"Vision" is what four WC students are calling their incredible idea to bike across the United States of America to encourage people to quit smoking.
Katherine Wilson '06, Spencer Case '08, Jamie Beaber '09, and Brain Gamble '10, will embark on a journey that will start in Anacortes, Washington and end in Assateague Island.
This expedition, meant to inspire people to break their addiction, is connected to the American Lung Association.
All riders will ask people to sign a pledge stating "I hereby pledge upon my signature today, to quit smoking before or upon the completion of the 'Ride for the Future' biking expedition."
The team's motto is "All about the Journey."
Case said, "If we can ride across America, then you can quit...It's almost like a bet-who can last longer."
The strenuous ride, across 4, 860 miles, will take approximately 65 days. The riders hope to accomplish about a 100 miles a day.
The bikers plan to camp for the majority of the trip.
To undertake such a massive project the students have begun rigorous training, including riding throughout Chestertown and Kent County.
Two of the team members, Beaber and Gamble, are on the Crew team, which has had its own tough training program.
Case and Wilson have already started to prepare on campus for the long journey.
The team is working hand in hand with many departments of the college to get started. They will have their own website where sponsors, students and the community can view their process along the trip.
The team will be holding fundraisers, such as a t-shirt sales, a bike-a-thon, and a local bike race, to help raise the funds needed for such a journey.
There are many people, including College alumni, who are prospective sponsors.
The members, claiming that the end of their journey is just the beginning, would like to set up an endowment for future students who would like their chance to change the world, in their own way.
The main goal of their project is to raise money and awareness for the American Lung Association.
Donations can be made at firstgiving.com/rideforthefuture until the team's own website is up and running.
"This is a community oriented project, and it isn't going to be possible without support," said the team.
If you would like to help please contact jbeaber2@washcoll.edu.
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