This is not just an account of my bicycle ride across the country. Many people have ridden bicycles across our great nation. My ride is different. It’s the story of a brother’s love for his sister. It’s a tale of firefighters everywhere bonded by brotherly love, faithfulness, a desire to serve and a willingness to work together. It’s a young man’s search for his roots ending at his grandfather’s firehouse on the other side of the continent. It’s a demonstration of everyday Americans willing to help and give - in any way they can.

My purpose in telling this story is to describe and share the unusual acts of kindness, love, strength, challenges and determination I experienced during my 36-day cross country jaunt. - John Byrne

After the author’s sister was paralyzed in a accident, John realized he needed a way to provide her with her own vehicle with the controls she could use to be able to attend college, and live as normally as possible. This was his answer — ride his bicycle across the country, from fire station to fire station from San Francisco to the Brooklyn Bridge. Donations poured in to support John’s ride.