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.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

My America, Kodiak, Alaska

22 days to go!

I am winding my senior year down to an end.  I have been working on my bicycle most of this weekend.  I was walking outside and listening to the familiar sounds of the road.  I am just thinking about the long bike ride in front of me.  Anyone have something to share as I prepare these last three weeks?


Posted by at 10:39 PM

7 comments:

Kara said...

Wow - what an incredible journey that will be. You don't know me, but I am a friend of your parents, knowing them back in their days in Orange Park, FL. We are now in Portland, OR. If your journey brings you by here, please stop and stay with us. Enjoy the journey! We look forward to watching it via your blog.

April 28, 2012 at 11:04 PM
Unknown said...

John - I'm proud to be your friend. In 22 days, Yell and I will start our prayers for you. You will do great things. (don't forget the little people) And when you get there, I will find some fuzzy pencils, and mail them to you.

Peace on your Journey.

April 28, 2012 at 11:18 PM
KIm said...

If you are coming through Tennessee let me know I and my family live in Lebanon,TN about 35 miles East of Nashville! I will follow your blog and see where you are.

April 29, 2012 at 7:24 AM
kodiakbiker said...

Thanks for opening your doors! I'll be sure to stop by if my route gets me close enough!

FUZZY PENCILS!!!

I run through Kentucky and sadly miss Tennessee. However, I may be able to drop down and stop by :)

April 29, 2012 at 1:12 PM
Greg said...

You are the most together young man (next to my son Brandon) that I have ever had the pleasure to read about. I know you trek does not go through Southern California, but know that I will be wishing you safe travels. Please post daily because I will be watching your progress through your blog. My prayers and positive thoughts will always be headed in your direction while you are on this amazing journey. God speed.

April 29, 2012 at 8:16 PM
grannemc said...

Not many days now! I will be praying for you everyday John.
I am so proud of you. Keep your trust and faith in HIM and you will have the experience of a life time as you travel across America,this beautiful land that HE created for us to enjoy and learn from. This will be a treasure for you to draw from as you face life in the years ahead.
When you get to Florida, let me know where I can meet up with you. Being your Granny, I will for sure have to see you then.
I love you and will be looking forward to seeing you.
Love, Granny McD.

May 1, 2012 at 7:15 AM
M McKamy said...

Good Luck John I hope you were able to find the parts you needed in Rawlins.Now that I have found your web site I will watch your progress.
Remember watch for the cottonmouths>>>..

July 6, 2012 at 11:35 AM

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