A cyclist's journey for honor, awareness Published April 6, 2007 By A1C Anthony J. Hyatt 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- People ride bicycles because it's a past time. Some people ride bikes as a sport or for exercise, while others may ride bikes as a mode of transportation. But one man is riding his bike to honor and salute American veterans and their families. "Fallen Heroes" Ride Across America is a campaign to raise awareness for disable veterans and the families of military members killed in action. Ed Acevedo, a 40 year-old U.S. Army veteran and a West Point graduate, served as an Army tank officer during Desert Storm. His journey started March 23 in St. Augustine, Fla., and he plans to arrive in San Diego by mid-June. "I would like to end my ride on a military installation, such as Camp Pendleton, Calif.," said Acevedo. Acevedo is not your professional and experienced cyclist like Lance Armstrong. In fact, this is Acevedo's first long-distance bike tour. Although he is an inexperienced rider, Acevedo has two things going for him: preparation and determination. A cycling journey is a test of stamina and endurance- let alone it being one leading him across the country. But Acevedo has a goal, and he wants to make people aware of our heroes and their great acts of bravery and service during the World War II, Korea and Vietnam eras. He also wants to recognize the millions of American servicemen and women who are currently deployed worldwide. Acevedo prepared long before his trip began. The first thing he needed were people who would help him document and publicize his journey. Secondly, he needed a bike. So, he custom-made a bike from Waterford, called the "Waterford 1900," built for long distances. The bike costs nearly $2,500. "This is not your average bike from K-Mart, this bike can perform much better," said Scott Nunn, a West Point classmate of Acevedo's who rode his bike from Marianna to Pensacola alongside with Acevedo. His Waterford 1900 carries a big load. Loaded securely on top of each tire are two small bags. The bags consist of a sleeping bag, an inflatable mattress, clothes, toiletries, a small all-in-one bike tool, and a tent used when the distances between towns is great and hotel accommodations are out of the question. Acevedo also uses a nifty phone device, which records his journal entries that are uploaded to his website. This phone device also acts as a GPS if he happens to get off course, it helps him back track. "I'm shooting to ride 50 miles per day or four hours each day," said Acevedo after he was given advice from more experienced bikers to, not burn yourself out the first week. "The biggest challenge is not the physical part of the journey," said Acevedo. "A person can battle through the wind and the hills. It's being able to raise awareness, which will be major challenge." Acevedo believes his ride will take approximately 10 weeks but doesn't mind if it takes longer than expected. He would rather take longer to get to his destination and talk to as many people as possible, than racing to the finish line having affected few. "I don't have a political agenda, I just want to put the focus on the veteran's and their families," he said. "Anyone can make a difference," Acevedo said. Acevedo is also representing a number of charities during this bike ride. For more information about Acevedo's journey, visit www.bike4vets.org.