Debra (l to r), Eric and Mike McDermott stand in front of their van that has both a map of Eric’s route and his website.

Eric McDermott, native to Oregon, began his journey riding his bicycle from the west coast to the east coast to help raise, not only awareness, but money as well for MS.

McDermott began his journey from Lincoln City, Ore., and will end it in Lubec, Maine, the furthest most eastern point in the US.

McDermott’s parents, Mike and Debra McDermott, are following their son in their mini van that boasts a map of the route he is taking and his website information. He will be riding through 15 states before reaching his destination; Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and finally Maine.

During his ride from Orin Junction to Lusk McDermott rode through a rough patch of weather with rain and hail, not wanting to stop he persevered. After arriving in Lusk McDermott and his parents met Pat Smith and her daughter Randi Ross at the Senior Center to present him with two shirts, sunscreen, bike gloves, socks and other goodies to help him along his way. He was grateful to receive the items, especially the socks.

According to McDermott he has always wanted to ride his bicycle from coast to coast, but hadn’t found the time until his recent graduation from Humboldt State University in Arcata, Calif. He recently earned his degree in Forestry and Fisheries and is now pressed form time to finish his ride as he heard that he has a job that he will need to report to by the first part of July.

MS hits close to home for McDermott as he has two aunts that suffer from the disease. He hopes to raise $50,000 to go towards research and a cure. All donations go directly towards the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. If anyone wishes to make a donation they are encouraged to go to www.ericsmscoast2coastride.com. McDermott logs daily the events of his day and also posts pictures of his trip along the way.

“I know money is tight now for everyone,” McDermott said. “What I am hoping is that a lot of people give a little and ‘join the movement’ by forwarding on to their friends and families news of my ride in the hope that they to will contribute a little and also forward it on. If everyone who sees my website donates just a $1 and 50,000 people see, I will make my goal.”





For the complete article see the 06-10-2009 issue.

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