The phrase, “a long bike ride” took on a new meaning when Philadelphia CycleNation participant, David Feinman, and his team took off for an 1,100-mile, 10-day bike ride from Philadelphia to Florida. The ride concluded in Panama City with a self-supported Iron distance triathlon on October 31, which consisted of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run.
David Feinman, Cameron Smith, and Jordan Champalou cycled through 10 cities, covering upwards of 100 miles per day supported by a crew of two people and an RV in tow – and all for a great cause. The team was supporting the American Stroke Association’s One CycleNation Digital Experience and has raised $6,000+ for the cause, making them one of the top fundraising teams for Philadelphia.
On World Stroke Day, October 29, cities across the country rode in One CycleNation as one, with the goal of protecting people we love from stroke and heart disease by raising $1 million and riding 1 million miles to raise funds and awareness for the prevention and treatment of heart disease and stroke. Participants could choose to run or walk instead of riding and rack up miles any way they want.
CycleNation is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s nationwide movement empowering Americans to get heart-healthy and brain-healthy while raising funds to continue vital community programs lowering the risk for heart disease and stroke.
This cause is very personal to David and the trip was a result of David beginning that push five years ago. He hopes to inspire others to begin their own journeys as his grandfather did for him.
“When my grandfather had a stroke in 2015, he was met with not only a new way of living but an uncomfortable recovery. Watching him push himself each day in recovery and learn to walk again inspired me to start running again. Through his spirit, I was able to push myself further and further until I was able to do an Ironman triathlon. By biking to Florida, I’m honoring him and the impact he had on me through his recovery” Feinman said.
The team hopes to inspire others to “move more” and push themselves to do their best.
“It’s so important especially during these times to do things for your health,” said Feinman. “Making a change in your life to move more is hard, but pushing yourself comes with great rewards.”
Joining David, Jordan, and Cameron is a support crew: Ben Math, Gabriella Megni. His ride is sponsored by SWIIG, Flixation, DG Media Connections, and Viral Ideas. They covered the following cities on the tour:
- Philadelphia
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Locust Grove, Virginia
- Greensboro, North Carolina
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Newberry, South Carolina
- Louisville, Georgia
- Ashburn, Georgia
- Tallahassee, Florida
- Panama City, Florida
The team hopes to make connections in each city and share the “why” of this journey.
To donate to the Philadelphia CycleNation Digital Experience, visit cyclenation.org/phillyride. For more information on the prevention and treatment of heart disease and stroke, visit stroke.org.