Out Of The Wild: An Alaskan's Adventure To Find America

My name is John. I was born and raised in Alaska. I have been hearing how the American Dream is no longer possible for my generation; how the pursuit of a college education will leave my peers and me in crippling debt; and America is no longer the beacon of hope it once was. Too many of my generation believe what they are hearing. I am not going to surrender to such news.

I believe what made America great in the past can make it great again. I know many small business owners that are living their American Dream right now. I have heard these people talk about their dreams. They work harder than anyone I know every minute of every day. These are dreamers that act on their dreams. I want to chase my dream in the same way. My personal motto is, “Risk much, forgive much, and gain much”. I want to pursue a career in film. I want to chase my dream too.

I need to see more of this country to better understand my homeland. I want to meet the people who make this country work. Upon graduation from high school I am riding my bicycle 6,000 miles from Kodiak, Alaska to Key West, Florida to find my America. I am not going on this tour just to ride my bike. My plan is to document the people I meet that have put their dreams to work. I will interview them in their environment and interview the people they serve.

Using my bicycle, a tent, and a camera I will tell this story in a documentary I call “Finding My America”. I will begin in my hometown of Kodiak, Alaska on May 22, 2012. I am partnering with small businesses that will sponsor this trip. I am working with many Subway restaurant owners who are sponsoring me in exchange for a commercial I will make and post on the Internet.

When my trip is complete, I want to share what I learn with everyone. Look for the finished documentary in the late fall of 2012. The blog will serve as a behind the scenes update to chronicle my grand adventure. I am accepting financial support from anyone interested in inspiring my generation to embrace the hard work of bringing America back to a new era of greatness. I hope to tell the stories of the real American dream. I hope to raise enough money to pay for college without student loans. Help me tell this American story. Together we can be the difference.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy New Year!

Hello my fellow cycling enthusiasts! Last night at 12:30-ish the blog breached the 1000 view mark!! What a fantastic way to start off the year of 2012! As all of you are deciding on your New Years resolutions take a moment and think about a question. When I first heard this question I couldn't stop thinking about it! So here it is: If bicycles were never invented how would your life be affected?

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5 comments:

Stewart said...

My bike was my childhood freedom. One of my best memories with my bike was when my younger brother and I would ride around the house as close to the walls and shrubs as we could. We would chase each other and pretend that we were X-wing fighters attacking the Death Star. Those were great days. In college my bike was essential transportation when I could not afford gas for my truck. The world would be a dull place without bikes.

Anthony said...

I use my bike to hike. A world without bikes isn't possible. If there wasn't a bike I'd invent one.

Jill Yrjana said...

Had a great time planning your schedule last night. There was no planning around family! It is all about you finding your America.
I was petrified to learn how to ride my bike when I was a kid. I used to freak out when I finally did get going and had to pass parked cars. I am a little braver now.
I am so impressed by your adventurous spirit...now just make it happen and enjoy!

J. Bouchard said...

John--
Good luck to you! This will be really hard but you'll be so glad you did it. Let me buy you lunch at a subway in Florida's beautiful panhandle....You'll be in the home stretch!
Jacqueline, Chris Thurner's friend

Diane said...

Good luck on your great adventure and seeing America! I am a friend of Margie McDonalds and wish you well and will be praying for your safe journey. Happy New Year!
Diane Cochran, Canton, NC