Why am I doing this?


credits to Justin Bond of Star Talent Events for the audio.


Thanks for stopping in! This summer, I'll be biking 2500 miles from San Francisco to Gibson City, IL to raise $4000 for the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition and the Ford County Youth Soccer Club. My route map.

Why?
There are so many reasons. As a youngster growing up in central Illinois, playing soccer, as rare as it was for the area, was an activity that really shaped me into the person I am today. Not only combining the importance of fitness and teamwork, but also leadership and discipline. I have always wanted to have the opportunity to give back to this organization (FCYSC), and I feel that this is my chance.

Living just outside of Gibson City causes every child to be an avid cyclist to survive that stretch of Route 9 to make it into town. As I've progressed into my current career as an urban planner, I realize how much of an impact cycling can make in certain parts of the United States, in reducing our dependence on vehicles, increasing our health, among other benefits. Atlanta is the place that re-energized my spirit for transportation planning and I hope to be able to return some gratitude to the ABC, a cause that I still feel has an uphill battle in that town.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at supawanich@gmail.com

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Days 1-39 (Berkeley, CA through Gibson City, IL) Mapped and Routed (now passing via the Katy Trail)

Just a few new updates... as to people's suggestions, I'll be heading northward to pass the Katy Trail. I've also coded places where I'm being supported so far (in green)

I now have a complete route map... well at least waypoints. I haven't really figured out how to get from the Mississippi River back through Illinois without crossing ACA Routes from the Misssissippi River Road to the Northern Tier... I'd rather cut straight across Illinois to shave off a few days...

So speaking of shaving off a few days. I'm a little concerned about being able to make it in enough time.. well the latter part of the trip should be ok, but I seriously think that those first few weeks are going to be rough... oh well, maybe I should skip the SF 1/2 Marathon. I hate copping out of it though. Well, at least I can pick up the t-shirt on Friday.

Check out this guy's blog, He's doing a very similar trip solo (Vallejo, CA to Iowa).... sweeeet.


View Supa Cycles America - Fall 2009 in a larger map
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1 comment:

  1. CindyJune 19, 2009 at 2:48 PM

    Hi Paul,

    Wow... looks like an amazing ride. I hope you will be updating us on how your ride is going throughout :) Stay safe and best of luck.

    Cindy G.

    ReplyDelete

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