Jul 23, 2007 - 05:28:47 CDT
Last semester, Chad Boehm went into Dan Howell's room and asked an innocuous question: "What are you doing?"He couldn't have imagined that the answer was a 2,000-mile journey that Howell had concocted as a way to visit his sister in Austin, Texas. But, the avid cyclist agreed to go along.
What started as an idea to visit a relative became a border-to-border trip for the two University of North Dakota students to raise money for causes that were important to each of them.
Boehm, who is from Bismarck, and Howell, who is from Hazen, left Sunday for Del Rio, Texas, 10 miles from the Rio Grande River, which forms the border between the United States and Mexico. They started training for the ride after school was out for the semester. They rode their bikes when they could, and completed the Headwater 100 in Minnesota, a 100-mile bike race.
"I don't think I'll ever be fully prepared," Howell said. "You put your butt on the bike seat and go."
The route they chose does not include interstates. They requested special maps from the recreation directors of ever state along their way, showing roads that will allow bicycles.
Their goal is to ride 200 miles a day, while occasionally covering 50 miles a day for a change of pace when they need a break. They're also planning a break in Colorado Springs, Colo., where they will visit one of Boehm's relatives. They will take a few days there before heading on to Texas.
Ideally, they will be back by Aug. 19. Boehm will need to be back in time to start his junior year at UND as a nutrition science major, and Howell is moving to Las Vegas to start massage school and his career as a dietician and personal trainer.
It was during the planning phase in the spring that they hooked up with a person at UND who has organized bicycle fundraisers. With this person's help, the bike ride started taking on a purpose. Boehm is riding to raise money for the American Cancer Society, and Howell is raising money for Campus Crusade for Christ.
Howell chose Campus Crusade for Christ because of the importance of that organization in his life, and even more so of God in his life.
"The trip, for me, is a chance to spread my faith," he said.
The money will help support an organization that helped strengthen his faith after an intense experience when he felt God in his life. He also went on a mission trip with the organization over spring break and wants opportunities like this to be available to other students in the future.
It clicked for Boehm that he should donate to the American Cancer Society when his mother passed along news that a relative was diagnosed with cancer.
"My life has been affected by cancer twice," he said, also remembering a friend who had cancer. He realized other people's lives have been affected by cancer in the same way, simply by knowing someone with cancer. For this reason, he wanted to raise money to fund research and awareness.
In addition to planning a route, the men accounted for meeting some of life's necessities, like food and shelter.
Some food and water take up precious space in their bicycle trailers. Grocery stores, convenience stores and other retailers along the way will fill in the gaps to keep them pedaling toward their destination. Along with food, they've packed a tent, sleeping bag and light-weight clothing that can match a variety of weather. They also waterproofed everything they could.
"Odds are it's going to rain," Howell said.
Hydration is important as they make the trek through the warmest time of the year. Each bike is fitted to carry four water bottles, and they will drink sports drinks to replace electrolytes.
In case of an emergency while on the road, they have a first aid kit, and for more severe injuries, a cell phone to call for help.
Their backgrounds in nutrition may possibly hamper them along the way, as well.
"I've gotten into arguments with people about nutrition. I'm a junior, and Danny's a licensed dietician," Boehm said, noting the absurdity of picking an argument with someone who is more educated on such matters.
Outside of an occasional spat, the friends figure they'll have some meaningful discussions while on the road.
"We'll probably have some deep conversations," Howell said. "We'll know the meaning of life after a couple of states."
In the end, the meaning of the journey will end in a bus ride to Howell's sister in Austin and money raised for Campus Crusade for Christ and the American Cancer Society.
People can follow along on their journey through their Web sites. Howell's journal can be found at www.xanga.com/dhowell04, and Boehm will be journaling from his site at www.xanga.com/canadatomexico. There is also information on how to make a donation on both of their Web sites.
(Reach reporter Sara Kincaid at 250-8251 or sara.kincaid@;bismarcktribune.com.)
Basic Math wrote on Jul 23, 2007 4:47 PM:
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