Flynn Donaho - riding with a passion to raise funds for the American Cancer Society - is pedaling his bike on a trek across the United States with his companion, Diva, a five-year-old red healer and chow mix dog.
They veered off the Natchez Trace at the Visitors Center for a rest last week and Donaho shared the story of his mission.
Donaho said he, like most people, has been affected either directly or indirectly by cancer and he finds riding his bike as a way to help in the effort to find a cure. He is making the ride which began in California in honor of his sister-in-law who is a six and one-half year breast cancer survivor.
“I do not accept money. Donations are made through a website,” he said.
He pulls a trailer hauling a tent, food for him and his dog, and other supplies, leaving enough room for Diva to either sleep or enjoy the scenery.
Donaho said he usually rides 50 to 60 miles per day. He said he is especially enjoying the Natchez Trace Parkway.
“I was hit by a truck in Texas, so I really enjoy not seeing any trucks,” he said. He was hospitalized for some time and still suffers from effects of the collision. Being bitten by a rattlesnake in Texas also resulted in a hospital stay. He said he is now more careful as he locates his tent for the night.
Donaho said he sometimes parks his bike and takes a job to earn funds to continue his traveling.
“I do not ask for money to finance me along the way. Help just comes. I ride on faith. The Lord provides,” he said.
This is not his first ride across the U.S. he said. He has traveled in every state and has stopped in North Dakota, Idaho and Texas for periods of work.
Traveling north on the Trace, Donaho said he will pick his route to his destination in Olive Hill, Kentucky, where he has friends.
Anyone interested in supporting his mission for cancer funds may donate through teamacs.acsevents.org.
