Cyclist rides against violence

MORAN — Jack Cadwallader began his cross-country journey in a bit of distress.
Not for himself, but for the country.
“When did we go from a country of love and peace to one where there are guns in schools and bombings in marathons?” he asked rhetorically.
That’s where his bicycle trip comes in.
Cadwallader, 53, is en route from Key West, Fla., to Seattle as part of his journey to stress the importance of love and understanding.
Pedaling his “used $45 bicycle” up to 40 miles a day or more, Cadwallader was in Moran early Friday afternoon. He was scheduled to reach Iola Friday night, for an overnight stay, before departing this morning for Yates Center.
He’s about 60 days into his journey, and nearing the halfway point of his trip.
Cadwallader hopes to reach Seattle by Oct. 15.

PERHAPS THE most amazing aspect of Cadwallader’s trip is the spartan condition in which he travels.
He pedals in tennis shoes and in regular shorts, carrying only the essentials he needs on his bike.
He travels alone, with no support team to help in case of break-downs.
“My bike is holding up very well, aside from several flats,” he said.
But Cadwallader understands that could change.
He’s reaching out to bike manufacturers across the country with hopes for a sturdier bicycle to use by the time he reaches the Rocky Mountains.
He also is accepting donations mailed to his mother in Penhood, Va.
Aside from that, Cadwallader relies on the kindness of strangers to help him along the way.
He recounted meeting a man in Georgia, who offered Cadwallader overnight lodging in his home while a bike tire was repaired.
“And he and his wife did all of my laundry for me,” Cadwallader said with a laugh.
A fire chief in Bourbon County gave Cadwallader $20 for dinner Thursday evening, where he hunkered down for the night after catching glimpses of several fireworks shows for the Fourth of July.
“Quite impressive,” he said.

HE TRAVELS MOSTLY in the early morning hours, usually as the sun rises, before the summer heat arrives.
“I only do 30 or so miles  a day,” not a whole lot,” he said.
Cadwallader rests up through the afternoon before travelling sometimes late in the evening.
He frequently camps overnight at campgrounds unless a friendly local offers him lodging.
“I’m doing very well,” he said. “My legs feel great. I eat plenty of fruits and carbs, and then burn off a lot of calories each day.”

CADWALLADER HOPES his trip strikes a chord with youths.
“I originally was going to just ride up the Florida coast, but then the Boston Marathon bombing happened, and I just felt sick.”
He stressed to youngsters the importance of exhibiting courage when faced with violence.
“Just love each other and show acts of kindness,” he said.
The acts of kindness Cadwallader has experienced on his bike trip convince him better days lie ahead.
“I’m sure this won’t happen in my lifetime, but we can do better,” he said.

CADWALLADER ALSO is seeking financial support for his trip. Donations can be mailed to his mother, Jeannette Adler, 5110 Smith, Mountain Rd., Penhook, VA 24137.