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.

Monday, January 2, 2012

The future holds... well...the future :)

Alright, I have been blog grazing and I have seen really high quality bike blogs and some that are like mine, in the early stages of becoming well known. The ones that are well run and have good content ask weekly questions and have a very interactive layout. These are all things I need to work on:)
So while I am busy constructing quick and easy topics and weekly themes that can be swiftly posted while I'm on this tour relax and read some of my favorite cycling quotes :)

Every time I see an adult on a bicycle I no longer despair for the future of the human race.
-H.G. Wells

Nothing compares with the simple pleasure of a bike ride.
-John F. Kennedy

Learn to ride a bicycle. You will certainly not regret it, if you live.
-Mark Twain

Never use your face as a brake pad.
-Jake Watson

Hope these make you laugh :)
Posted by at 10:39 AM

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi John! We are excited about your trip! Sarah & Brett

January 2, 2012 at 11:41 AM
Anonymous said...

Hey John! So excited for you! Have to agree with Twain...'if you live'...when recalling certain city biking for a country girl biker. :) And, we love Subway chicken subs! Trish C.

January 2, 2012 at 12:24 PM
Lisa Wehde said...

Good luck, John! I plan to share your project with the social studies teachers in my school district so they may use it with their US Geography and Current Events classes.

January 2, 2012 at 8:46 PM
Alex Kearns said...

John, your energy, curiosity, initiative and determination are inspiring. I wish you all the best on your journey and will watch your progress across the miles. Be safe.

January 3, 2012 at 6:12 PM
Anonymous said...

I biked across Europe with a friend when I was in my 20's. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and your plan to ride all across all of America looks to be a great route. We'll all be pulling for you.

January 3, 2012 at 8:48 PM
Jill Yrjana said...

...and if you do use your face as a brake pad...grab the quick clot!!!
Loving watching the progress.
Jill

January 3, 2012 at 10:02 PM
kirchenschlager said...

Hey buddy. High schools about over huh? Kind of hard to believe we're all grown up.. I guess. I'm proud of you for doing this adventure. I know you can do it. Of all the people on the world, John McDonald has the ability to do this. Good luck to ya, have fun, and don't get kidnapped by drug traffickers =)

January 3, 2012 at 11:17 PM
Anonymous said...

Hi, John. I am a long-time friend of your Mom's family and wanted to share my support for you. My sister (who is now 70) and I (now 62)love bike riding, too. Our most recent ride was 24 miles - - nothing like you are about to undertake. Wishing you all the best as you prepare for this memorable experience! Laquita Wilder Thies

January 6, 2012 at 5:25 AM
Anonymous said...

Good show john! I cant wait to follow your bike trip this summer!!

January 6, 2012 at 11:24 PM

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