At the crack of dawn Tuesday, Josh Fleming will hit the road on a journey of 1,000 miles.
Long road trips aren’t especially unusual, but Fleming’s will take place on a bicycle — a bicycle with a trailer attached to it, to be precise.
He is riding to raise money to fight children’s cancer, with a very ambitious goal: He hopes to inspire a million people to donate $1 each, though he will gladly accept larger donations.
Fleming said last week he has known quite a few people who have died from cancer, though thankfully no children.
“I’ve just always liked helping people,” he said.
A 30-year-old father of a 10-year-old girl, Fleming is a McComb native. He drives a forklift at the Walmart distribution center in Brookhaven.
Fleming is using a modified offroad BMX bike, and he built the trailer from scratch, using electrical conduit he welded himself. It even has its own shock absorber to help with the bumps.
The bike’s frame is adorned with dozens of Scriptures to give him spiritual strength when the physical challenges become intense.
And right on top, directly behind the handlebars, is a message from his daughter: “I love you Daddy! From Katie.”
Fleming expects his round trip to Albany, Ga., and back to take 18 days. With an average of 55 miles per day to cover, he has his work cut out for him.
He has researched elevations along his route and says there are gentle hills but no dramatic climbs that might slow him down very much.
Flat tires and other repairs are a fact of life with bicycles but they shouldn’t be a problem for Fleming. He has rebuilt bikes in the past.
He plans to travel frugally; amid his cargo is a tent. His dad will accompany him for safety and support, but he won’t have to pedal as much as Josh Fleming. His bike is specially-equipped with a motor.
Fleming’s trip was his own idea but he’s taking advantage of the Great Cycle Challenge USA to help with administrative details. The nonprofit organization receives donations online, helps with promotion and oversees the Children’s Cancer Research Fund.
Fleming knows he’s set a big goal for himself but believes his approach — smaller donations from more people — is worth a shot.
He intends to post frequent updates to his Facebook page, which includes videos of himself singing. “For some reason, people seem to enjoy those,” he said.
Asked if anyone thinks he’s crazy for planning such an arduous trek, he answers with amusement, “Only about half the people I talk to.”
For updates, go to “Josh Fleming’s 1,000 mile cancer challenge” on Facebook, or www.greatcyclechallenge.com.
