The task began on June 15, when seven boy scouts assembled at the Pacific seaside town of Florence, Oregon. Making sure their bikes were in good order and ensuring that had sufficient supplies, the scouts then began their 3,900 miles road trip, which is designed to last for 66 days.
The scouts had the initiative after they lost a classmate, called Sophie Steiner, to cancer. Sophie had contracted germ-cell cancer. The long-distance ride is taking place under the banner “Bike Loud!”
All of the sponsorship from their endeavour will go to teen cancer programmes, particular one set up in honor of their classmate — the Sophie Foundation. It is a tough task and they are carrying out their ride without any support: no one is driving behind in a car to give them a lift or to help with the odd puncture repair.
Across the way, the scouts have been supported by local residents who have provided accommodation and meals. The scouts have also collected sponsorship money and other donations.
At the time of writing, the fast peddling scouts have covered around 3,000 miles. This has taken them past such landmarks as the Cascades and Rockies. They’ve also crossed the Continental Divide and they have descended into the Great Plains.
On completing the trip on August 18, the boys will carry out a synchronized dip of bicycle wheels into the ocean. The boys carrying out the extraordinary feat are David Margolies, Brian Richardson, Alex Broz, Andrew de Figueiredo, Max Morgan, Will Owen, and Sam Billings.
One of the bikers, Max Morgan, said in a statement just prior to peddling off: “I’m excited to bike across the country because it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to challenge myself in a unique way.”
