Lauren's Ride

This is not just an account of my bicycle ride across the country. Many people have ridden bicycles across our great nation. My ride is different. It's the story of a brother's love for his sister. It's a tale of firefighters everywhere bonded by brotherly love, faithfulness, a desire to serve and a willingness to work together. It's a young man's search for his roots ending at his grandfather's firehouse on the other side of the continent. It's a demonstration of everyday Americans willing to help and give - in any way they can.

My purpose in telling this story is to describe and share the unusual acts of kindness, love, strength, challenges and determination I experienced during my 36-day cross country jaunt. - John Byrne

After the author's sister was paralyzed in a accident, John realized he needed a way to provide her with her own vehicle with the controls she could use to be able to attend college, and live as normally as possible. This was his answer --- ride his bicycle across the country, from fire station to fire station from San Francisco to the Brooklyn Bridge. Donations poured in to support John's ride.