John Payne, Steve Steele and Hall Stonerock have reached Montana for the thrid stage of their TransAmerica adventure.
To quote John Payne, "The TransAmerica Bicycle Tour for David, Louise, and Marsha is in full swing."
So far, Payne, Steve Steele and Hal Stonerock have logged more about 1,000 miles in their ride from Astoria, Oregon and into the Rocky Mountains. They're currently in Montana, leaving Missoula Thursday for five day ride into Yellowstone Park. The plan is to finish up on the east coast in Yorktown, Virginia on August 9th.
The ride has a dual purpose. It was a personal goal for both Payne and Steele. But they've turned their journey into a cancer awareness mission, raising funds for cancer research through the American Cancer Society, riding in honor of loved who lost their lives to cancer.
Payne's brother David, Steele's sister Louise and felllow cyclist Marsha Tootle lost their battle with cancer.
The avid cyclists have been training for this trip about two or three years.
Payne says they have to average about 80 miles a day to stay on schedule.
Hal Stonerock is traveling with them, but not on two wheels, he's pulling the 1970's model camper the three have been camping in. That camper gets a bit more cramped this week as fellow Chillicothe cyclist Lars Petersen has joined the trio.
Payne says the ride has raised $5,550 thus far for cancer research.
Follow their ride on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/KPabDo
Find out how you can help financially: http://bit.ly/MuTL3l
Hear Dan Ramey's interview with Payne, Steele and Stonerock.
