The Bike Ride For Empathy

My name is Steve Garufi, a hiker, bicyclist, mental health therapist and "Colorado poster child" who will be riding my bicycle across America. I'll begin on February 9, 2017 in San Diego, California and will finish in Titusville, Florida sometime in late March.

I named this trip the Bike Ride For Empathy. The word "empathy" is a common term used in my field of mental health & counseling -- and I am promoting this as a core value for us as individuals and society. I plan to answer common questions like "What is empathy?" and "How can one be more empathic towards others?" with the hope of doing interviews with newspapers and radio stations in towns I ride through.

You can read more about empathy on my trip website: www.bicycletrip.net. 

Also, you are welcome to track me on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/bikerideforempathy.

Along with promoting themes of empathy, I have three charities I'm supporting. You are welcome to read up about them here: www.bicycletrip.net/charities.htm

Now... I created this page for those who want to financially support me and help out with my own expenses for this trip. If you give even just $1, I'll put your name on the "Team Garufi" list: www.bicycletrip.net/sponsor.htm. :)

My largest expense will be finding the cheapest motels and/or airb&b's I can find most nights. Other expenses include food, things for the bicycle (including maintenance and repairs, if needed), and buying a plane ticket to fly back to Colorado once I get to Florida. You can give right now in January, or you can give during the trip in February and March.

To anyone who gives, I want to give a HUGE "thank you." I don't want this trip to be "all about me." By all means, I want to encourage and inspire you with whatever wild and crazy dreams God has given you. :) If you don't have much money, don't worry about giving. In fact, your friendship and encouragement is more than enough. You will be with me in spirit. I love you. -Steve Garufi