Hi, I'm Joe Wetherell.

On March 10, 2008, I set out from St. Augustine, Fla., on a cross-country cycling trip that will take me across the United States to Oregon and then down the Pacific Coast to Oakland, Calif., a trip of about 6080 miles.

I've challenged myself to make this journey.  And I'm challenging you to match me, in a way, by sending money to the All Faiths Food Bank in Sarasota, Fla.  I'm a former (recent) employee of the All Faiths, and I know how valuable their work is.

Here's what I suggest:  If you sent about a penny for every mile I intend to travel, you would contribute $60, whether I finish the ride or not.  Or, to make it more interesting, you might consider contributing 5 cents for every mile I actually complete, or even 10 or 25 cents a mile.  (I'll warn you, I'm really intent on going the distance!)

Obviously, you're free to donate whatever you want, or nothing at all, but I encourage you to take part in this challenge.  Follow the links to the All Faiths Food Bank website to make an online contribution or to get their address.  You might write my name on the memo line of your check, so they'll know this is actually generating some revenue!

I'm a disc golfer, too, an active member of Sarasota Sky Pilots Disc Golf Club, so here's a link for them too.

And, finally, I relied heavily on the information at the Adventure Cycling Association website to plan this trip.  Check them out too.