911 USA Cyclist Don Boehly

Like many people, Don Boehly felt compelled to help after witnessing the events on September 11, 2001. The handyman and cyclist from Grayson, Ky began a trek to raise funds for law enforcement. When he completed his first tour, he was asked by firefighters in New York to continue and so began a fifty state 911 cycling tour of the USA. He rides to raise funds for 911 charities and to raise awareness for the men and women who protect and serve in law enforcement, fire services and the military.

Don currently is riding through his 39th state, pennsylvania. Stops at Pittsburgh, Altoona and recently Harrisburg, yielded him another group of lifelong friends, hot meals and places to bed down for the night. Although he will sleep wherever a spot is available he prefers being invited to stay with firefighters in their firehouse. "I had some bad experiences at shelters", Boehly said. Although he also told us a story about a potentially bad experience at a firehouse when a firefighter assigned him a bed in the bunk room and failed to mention it to the firefighter already assign the bunk. The firefighter came into the dark room while Don was sleeping and dove into his bed scaring and nearly crushing him. "The firefighter, feared for his job, all he could say was that the Chief was going to have him fired. I don't think he ever did get to sleep that night."

The one thing that Don enjoys is meeting all of the people along the way. He shared just a few of the many stories he has about the numerous towns and cities he has visited during his ventures. "I enjoy meeting the guys that I am trying to help" Sitting down to dinner and getting to know the firefighters first hand gives Boehly a feel for the job and he has great respect for firefighters and police.

Although he stays in the firehouse he doesn't run calls, in fact he is sometimes bothered by all the activity during the night when he is trying to get a good nights sleep. Thankfully, he didn't have to get up during his stay in Reading. The morning brought a hearty breakfast and it off to the next location. Boehly was supposed to continue down 422 to Pottstown and then straight on to Philadelphia. A slight detour to Allentown was added to his itinerary after a friend of one of the guys he met in another town asked him to visit the city and stay the night with the Bomb Squad there. Once Don gets to Philadelphia, he will complete his tour of Pennsylvania and ride into Delaware then up through New Jersey.

Read more about the trip, post messages and help support Don's endeavor at his website, http://www.9-11usa.com/ You can view a newscast about Don's visit to Reading on WFMZ's Website.

Good luck and safe travels to you Don.