Appalachia Service Project hosted a brief reception for cross-country cyclist, Erik Andrews, on Monday.
Andrews, a volunteer with ASP for the past 24 years, was in Johnson City as he prepares to wrap up a coast-to-coast bicycle ride that will end up raising at least $20,000 for ASP, which provides home repairs and replacements for those in need across our region. During a ceremony at ASP headquarters Monday morning, Andrews received the Medal of Distinction from ASP President and CEO Walter Crouch.
Crouch commended Andrews “for doing something incredibly creative and wonderful” by embarking on a cross-country bike ride to raise money for ASP. Andrews was disappointed that he couldn’t volunteer with ASP this summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of sitting at home, Andrews dipped his bicycle tires in the Pacific Ocean on June 7, the date his group would have been starting their volunteer week with ASP.
Since then, Andrews has been riding across the United States to raise money for ASP. He started on the Gold Coast of California and rode south on the Pacific Coast Highway before heading north for Riverside and the beginning of Route 66. He followed that famed ribbon of blacktop to US 64 and rode across the country roughly tracking with I-40.
By Sunday night, Andrews had made it to Johnson City, where he rode his bike into the ASP headquarters for a ceremony on Monday morning. He will conclude his trip by riding to the Atlantic Ocean.
Andrews’ journey and fundraising progress has been documented at give.everydayhero.com/us/ridetoserve-warmersaferdrier. He has raised more than $8,000 so far, and the first $10,000 will be matched dollar-for-dollar. With over 700 miles to go, Andrews expected to raise at least $20,000, and possibly more.
