mate at JCU 30 years ago, who rode his bicycle across America, right after college graduation on a unsupported ride, using a bike that was no doubt twice as heavy and very inefficient when compared to today’s bikes. I am approaching this quest with a conviction and passion to help others, and with the encouragement of many, I intend to ‘get in the arena’ as Teddy Roosevelt encouraged us to do back in 1910. In other words, Just pedal and sweat and if you get bloodied along the way—your a better person for it.
I was raised to be thankful for what I have been given, and to recognize that not everyone is lucky enough to get the same breaks in this confusing world we live in. So while I am enjoying this great country from a hard bike seat, it is my hope that my long hours of sweat and dedication will help raise public awareness for a special charity, the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN). No doubt there are many causes that need attention and financial help for research and public awareness—and likewise, there have been no shortage of worthwhile medical related causes that have hit my immediate family. I have fielded that question from more than one. But for this undertaking I want to directly support a program that helps kids and young adults, where publicity is not as great as the other causes, and where the impact can be just as great. Receiving a medical update about from a co-worker of mine in June 2008 regarding his son, the same week I got the green light to ride from the boss, ---sealed the deal for me as to which organization I was pedaling for.
As I pedal along on my bike for 3,415 miles, I hope to find my strength and motivation from the support of the people across this land, who have graciously decided to support my effort. I am asking friends for a simple donation of a penny per mile. That’s $34.15 (before the tax deduction). No one is more keenly aware of the economic challenges across the spectrum of industries and geographic regions than I. The competition for the shrinking charitable dollar is as great as ever. The causes are great and plentiful. Small organizations that don’t have the portfolios and resources to keep their message alive during these times need our attention more than ever. And for those Doubting Thomas's out there that think that I will only make it half-way--pledge $17.075.
I have created this blog so you can be part of my adventure. It’s pretty straightforward--I agree to peddle and you agree to click on the button below. No pledge money is going to fund any of my bike ride. All pledged funds will go directly to the FAAN organization a 501(c) 3 organization. I did not ask FAAN for, nor did I receive, any financial support from FAAN. FAAN is not sponsoring my ride in any way—other than allowing me to use their logo and to access their website. It is my hope to raise $25,000 for this charity. Please forward my link to anyone who may have an interest in supporting this effort or following the ride.
CrossRoads Cycling Adventures from Littleton, Colorado is the organizer and operator for this ride. Based on a lot of research and everything I have seen to date, these folks are the pro’s.
I have sensed a gathering momentum from some, that you may intend to meet up with me at points along the way, and pedal a few miles, a few mountain ranges, or a few states with me---with the obvious goal of drafting off of me. I would love it, but you will need to keep up. So get out there now and power up!
I have created a page in this blog called 'Give Willie Some Encouragement' that will allow you to send me a blurb that will inspire me, or to give me a laugh, or to remind me that "Failure is not an option', or this will 'be your finest hour' or to tell me where you are going to meet me along the way.
Finally, the amount of training and the overall time commitment is overwhelming. Something like this can not be done with limited support from family members. It’s all or nothing. Let it be known to all that the real boss in my life, the “Mrs.” took about a nano second to say ‘yes--do it’ when I confronted her with this quest. Having her love and support has allowed me to focus on the mission at hand, and cleared the runway for me to mentally get ready.
I have been looking at numbers for 30 years, 401-K numbers and the like, I have a different set of numbers in my sights now. I am going thru 15 states, 5 mountain ranges, one long desert, will dip my wheels in 2 oceans and climb 90,000 feet over 7 weeks. When I arrive in Boston, I will have pedaled 3400 miles. Anyone who wants to meet me in Boston on June 27, the lobster is on me. I will be the guy in the corner booth with the pony tail having a cold soda pop with family and friends.
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