Blough Rides 2600 Miles For Cancer Awareness
Written by Andrew-Rossi on June 21, 2017
After a 2600 mile bicycle trip through America’s deep south, Cody resident Paul Blough says he is glad to be back home.
The 69 year old took off in April on a bike ride to raise awareness for cancer research in memory of his late wife, Shelia. His mission was to ride from MD Anderson Medical Center in Texas to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. It took over six weeks, but Blough says the people he met along the way made the trip worthwhile.
Blough says he averaged 66 miles per day, but some days were filled with rain or excessive heat, difficult terrain, and other types of delays. He spent Sunday mornings at churches he found along his route; he stayed at hotels and bed and breakfast inns; he struck up friendships with people he met in coffee shops or at waysides who were inspired by his mission.
Blough says although he lost his wallet, suffered through two flat tires and had cell phone troubles, the worst part was riding his bike on busy multi-lane highways. He says there was a time in Jacksonville, Florida when he feared for his life because of the heavy traffic.
But the purpose for the ride was to raise awareness for cancer, which is why he always wore a shirt with his website logo, 2 Wheels Against Cancer. And although he says he was impacted by the people he met, he says his journey inspired others to follow their dreams. He says one young man in particular had his own dream to help underprivileged boys, and he was inspired by Blough’s journey.
Blough says people can still donate via his website, 2wheelsagainstcancer.com, or by visiting his facebook page.
Blough’s adventure began April 13th and he completed his journey on May 30th – but he says despite the beautiful scenery in America’s southeast corner, nothing can compare to the beauty of Wyoming.
