Deb Spalding
Accompanied by various friends and family members along the way, Roger Martin of Thurmont completed a 330-mile bicycle ride, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Washington, D.C., along the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal, to raise funds in support of mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
This ride, and accompanying fundraising campaign, were in honor of Roger’s son, Taylor, who took his own life. The ride started on Taylor’s birthday, Thursday, June 8. Taylor deeply enjoyed spending time outdoors and this memorial ride characterized his love of nature and his enduring spirit. Roger said, “Day one of Taylor’s Ride was awesome. Thank you to Patrick from Kentucky, who offered a wonderful prayer for us at our start in Pittsburgh. A perfect way to begin our journey. Rode 62 miles in Taylor’s shoes, drank water from his camelback, was kept warm by his sleeping bag, and dry by his tent.”
On Roger’s Facebook page, he said, “What an awesome feeling completing Taylor’s Ride on Day 6! It was another perfect day. We covered the last 49 miles to Canal Mile Marker 0 in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., without a hitch.
Believe what you will, but I just can’t explain or attribute all of the fortunate and positive things that occurred during the trip to anything except Taylor’s spirit being along for the ride. I want to thank all of my family, friends and those of you who supported and contributed, in one way or another, to the cause of raising awareness about the importance of maintaining good mental health. Your contributions will go directly to fund crisis intervention and suicide prevention.”
You can see more about the progression of the ride on Roger Martin’s Facebook page or visit www.YouCaring.com to make a donation. Once there, search Taylor’s Ride.
Roger Martin is pictured after completing Taylor’s Ride at C&O Canal Mile Marker 0 in Georgetown, Washington, D.C.
