For A.J. Rowell, it was all about bringing meaning to a journey. While traversing the United States on his bicycle in 2005, several months after his graduation from Western Carolina University, Rowell decided that having a purpose would make the trip more fulfilling. As he cycled, he settled on a purpose: to “help those in need.”

With that goal in mind, in June 2007 Rowell set out on another epic adventure—from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to Cullowhee, a 9,500-mile journey that included 13 states, three Canadian provinces and 22 national parks. He named his expedition “Why I Ride” and set a goal of raising donations to be split between five charities: the United Fund of Jackson County, The Conservation Fund, Teach For America, Heifer International and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).
 
Rowell’s purpose was not only to help those in need by raising money but also, as it states on his “Why I Ride” Web site, to “teach young Americans the benefits of clean energy, conservation, and education.” A case in point, the FAQ page of the Web site boasts his bike as a 1,000-mpg, open-air convertible!

It took Rowell seven months to complete the journey. Brutal headwinds and 100-degree temperatures did not deter him, nor did the lack of modern services on his routes. “It was a great experience,” he said. “I got to see lots of countryside.” The best part of the expedition? “The people that [I] met, and getting to hear about their experiences.”

To date, Rowell has raised $4,600 towards his goal and is giving presentations to raise awareness for his charitable causes and drum up more support. And while another cycling adventure may lie in his future, he’s got no immediate plans to get back in the saddle.

Rowell’s Web site, WhyIRide.org, includes a journal with trip details, information about charities that will benefit from the ride, photo galleries, and a chance for visitors to sign up for e-mail updates and make donations.