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.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Hot in Kansas! 7-25-12

Good Morning friends! Did anyone think I had dropped off the earth? I am still here, in the middle of Kansas. My route has taken me through some very small towns, and the places I have stayed have not had Internet connection. So I am sending this message through my family to let everyone know that I am doing well. The heat has caused me to do some night riding just to keep out of the blazing sun. All in all a fantastic experience. I hope to post more soon!
Posted by at 11:01 AM

4 comments:

Kelly said...

Congratulations! Be warned...it's pretty hot down here in Florida too :) Be safe!

July 25, 2012 at 7:35 PM
Greg said...

John: Sunscreen even at night. I have heard there is something called "moontan"! ;-)(a rock group from the 80's coined the term) Miss the videos but glad to hear you are almost halfway there.
Greg

July 26, 2012 at 8:47 AM
kodiakbiker said...

Thanks Kelly. I may ride at night there, too. Greg, is that like that old 80's song about wearing sunglasses at night?

July 26, 2012 at 12:19 PM
VeloCityGirl said...

When do you think you will be in Illinois? Hoping to ride with you if the timing works out, but we'll be out of town until Aug 15! Bon voyage.

July 27, 2012 at 5:22 AM

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