Wheels of Grit - Key West to Kittery
The Ride
This spring, I rode my bicycle 2,100+ miles from Key West, Florida to Kittery, Maine, traveling the East Coast in 42 days.
This was a solo endurance ride built around forward motion, not speed. The route followed bike-friendly paths, rail trails, and coastal roads, with daily stops in local communities, including visits to 35 veteran organizations along the way.
Every mile represented a choice: to keep moving, to adapt, and to take the next step forward.
The Why
Wheels of Grit was born from my own turning point, learning to focus not on what I couldn’t do anymore, but on what was still possible.
As a retired U.S. Coast Guard officer and trained life coach, I’ve seen how people get stuck not because they lack strength, but because the first step feels overwhelming. This ride is a living example of a core belief I hold:
You don’t need confidence to begin.
You only need the willingness to try.
This journey is about resilience, momentum, and choosing action...even when the path ahead feels uncertain.
Who this Supports
This ride was a fundraiser and awareness effort supporting two organizations that help people reclaim capability, confidence, and independence:
- Wounded Warrior Project® — providing life-changing programs that support injured veterans in recovery, independence, and long-term well-being.
- Achilles International — empowering individuals with disabilities to participate in endurance sports through community, adaptive opportunities, and support.
100% of donations go directly to these organizations.
Wheels of Grit does not collect or handle donation funds.
Follow the ride, share the story, or donate if you’re able — every form of support helps move this mission forward.
Our Sponsor Partners
A BIG thanks to the amazing team who made this possible...
