By John Marsh, Editor & Publisher
Back in early January, I asked readers to share some of their 2015 riding goals. Among the submissions was this, from Robert Minner:
“I am 65 and was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in December 2012. There is no cure but I am in partial remission thanks to a transplant and current chemo regimen. My goal is to do a bike ride from Greeley, Colorado, to my home town area of Pennsburg, Pennsylvania (2000 miles) starting in May as a fundraiser for the Cancer Relay for Life.”
A couple of weeks ago, I heard from Robert again. He wrote:
“Hi John.
I reached my goal! I rode my bike from Greeley, Colorado, to East Greenville, Pennsylvania, a neighboring town to Pennsburg. I left Greeley on May 25, arrived in East Greenville on July 4. Total miles: 1,816. I raised nearly $10,000 for my great nephew who was born 10 weeks premature and spent nearly 7 months in Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Best part of the ride was on the Great Allegheny Passage from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, to Chambersburg, Maryland, nearly 150 miles of trails.
“I changed the cause for the ride when I realized how much medical debt my niece and her husband had. Hoped this could help.
“My journey took me from Colorado through Nebraska… Iowa… Illinois… Indiana… Ohio… Pennsylvania… Maryland… and then back into Pennsylvania.
“I used a team of two people each week that carried supplies in a support vehicle. Having family and friends along made the journey that much more memorable for me. We spent the nights in hotels/ranches.
“The long and steep hills of Pennsylvania proved to be the biggest challenge and the most rewarding feeling of accomplishment. My longest day was 80 miles, in Iowa. The wind and rain were more of a factor than I anticipated, but was able to grind it out when necessary.
“It was a ride of a lifetime that I will never forget. Can’t put into words adequately how I felt when family and friends welcomed me home at the finish line as I met my great nephew for the first time. The home town newspaper (Town and Country) covered the event.
Warm regards,
Rob”
My heartfelt congratulations to Rob on his outstanding ride and achievement! And to all RBR readers who are achieving their goals this year – no matter how big or small.
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