“What’s the motivation to ride your bike across the country?” – that’s a fair probing question I’m sometimes asked. A primary purpose is to honor the memory of my Dad: Jerry Domagala
My Dad was a loving husband, an inspiring father and a fun-loving grandpa. He was vibrant and active right up until an August day at a park with the kids. Normally one to play all day with the grand-kids he so adored, Grandpa uncharacteristically told them he wasn’t feeling well that day and needed to go home to rest. A visit to the doctor revealed he was suffering from stage IV esophageal cancer. He passed away 3 months later.
With less than a 20% survival rate, Esophageal cancer is tough to beat, and often misdiagnosed as heartburn or Reflux disease – until it is too late. Early detection is the best prevention. Raising awareness is an actionable step we can take to combat this deadly adversary. In memory of Jerry Domagala, please consider a contribution to the Esophageal Cancer Action Network (ECAN.org).
My dad loved the open road, spending much of his life as a travelling salesman – driving over mountain passes, winding down lush valleys, and cruising through wide prairie lands to visit with his business clients across the mountain west. He relished the journey more than the destination. Perhaps a bit of his wanderlust spirit carries on in me. My coast-to-coast ride honors his legacy.
Domagala.Bike 