“I want to ride a bike across the country.”
When Skyler Kern told his friends about his goal, they laughed in his face. He couldn’t help but laugh a little himself. After all, it was a hurdle that couldn’t be cleared without a great deal of physical, emotional, and psychological strain. His optimism was met with replies of “You’re kidding, right?” and “You’re going to die.”
But for Skyler, their skepticism only warmed the bike seat.
The 5-foot-five, 19-year-old University of Florida student had dreamt about the cross-country trip for years. Desperate for stories to one day tell his grandchildren, Skyler longed for his own “great American adventure,” in which he could learn more about the country, about the people living in it, and about himself.
Unfortunately, the pressures of “growing up” and “acting serious” forced Skyler to put his ambition on the backburner. Between studying for a degree in Philosophy at UF and working summers to pay the rent, he couldn’t find either the time or an excuse moving enough to drop everything and set out across the country on a bike.
Meanwhile, his dream became a dream deferred.
Then, while participating in the University of Florida’s annual Relay for Life event (which raises money for the American Cancer Society) in 2008, Skyler was inspired by the idea of people putting their bodies on the line for a cause much larger than any one person. He realized many people suffering from cancer will never have the opportunity to experience the things he has, let alone embark on such an adventure.
It was at that moment Skyler found something worth riding for.
Now, fueled by a mix of personal manifest destiny and an interpersonal goal, Skyler drew up plans for a 40-day cycling excursion from coast to coast – from Jacksonville, Florida to Los Angeles, California – covering seven states and a grand total of over 2400 miles. Skyler named his journey “Tour De States,” an American spin on the professional circuit made popular by another advocate for cancer awareness: cyclist Lance Armstrong.
He will be accompanied by his friends Nick Soilleux and Maxx Mann, who heard about Skyler’s trip and decided they were game for the challenge as well. Pedaling an average of 60 miles per day, the trio will be followed by friends Cory Draper, Kaylyn Brickey, and Chris Kirkland, who will support and document their journey in a documentary film project directed by Draper.
As Skyler, Maxx and Nick prepare for the trip – which will begin on May 2, 2009 in Jacksonville Beach – they need your help. They have been successful in getting the support of family, friends, and a few local businesses to sponsor them, but they’re still spreading the word and trying to get as many people as possible to donate money. All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society.
With your contribution, you will effectively join them on this journey as they attempt to unite our states behind such an important cause.
