Mel Dick surpasses 500-mile mark
—Photo by DAVID GUNTER/FILE Businessman Mel Dick departed on his 10,000-mile odyssey to raise education funding on June 1.
One week and approximately 530 miles into his epic 10,000-mile bicycle journey across America, Mel Dick reached his northwest mark of Anacortes, Wash., and is now heading south towards Astoria, Ore.
Mel’s cross-country ride is a fundraiser for the Panhandle Alliance for Education, and he invites everyone to follow his adventures at www.Ride4Education.org.
According to his posts this week, he continues to be enthralled with the Pacific Northwest’s rich history. Astoria’s Fort Clatsop is the site where the 33-member Lewis and Clark Expedition “wintered over” from December 7, 1805, until March 23, 1806, where it rained all but 12 days.
And Native Americans lived in the area for an estimated 10,000 years before their arrival.
Besides some challenging weather, including climbing two passes in rain and snow, Mel is fascinated with the Northwest region’s diverse natural beauty, as well as the quaint cafes and restaurants he’s found along the route.
In fact, he may be enjoying the food a little too much: “At the rate I am going, I will actually gain weight. Too many great little restaurants.”
Other than cold fingers and sore knees, Mel is holding up well for the journey.
And the same can be said for his bike, although Mel does share one rather strange encounter on his blog:
“Already have gone through one tire from hitting a beer on the highway. Didn’t see the beer crossing sign on the highway until it was too late.” Don’t believe him? Check out the photo of the beer crossing sign on Ride4Education.org. Also, find out how to donate to PAFE.
All money raised through Mel’s journey helps fund Ready! for Kindergarten, an early childhood literacy program.
To keep informed of his adventures on the road, go to Ride4Education.org.
There is also a computer set up at Trinity Café where the public is invited to take a look at his blog posts.