48 STATES. 5 BROTHERS. 1 DREAM
BIKING TO EDUCATE CHILDREN IN HONDURAS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE MISSION

WE'RE BIKING LIKE CRAZY FOR A PURPOSE

Motivation

In search for an inspiring adventure,
To break free of our society’s privileges,
To help underprivileged children in Honduras,
By giving them the power of knowledge.
The Great 48 undertake this journey with a simple message:
To excite. To educate. To love.

The Orphanage

The orphanage is located near Comayagua, Honduras. For most of the children, this is their home, their school and their one hope of a normal life. Because of this, they deeply value the education and the refuge they receive. This is displayed by their enthusiasm to learn both in and out of the classroom. As of now, the orphanage has an elementary school that educates the orphans living there and children from the neighboring community.

UPDATE: The School Is Complete

We traveled almost 10,000 miles over the course of 5.5 months and raised over $60,000 along the way. Most importantly, the school was built and now provides education to children in the orphanage and the surrounding community! So many people were crucial in making this dream a reality. Many thanks to everyone that donated to our cause and especially those that gave us a platform to speak about our mission - there is absolutely no way we could have raised enough money to build the school without your help. Special thanks also to all of our amazing hosts, who provided us with so much more than just a place to stay - we had a HOME in hundreds of cities across the U.S. thanks to you. Finally, thank you to the all of our family, friends (new and old), and even the strangers we met along the road for your support and encouragement. The days of constant pedaling are no more, but the kindness we were shown along the way will be a constant inspiration for us until our final journey is through. Our hope is that we have done the same for you. You got this - happy trails!

 

 

I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I have just lived the length of it.
I want to have lived the width of it as well.


- Diane Ackerman

 

MEET OUR TEAM

WE KNOW HOW TO PEDAL

Mike Amen

Hometown: Canton, SD
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (with focus on Actuarial Science)

During his four years at South Dakota State University, Mike was involved in Math Club, Students’ Association, and Delta Chi. As Vice President of Delta Chi, he worked to earn the chapter the 2013 Board of Regent’s award for academic excellence. Mike plans to find a career as an actuary after biking the country. He has even passed the first two act

Ben Ruggeberg

Hometown: Rochester, MN
Major: Psychology

Ben is always coming up with "the next best thing". He is constantly looking for ways to improve the world around him. During his time at SDSU, he was the President of Delta Chi, the Finance Chair on Students' Association, and the President of the Psychology Club. In August, he will begin graduate school at George Mason University, where he will work towards his masters degree in Human Factors.

Chris Gould

Hometown: Rochester, MN
Major: Graphic Design

You will never catch Chris without a smile. His lightheartedness is contagious and he has the unique ability to bring excitement to any situation. He is remarkably artistic and designed all of the graphics for The Great 48, including our brand book. At South Dakota State University, Chris is involved in Delta Chi, Art Club, and also hosts a show on the KSDJ radio.



Shaheed Shihan

Hometown: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Major: Mathematics

Although Shihan is studying mathematics, he has a passion for writing and is a columnist for The Collegian, the SDSU newspaper. His friends know that he is extraordinarily patient and you would be hard-pressed to find a more caring heart. Shihan is also involved in Delta Chi, Students' Association, and the soccer club at South Dakota State.

Brett Citrowske

Hometown: Canby, MN
Major: Electrical Engineering Technologies

Brett is a true gentleman. He is well mannered and respectful, but also very direct. He is confident in his beliefs and is not afraid to stand up for his values. While at SDSU, he has been involved with Delta Chi, Entrepreneurial Club, and Epsilon Mu Eta. He has also worked with Avionics in the National Guard for over four years.

OUR STATS

States Visited

Miles Pedaled

Money Raised

THE JOURNEY

NOT QUITE AS LONG AS THE KESSEL RUN

Route map

 

We planned on averaging 60 miles each day in order to complete the trip in six months. By biking to every one of the 48 continental states, we have biked almost 10,000 miles. The blue line was our original planned route. Our actual route is in green. We took off from Brookings, SD on May 13th, 2014 and arrived back in Brookings, SD on October 31, 2014.

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