Riding For Veterans
Bikers Plan 4,000-Mile Route To Raise Money, Awareness
Last updated Saturday, July 12, 2008 2:58 PM CDT in Our Town
By Marla Hinkle
THE MORNING NEWS
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FAYETTEVILLE - When Iris Ferguson heard about neglect of wounded veterans, she took action.
On May 30, Fayetteville native Iris Ferguson began a more than 4,000-mile bicycle trek from coast to coast (Virginia to Oregon) to raise money for injured veterans.
"I wasn't that aware of veterans issues until I heard about the problems at Walter Reed," Ferguson said.
In February 2007, The Washington Post published several articles describing neglect cases involving wounded soldiers.
Ferguson, 25, is a former U.S. Senate staffer who worked on Capitol Hill for three years, providing assistance to the Foreign Relations Committee. She has decided to put her career on hold and combine a lifelong dream of biking across country with raising money for an organization she supports, the Yellow Ribbon Fund Inc., with 100 percent of the money going to the nonprofit organization.
The fund was created in 2005 by a group of private citizens in the Washington area to support injured service members who are undergoing treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center.
The organization has spent more than $1.3 million on transportation, lodging, mentoring and other assistance to injured service members and their families.
Ferguson has also watched peers enter the military and put their lives on the line for their country, and she wanted to show her appreciation.
And veterans have shared their appreciation with her.
"The people I've met have been amazing. Everyone from motorcycle riders to mayors of different towns I've ridden through have been enthusiastic. Some people I met at a gas station along the way were amazing.
"They saw my handmade bumper sticker with a Sharpie marker, coasttocoastforveterans.com, and started telling me stories about their loved ones, like a father who served in Korea, or a brother who was in World War II."
The most heartwarming story to date is one in which Ferguson, and the two other riders, Heather Stoner from Pennsylvania and Jon Champagne, a University of Arkansas graduate from Fayetteville, encountered a group of servicemen at a Virginia gas station.
The occupants were all from Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, N.C. One man approached Ferguson and told her he was on the way to a friend's funeral who had served in the military.
They gave a $12 donation to the group. It wasn't the largest, but it was the most poignant, Ferguson said.
People may make donations online, see photos and read the blog.
Her ride is a Surly Long Haul Trucker bike. Ferguson said it was ideal for long rides because the handlebars are upright in a way that doesn't force her to lean over and strain her back.
So far, only a minor glitch has occurred in St. Louis. The group was rear-ended by a car and had to make repairs on their bikes. Ferguson's sponsors include Patagonia, Lewis & Clark Outfitters, Ortlieb, Adventure Cycling Association, Delphi Global Healthcare and City Bikes.
She arrived in Fayetteville July 2 for a fundraiser at Ozark Mountain Smokehouse. The trip has led from Virginia to Missouri, and she will return to Missouri to resume the ride after the fundraiser.
Ferguson is a 2004 University of Arkansas graduate, majoring in international relations and political science. Her parents are Sally Grace and Larry Ferguson of Fayetteville. Her father is a veteran.
Several people gathered at the fundraiser to meet the riders and write checks for the Yellow Ribbon Fund.
Sally Grace Ferguson said her daughter made her more aware of veterans issues.
"We want the men and woman who have served us to return to a normal life, so this is a way people can make a difference," she said. She helped distribute yellow ribbon pins to guests that symbolize the fund.
"So many people and veterans have thanked us for our support. It's a great cause," Iris Ferguson said.
"Hopefully, this will raise the awareness factor."
AT A GLANCE
Iris Ferguson answers FAQ's on her Web site:
What route are you taking?
The well-known TransAmerica Route from Virginia to Oregon.
How far are you traveling each day?
Approximately 50-100 miles per day with one rest day per week.
Where are you staying?
Camping or in supporter housing. If you know anyone that would be willing to host us, please let me know!
How long will it take?
Approximately 2 1/2 months.
How much are you carrying and how?
Approximately 70 pounds of gear. We are carrying everything in panniers on the front and rear wheels.
What's the longest distance you've ever ridden?
About 30 miles.
Why the Yellow Ribbon Fund?
I believe in their mission. The Yellow Ribbon Fund was created specifically to fill in the gaps of government services and other organizations. By talking to soldiers and researching existing systems, their goal is to fulfill the needs of soldiers and their families that are otherwise unmet.
Source: Iris Ferguson
WEB WATCH
Ferguson's site about the trek
coasttocoastforvets.com
Yellow Ribbon Fund
yellowribbonfund.com
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