by Dorothy Markulis
Reporter
Hudson -- Spencer Case, a lifelong resident of Hudson, is hoping to inspire smokers to turn over a new leaf -- or at least, get over an addiction to the tobacco leaf -- with his nine-week-long "Ride for the Future" beginning June 28.
Case, a 2003 graduate of Western Reserve Academy, along with three friends from Washington College in Maryland, will depart from the state of Washington and bike to Maryland, a distance of 4,800 miles.
"We are united by our attitudes to constantly challenge ourselves while exploring new and unique ways to affect the world," Case said. "We hope to heighten lung health awareness and inspire people to quit smoking."
The team is asking smokers to pledge they will quit smoking as their part of the "Ride for the Future."
Case, 23, knows all about the dangers of smoking.
"For me, after four years of smoking, quitting was one of the hardest challenges of my life," he said.
He said "I had one cigarette when I was 14 and it lasted four years. It was a real addiction. It was controlling my life.
"I'd think, 'If I go there, will I be able to smoke?' No one could tell me to quit. My mom and dad said 'When you're ready to quit, we'll help you' and they did," Case said.
Case said that if one person quits smoking because of this cross-country trek, that would be worth it.
"That would be the best outcome," he said.
Case is no stranger to challenging treks and expeditions.
Case said he began mountain biking at 13. When he was 17, he participated in a 21-day Rocky Mountain expedition. Two years later, he challenged himself with a 42-day expedition in the Indian Himalayas.
His adventures have taken him to the Alps of New Zealand, the mountains of Alaska and Ireland and northern Thailand.
Joining Case on the ride is Washington College sophomore and Colorado resident Jamie L. Beaber, Washington College freshman and Maryland resident Brian E. Gamble, and Washington College 2006 graduate and Pennsylvania resident Katherine A. Wilson.
"I really admire these kids," Spencer's mother, Kim, said. "They wanted to do something for others."
According to Kim, sign-up sheets to support the ride and the American Lung Association are available at the Great Lakes Baking Co., 85 S. Main St.
"They have been taking pledges and looking for corporate sponsors," Kim said.
According to Kim, the team will be begin its journey in AnaCortes, Wash., near Seattle. They will be accompanied by a parent volunteer in a chase car.
"I'm happy about that," she said.
Case said his team's chase car would start the day with them but travel ahead to pass out smoking cessation materials, then reunite with the team at night. He said the team would be enjoying the hospitality of Washington College students and alums along the bike route, whenever possible.
To check the progress of the bikers or to make a donation visit www.rideforthefuture.org.
E-mail: dmarkulis@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3143