Pedal to the Rescue: The Bike Journey Across the U.S.

"Tommy, if you bump this fist, there's no going back."

Two childhood friends, Michael Vansuilichem (Mikey), and Thomas Gehl II (Tommy), set out to make due on an old adventurous idea with a foundational twist. Mikey and Tommy will set off on a one way ~3,200 mile pedal bike endeavor across the United States from their hometown of Caledonia, Michigan, to Los Angeles, California.

The overall goal of this adventure is to spread awareness for the Los Angeles wildfires, and to donate to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, where they supply firefighters in Los Angeles with the equipment necessary to fight fires safely. This fundraising effort will hope to supply funds for: fire helmets, fire-proof suits, and extractors that remove carcinogens, or cancer causing agents from their smoke-covered suits. The funds raised will also fund programs such as the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) youth programs where they teach young firefighting prospects what its like being a firefighter.

The LAFD has been contacted and have approved this fundraising effort by Mikey and Tommy.

The goal departure date of this fundraising effort is June 9th.

Prior to setting off on this trek, both Mikey and Tommy will be finishing their next steps in education. Mikey will be completing his second Bachelor's (Medical Laboratory Science), as Tommy completes his Masters Degree in Management.

"What a better time to take a crazy trip than before the start of our careers?!"

For safety, the pedaling duo will have a support RV on stand-by. But hope to use it minimally. On nights appropriate, the duo would like to camp out in tents, see sights, and explore the United States as they raise fund and awareness for the LAFD.

The duo is excited to meet new people along the way, and to spread the word of their fundraising mission. The two hope to be uploading and posting about the ~3,200 mile adventure on their website, and would love for anyone who is interested to follow along via social media, so that everyone can be a part of this lifechanging experience.

Pedal to the Rescue Website

Here, you can find access to all of the team's socials, and more information about the duo and the fundraiser. There is also a blog and a map that will be updated as we travel so you can stay updated on the adventure!