Freedome 50/50
50 States in 50 Days
911 Tribute Ride
As a tribute to the victims and the 10 year anniversary of 9/11’s attack on America, I, Max McManus, am going to “connect” the United States by riding my bike through all 50 states in50 consecutive days which is approximately 7,500 miles or 150 miles a day. I am starting July 24, 2011 and finishing at ground zero in New York City on 9-11 2011. Riding 8-10 hours a day, 50 straight days is extremely difficult but it will be my patriotic contribution to the freedom and sovereignty of our country to connect and hopefully “unite” in some way, all the States of America. Along, the way I hope each U.S State in its own way, will make a charitable contribution towards the 10th anniversary of The HelpAmerica 9-11 Foundation. Growing up in many countries as a son of an Air Force pilot LT. Colonel, one thing that’s apparent is the patriotism, pride, and appreciation one ends up with knowing you are a citizen of the United States of America. I think the relevance of this became evident on that fateful day of September 11, 2001. Defending and protecting the freedom of our country did not start on that horrific day, but it is the one day that’s been the most disturbing to me. Recognizing this has led to my motivation to attempt such a challenging and unique test. Ultimately my success will be defined by how well I can make a difference by uniting as many as possible in my quest. There were thousands of innocent lives lost and countless families affected by this attack. Reflecting on those lost, not taking our freedom for granted and appreciating how fortunate we are to live in this country is what I hope we never forget.
Here is a little history on me. My name is Max McManus, I am 47 years old, I’m the owner and founder of MRI, an athletic and fitness training complex. My professional expertise is in the training and rehabilitation for athletes and fitness competitors in all sports and endurance events. My degree in kinesiology and sports medicine certification in the 1980’s is partly what got me started in this career. I was a multi sport athlete in high school and by the end of college I had competed at a world class level in multiple triathlons , cycling events and marathons. A career ending bike crash in 1985 ended it all. So I took up powerlifting and bodybuilding. Then in 2009, after 5 years of taunting me, one of my clients Pastor Rob Owens convinced me after 25 years away from swimming, cycling, and running, to again train for the Ironman triathlon. So I made the commitment. Unfortunately my training was hampered by three knee surgeries between March 2010 and March 2011, and I was hit by a car and fractured my left arm on a training ride. Nevertheless, I paced my 19 year old prodigy Sammy Gaeta through the Idaho Ironman in June 2010 and I completed the Cozumel Ironman in November 2010. After Cozumel my plan was to do the Inaugural Wales Ironman on 9-11-2011 as my tribute, but it’s too soon after my 3rd knee surgery. So as I was doing knee therapy in March 2011, I came up with this “50 states in 50 days” tribute ride. And that’s it. I would say the rest is history but it won’t be unless I pull this off. Ultimately, I will need support in order to complete this very ambitious “Uniting the States” tribute ride. My host sponsors hopefully will be a US airline company to help with travel expenses. I would also need a bike company’s support to ride a road bike, time trial bike, and bike components for the entire 7,500 miles. I also need support from a host hotel(s) chain for recovery and sleeping. I hope to pick a clothing company for my cycling gear. I will have a web page that has my route. I will be “chipped” for live tracking purposes the whole time. I will have different city’s bike stores to put the word out and invite the community to ride along with me through the towns or cities. I hope to raise one cent per person in the population of each state. Hopefully the running total can be tracked through each state’s contribution, and anyone can review it live on the “HelpAmerica9-11” website. Everyone has their own way of reflecting on that most painful day but now my heartfelt plan is to reunite the USA on behalf of our country’s loss 10 years ago. Thanks for your support as I embark on this ambitious journey.
Thanks and Sincerely,
Max McManus
