1998 - Bike-Aid 3,600 Miles Across The U.S.A.
1999 - The Great Divide Mountain Bike Expedition
Who is Kent Johnson and Why is He Mountain Biking from Canada to Mexico?
HOW I DECIDED TO MOUNTAIN BIKE
THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL
Last June I stopped in Missoula, Montana while I was bicycling across
America from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean. I picked up a copy of
Adventure
Cyclist and read a fascinating article, entitled "Dirt Crossing", about
a new mountain biking trail that had been completed by Adventure Cycling
in 1997. The article sparked my sense of adventure, my love of outdoor
wilderness areas and my desire to escape civilization! Yes ... I wanted
to do it! So in June of 1999, at age 17, I will join Adventure Cycling
on their "Great Divide Expedition". I will be the youngest rider ever to
attempt this arduous ride! Beginning at the Canadian border with my bike
trailer loaded with gear, I will pedal through Montana, Idaho, Wyoming,
Colorado, and New Mexico until I reach my destination on the Mexican border,
75 days and 2,500 miles later!
WHAT IS MY CONNECTION WITH
PARKINSON'S DISEASE?
In 1996 my Uncle was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. He is just
one of a million Americans who are effected by this debilitating neurological
disorder. Michael J. Fox, Janet Reno, Mohammed Ali and The Pope are a few
other names you might recognize and there are millions more people around
the world. During the past several years I have learned more about the
devastating effects of Parkinson's and I want to do all I can to help support
research to quickly find a cure. In November of 1998 I contacted the Parkinson's
Disease Foundation and suggested that I combine my love of outdoor adventure
cycling and my knowledge of wilderness survival learned as an Eagle Scout,
to cycle for dollars. It just so happened that they were sponsoring two
other cycling teams in an effort to raise money for Parkinson's research,
and my suggestion was welcomed. So now there are three "official teams"
who are cycling to raise money for Parkinson's research.
PARKINSON'S POWER ACROSS AMERICA/'99
THREE TEAMS PEDALING FOR DOLLARS
TEAM #1
|
WHO: |
Six men and women led by Matt Drayton of Foxboro, Massachusetts |
|
MISSION: |
To cycle, kayak and hike from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean |
|
ROUTE: |
Boston, Massachusetts to San Francisco, California |
|
WHEN: |
May 15, 1999 --- to --- September 4, 1999 |
TEAM #2
|
WHO: |
Two cyclists led by Donna Kos from Akron, Ohio |
|
MISSION: |
To cycle from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean |
|
ROUTE: |
San Diego, California to St. Augustine, Florida |
|
WHEN: |
March 1, 1999 --- to --- May 8, 1999 |
TEAM #3
|
WHO: |
Kent Johnson, a 16 year old student from San Diego, California |
|
MISSION: |
To mountain bike from the Canadian Border to the Mexican Border |
|
ROUTE: |
Port of Roosville, Montana to Antelope Wells, New Mexico |
|
WHEN: |
June 16, 1999 --- to --- August 29, 1999 |
HOW YOU CAN HELP !!!
Yes, you can help too! Please donate generously
in support of my efforts. Your entire donation -- 100% -- will go toward
research to find a cure for Parkinson's. None of this money will be used
for any of my expenses --- I am personally paying for my entire trip. Here's
what to do:
1. Print out the form by clicking HERE and fill it out completely.
2. Make your check out to "PUW" (Parkinson's Unity Walk).
3. Please write "PPAA" (Parkinson's Power Across America) in the memo section of your check.
4. Mail both form and check to:
Robin Anthony Elliott
Executive Director
Parkinson's Disease Foundation
650 West 168th Street
New York, New York 10032-9982
1-800-457-6676 or 212-923-4778
