SEATTLE and BOSTON, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Last month, five cyclists turned their backs to the Pacific and began an epic 3-month, 5,000 mile, off-road bike ride to honor high school students across the country whose journey to a diploma is more challenging than the norm. The riders are on a road less traveled – avoiding pavement whenever possible.
"Our original route didn't include dead-end dirt paths and forest fires," says REAL Ride founder Cris Rothfuss. "But, we did know every day would be a challenge, and that's proving to be an understatement."
Heat, fire, and extremely rugged terrain have hampered the team; they have been forced to re-route and double back numerous times. But, they have also found a heap of local kindness and mid-western generosity.
"A guy was yelling at us from a pickup truck," said rider Perri Mertens. "Being from the east coast, we all cringed. Turns out, he just wanted us to know about a free lunch a block away hosted by an insurance company. Nebraska is a wonderful state!"
The students at the five partnering schools they are riding for face heavy social and economic challenges. As a constant reminder of why they are cycling, each rider is carrying handwritten aspirations from the students.
"When a high school student writes, 'I am a homeless teen and I will become something great despite where I'm from' – you have to be prepared to go the distance for that kid. Come on – who wouldn't?!" said Rothfuss.
Learn more - follow their progress: www.therealride.org
REAL TIME TRACKER: http://therealride.org/ride-tracker/
PRESS OPPORTUNITY: |
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DATE: |
Sept 13-16 Kansas City Area |
Sept 17-21 St Louis Area |
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FORMAT: |
Interviews, Photo and Video Opportunities |
NOTE: |
Ride-along opportunities available for intrepid journalists ONLY! |
The Schools:
Interagency Academy, Seattle, WA
Emily Griffith High School, Denver, CO
Milford Success Academy, Cincinnati, OH
CB Community School, Philadelphia, PA
Boston Day and Evening Academy, Boston, MA
Additional Photos & Materials Available
SOURCE The REAL Ride
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