Athletic Trainer Embarks on Cross-Country Ride to Make a Difference» Follow Tim's Cross Country Challenge - Read his personal scrapbook. Riding across the United States on a bicycle during a two-month excursion is more than a test of physical prowess for Ferris State University Athletic Trainer Tim Glover. It’s about making a difference."We’ve all been impacted by cancer in some way, shape or form, whether it's been a family member, friend or even co-worker diagnosed with the disease," Glover said of his more than 3,800-mile trek over 52 days to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. "We (FSU athletic training staff) recently lost a dear friend and colleague in Grand Valley State head athletic trainer Todd Jager to cancer. Research is vital to finding a cure and that can only happen through financial support." Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the United States, with men and women equally affected, according to the ACS. Estimated cancer cases in 2006 alone were 1.3 million. 
Glover hopes to raise at least $50,000 through donations for cancer research and prevention. "Over the last couple of years, I’ve been looking for a challenge in my life both mentally and physically," he said. "Years from now I would like to know that I accomplished a feat that not many are willing to undertake." Glover departed from San Francisco, Calif., on June 2 and after 52 days (including five rest days) is scheduled to arrive in Portsmouth, N.H., on July 24. The cross-country bicycle trip will encompass 3,836 miles through 13 states –- with 80 being the average miles traveled per day. The shortest day's ride will be 50 miles and the longest day's is slated to be 121 miles. You can follow Glover's travels this summer on the America by Bicycle Web site. A scrapbook of the Cross Country Challenge 2007 will be updated daily with route information, pictures and quotes from the road. -Summer 2007 |