Bay View resident Ryan Reichard completed a 13-day bike ride around Lake Michigan to raise funds and awareness for a nonprofit that serves Milwaukee youth in crisis, Walker’s Point Youth & Family Center.
The 1,100 mile ride began Wednesday, June 26, and ended Tuesday, July 9, in Milwaukee.
Reichard ventured through Chicago, Indiana, the western shore of Michigan and more.
He aimed to be an inspiration to youth by making the task a personal challenge to meet the needs of the organization.
“Sometimes young people facing tough challenges need someone to step up and take on a challenge for them,” he told Erik Koepnick, director of Fund Development at the center.
Training for the ride wasn’t a worry for Reichard as he commutes to work on his bike and takes long rides on weekends. The most difficult part in preparation was planning a route that was safe from heavy traffic.
“I tried to find routes that had trail and roads with wide shoulders,” said Reichard.
Reichard had to pack a tent and camping supplies so he could spend nights inside cabins like Weko Beach in Michigan.
“Bringing everything I needed on a bike was a new experience for me,” said Reichard.
He said the Mackinac Bridge in Mackinaw City, Michigan, was his favorite ride.
In an Instagram post, Reichard said he cycled through the Tunnel of Trees, spent time on Sturgeon Bay Beach and rode through Wilderness State Park along the way.
Reichard made a stop in Neenah to visit his mother, Carol Reich, for lunch and coffee at Plaza & Globe Coffee before spending the night in Fond du Lac.
On day 13, Reichard headed back to Milwaukee where supporters gathered to see him cross the finish line.
“There were a few times in the last couple of days when I thought I wasn’t going to make it, but I kept going and made it,” said Reichard.
This comes as he experienced multiple weather challenges like heavy cold rain and stiff wind.
Reichard was able to raise $1,500 from supporters like family and friends.
“We at Walker’s Point are also grateful for Ryan’s fundraising efforts and the inspiring story of his ride,” said Koepnick.
Click here if you are interested in donating to the cause.