My story of camping and cycling began when I realized that, even in retirement, I still had dreams left to live. For much of my past, I was focused on surviving and meeting the responsibilities of life and family. A couple of years ago, my son had a close call with death and spent over three weeks in the hospital recovering. During that time, I was so busy worrying about his future that I overlooked his personal struggles in the present. It was a strange oversight for me, having faced many struggles myself as a teen, but from the outside, he seemed okay.
This experience made me reflect deeply on how important it is to live fully and to support others, especially teens who may be quietly struggling. Inspired by this, I decided to embark on a journey across the US by bicycle, camping and writing short stories about my adventures. I want to share these stories with others and use my journey to raise awareness and funds for teen mental health. At least 60% of what I raise will go directly to teen activities and mental health causes, while the rest will help cover campground fees, bike repairs, and website costs for sharing my journey. Food and clothing will come from my own budget.
As part of this journey, I am also working on my upcoming book, Sea Drifter. Sea Drifter is not just the story of my life, but a reflection on what remains of value after years of moving through places that shaped me—Darien, Fernandina, Dozier, Atlanta, Texas, Rockport, and finally Cape Cod. Along the way, I experienced sobriety, marriage, children, business success, divorce, collapse, fellowship, and the search for meaning. The book is about the sea, nature, my children, and the soul that keeps trying to find peace. Once published, I will share updates about Sea Drifter with my supporters as a thank you for their encouragement.
I want to thank everyone for their donations, whether little or large—both are appreciated equally. I also hope you’ll follow my adventures in cycling and tent camping, two of my favorite activities since childhood. Your support means the world to me, and together, we can inspire hope and make a difference for teens in need.
This experience made me reflect deeply on how important it is to live fully and to support others, especially teens who may be quietly struggling. Inspired by this, I decided to embark on a journey across the US by bicycle, camping and writing short stories about my adventures. I want to share these stories with others and use my journey to raise awareness and funds for teen mental health. At least 60% of what I raise will go directly to teen activities and mental health causes, while the rest will help cover campground fees, bike repairs, and website costs for sharing my journey. Food and clothing will come from my own budget.
As part of this journey, I am also working on my upcoming book, Sea Drifter. Sea Drifter is not just the story of my life, but a reflection on what remains of value after years of moving through places that shaped me—Darien, Fernandina, Dozier, Atlanta, Texas, Rockport, and finally Cape Cod. Along the way, I experienced sobriety, marriage, children, business success, divorce, collapse, fellowship, and the search for meaning. The book is about the sea, nature, my children, and the soul that keeps trying to find peace. Once published, I will share updates about Sea Drifter with my supporters as a thank you for their encouragement.
I want to thank everyone for their donations, whether little or large—both are appreciated equally. I also hope you’ll follow my adventures in cycling and tent camping, two of my favorite activities since childhood. Your support means the world to me, and together, we can inspire hope and make a difference for teens in need.
Organizer
