Cyclist raises money for Sept. 11 heroes

Dan Boehly is riding through all 50 states to raise money for the fire, police, and military who have given their lives to protect the public. Boehly stayed overnight at the Nevada Fire Department Monday and left for Carthage Tuesday morning.

Don Boehly isn't rich or famous but he is raising money, and the nation's consciousness, for the fallen law enforcement, firefighters and troops who have paid the ultimate price to protect us and our nation from harm. Boehly is cycling through all 50 states in a journey that has already lasted 18 months and will continue at least until September.

Boehly spent Monday night at the Nevada Fire Department and left Tuesday morning for Carthage, his next stop on the tour.

"I may be getting some wind coming from the south, so it could be a long day," Boehly said.

At each stop Boehly, a 50-year-old handyman from Kentucky, gives interviews and rests up, usually at a fire station. Boehly says he doesn't accept cash or check donations along the way, he wants that money to go to the charities helping the police, fire and military fallen. He does accept material help, parts and equipment for his bicycle, meals and shelter.

Boehly has been riding steadily since September 1, 2004, except for New Year's Day, 2005, when mudslides and unsafe road conditions caused a 20-day delay in the journey.

"The state police wouldn't let me go anywhere until conditions were safer," Boehly said.

Boehly has racked up 17,149 miles on his journey thus far and still has 13 states to tour, mostly in New England plus Alaska and Hawaii.

"I'll fly over to Hawaii or take a boat," Boehly said. "I'll go through the 48 continental states first then take some time to raise some donations for the other two."

Boehly wants to have his tour of the 48 states on the mainland done by Sept. 11 this year and to end his tour in New York City, where he will donate his original bike to the New York City Fire Department.

"I'll get me another bike and ride to Kentucky," Boehly said. "I rode out of Kentucky and I'll ride back in."

The end of the journey won't be the end of Boehly's fund-raising efforts, he plans to write a book about his trek and give all profits to the charities he supports.

For more information on Boehly's journey and see the list of charities he supports he has a Web site: www.9-11usa.com where he suggest donating directly to the charity, or charities, of your choice.