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Riding for His Reasons
Bob Lee has biked three rides around the perimeter of the United States.
The reason why he decided to take on these rides was to raise awareness and support for those affected by cancer, ALS, or in need of hospice. He biked almost 12,000 miles over the course of these three journeys. This amounted to about 10 month’s total time that his wife, Anne, was not able to see him. However, they talked daily, and Anne was his biggest supporter through the biking challenges he battled through.
There is no doubt that Lee has inspired so many people to unite and fight for those in need, and now the baton is being passed to an ambitious 17-year-old Barrington High School student.
In 2007, Lee spoke about the Ride For 3 Reasons at Hough Street Elementary School. As he talked about raising awareness and support for those affected by ALS, cancer, or needing hospice, he captivated the attention of third-grader Jan Gierlach. When Gierlach heard Lee talk with zest for helping those in need, he had an epiphany. From that day forward, he became fixated on doing exactly what Lee did. Gierlach believes he was there for a reason that day as his parents are biking enthusiasts that have their own local bike shop.
The words that stuck with Gierlach the most from Lee’s speech were, “If you can dream it, then you can achieve it.” At this moment he realized it’s not a matter of if, but a matter of when. Even though Gierlach is a devoted biker, he has not biked to the extent as he will in this upcoming adventure.
In February 2017, Gierlach will embark on almost the exact same journey that Lee did in 2001. He will depart from San Diego, California, and bike down the southern perimeter to St. Augustine, Florida. This journey will amount to a total of about 3,300 miles. Gierlach believes that although this may sound frightening at first, he feels that we must trust others as much as we trust ourselves.
At only 17-years-old for such a mission, Gierlach has no fear of being alone in rural parts of the United States for long durations. In fact, he is rather anxious to do it, and he is most excited about having the same wonderful experiences that Lee had. The best part about the rides for Lee was being able to take in the beauty of our country at a gradual pace, and meeting some caring people that were enthused about supporting the cause. Knowing that Lee has not had one bad experience with anyone over the course of his rides makes Gierlach feel much more confident.
An expert rider’s advice
When Lee knew that Gierlach was going to take on this ambitious journey, he had insightful advice for the young rider, “Make the best of it,” Lee said. By that, he is encouraging Gierlach to talk at schools, and promote the cause as much as he can on social media. Lee believes if Gierlach gets out there and meets as many people as possible, then he will get the full experience of the ride. One day, perhaps Gierlach will inspire others to ride just like Lee inspired him to.
In 2012, Lee raised almost $900,000 for the three causes. Now Gierlach and Lee plan to top that with the ambitious goal of raising one million dollars or more. Lee has received donations and support from 42 states, as well as from around the world. Some of the countries include Germany, Japan, Canada, Mexico, and Ireland. Gierlach cannot wait to promote this cause just like Lee has done for the last 15 years. He will be biking over 1,000 miles in Texas, and he is excited to see the most beautiful parts of the Lone Star state. Gierlach will get to know Texas very well during his month-long ride through the state.
The family that bikes
Gierlach and his family’s bonding time often consists of taking long and relaxing bike rides together. At least five or six days a week, Gierlach bikes anywhere from 30 to 40 miles a day, which is relatively close to that of his upcoming ride. In February 2017, Gierlach will be biking with a steady goal of 35 to 50 miles per day. This journey will take him about three months, which is why Gierlach decided that he is going to graduate from Barrington High School a semester early in December 2016. He feels that this journey will solidify his independent skills that will help him thrive in college. As of now, he plans to pursue a degree in business.
If most parents heard that their child wanted to bike more than 3,000 miles, they may have some reservations. However, as for Doris and Edward Gierlach, they have supported their son from the day he said that he wanted to follow Lee’s footsteps. Gierlach says that knowing this will help him through the most strenuous miles. His parents have had him involved with biking for quite some time as they run a local bike shop. With the help of Lee and his family, Gierlach will make his longtime dream a reality this upcoming February.
Gierlach firmly believes that it was no coincidence that he comes from a family of biking enthusiasts and heard an eloquent speech by Bob Lee when he was a third-grader. Some things happen for a reason in life, and that is why Gierlach is striving to reach the ambitious goal of raising a million dollars for the three good causes.
For Gierlach, February 2017 could not come any sooner, for he is anxious for this life-changing experience. Jan Gierlach will bike more in three months than most people will in a lifetime. It has been more than eight years since the young rider told himself that he wanted to bike across America. He has dreamed of it for quite a while, and is now getting ready to achieve it.
Michael Kevin Lurz is a senior at Illinois State University who is majoring in English. He enjoys long runs, reading, and writing in his free time. He loves to do activities outside like hiking and biking, and stays active with physical activities that replace his years of competitive wrestling.
Support Ride For 3 Reasons
Learn more about Jan Gierlach’s journey and the exciting Pacesetter Fund—where you can triple your goodness! A fund has been established by generous donors to encourage everyone to participate in the fundraising efforts of a Ride For 3 Reasons. For every dollar donated, two additional dollars are released from the “PaceSetter Fund”, so $1+$2 = $3. Help the Ride raise $200,000 which will be tripled for a total of $600,000. Learn more at www.ridefor3reasons.org.