Thursday 15 July 2010
Quincy Massachusetts Man Bikes 1,700 Miles for ShelterBox
Jake Tavakoli, 24, biked 48 straight days when he pulled into his hometown of Quincy, Massachusetts. Tavakoli biked more than 1,700 miles to help raise awareness for ShelterBox, an international organization which specializes in providing family tents and life-saving supplies after a disaster.
Tavakoli, who made a similar trip last year simply because he could, wanted to make a difference this time around.
“This time, if I can do something for somebody else, if I can inspire someone, I should try,” said Tavakoli.
Having earned his Eagle Scout as a teen, Tavakoli has travelled the entire distance without a GPS while relying on a simple map and compass.
“Motivation, dedication, and perseverance are the three pillars which I have begun to model any task around,” said Tavakoli. “I think i've done a pretty good job.”
Tavakoli left his grandfather’s home in Venice, Florida on July 10. All he takes with him is his bicycle and 60 pounds of equipment including a tent and freeze-dried food. On the road, he stays in camp grounds or with friends he made along the way. He said his passion for helping others in their time of need keeps him on what he calls “The Long Ride for Change.”
Jake plotted his course with maps and a compass without the help of a GPS along the way.
"The ride was about the people along the way," said Tavakoli. "Even though I was in a better situation than those who have lost their home, the fact that people opened their homes to me along the way and showed such generosity harked to the way that the people that ShelterBox helps must feel."
Jake plotted his course with maps and a compass without the help of a GPS along the way.
"The ride was about the people along the way," said Tavakoli. "Even though I was in a better situation than those who have lost their home, the fact that people opened their homes to me along the way and showed such generosity harked to the way that the people that ShelterBox helps must feel."
Veronica Brandon Miller, executive director for ShelterBox USA, said people like Tavakoli are what make ShelterBox such an amazing organization.
“From the highly trained ShelterBox Response Teams that volunteer to hand deliver our boxes into the field to the people who donate their time to pack the boxes before a disaster, our organization continues to grow due to the dedication of people like Jake,” said Miller.
"Through this experience, and the things I learned along the way," said Tavakoli. " I will be able to pay it forward to help others in the future."
"Through this experience, and the things I learned along the way," said Tavakoli. " I will be able to pay it forward to help others in the future."
To donate in tribute to Tavakoli’s cause, signify the donation to go in tribute to “The Long Ride for Change: Jake Tavakoli.” For information or to make a contribution by phone, please call 941-907-6036.
Herald-Tribune news clip on Jake's Trip
