SOUTH DAKOTA A man from Washington state is cycling across South Dakota this month as part of a 2,800-mile sojourn from Spokane to Indianapolis. Travis Scott founded the nonprofit Cycling on Purpose to raise awareness of youth mental health issues.
I was going through my own depression, Scott said. One of the things that kicked it off was losing my cousin, who was 52. A heart condition hit him out of the blue. He was an avid cyclist and always doing things to push his boundaries climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and running marathons.
At a memorial fundraiser, Scott purchased his cousins bike and decided to embark on a cross-country journey in his honor.
For the first time in two years, I got out of that fog, Scott said. I realized that if finding a purpose something to strive for can have this impact on me, it can help youth. So I started this nonprofit, and Im leveraging this ride to raise awareness. Im talking to people in communities along the way who may not have access to resources on mental health.
Setting out on June 12, Scott reached South Dakota on July 3 when he arrived in Spearfish. He plans to hit Vermillion on July 16, spend time resting and speaking about youth mental health and enter Iowa on July 20.
Im planning to host events in libraries along the way, Scott said. I did bring some books to donate. That way, people who come can have access to some books on mental health afterwards. Its a really informal 45 minutes to an hour. Ive got a couple videos on youth mental health. I just want to have a conversation and provide some handouts with resources, tips and tools.
A variety of friends and family are accompanying him, taking turns driving a minivan laden with books, supplies and a spare bike.
Using our minivan that Ive specially outfitted with bike racks and cargo boxes different people are taking turns driving with me, Scott said. My mom came out from Spokane to Yellowstone. Then, my wife is from South Dakota, so she and the kids will be visiting her parents in Carpenter, South Dakota. Shes going to drive with me to Vermillion, where Ill stay for a few days and visit with the kids, too.
Hes hoping his story can someday inspire them.
As a parent of three young boys, its been on my mind them growing up in a world with social media and technology so different from what I grew up with, Scott said. Im keeping a daily ride journal of me writing to them. When theyre older, Ill give them that. Hopefully itll have an impact. (Theyll) see what I had to do the time Ive put in, the days it was rainy and cold, the times I didnt feel like doing it and that life isnt always puppy dogs and ice cream.
Hes grateful for his familys support.
My wife thinks Im crazy; but yeah, shes proud, Scott said. She knows this is something Ive always wanted to do. Growing up, I wanted to ride my bike across the country. I just didnt know itd be when Im knocking on the door of turning 50.
He said thereve been inevitable ups and downs.
The biggest challenge is not knowing what to expect, Scott said. When I rode from the Idaho-Mountain border to Superior, Montana, Im looking at the map and its all downhill. I was excited, but 85% of it was unpaved bike trails. I had to really focus those 45 miles, watching every rock, dodging holes and divots. It wore me out when I thought itd be cruise downhill day.
He said the journey has mostly been an odyssey of healing.
Being out on a bike means you shouldnt be listening to anything, you shouldnt be using devices, Scott said. I have a bike computer showing me where to go, but mostly Im just disconnected. The mind can rewire itself. Youre able to think. People dont daydream much anymore because our attention is constantly drawn to apps and beeps and clicks. Being on a bike is the most peaceful time I have.
He hopes his trek encourages people to seek help.
Mental health is like an injury. It can be fixed, Scott said. Your brain is the most important part of your body, yet we probably pay more attention to sprained ankles in the NBA than we do to depression. We can overcome the stigma of mental health especially for youth. Youre going to get knocked down. Thats part of life. Life throws you curveballs. Im seeing that on this ride. Learning to be resilient is so important.
People can follow Scotts journey at the Cycling on Purpose Facebook page or YouTube channel as well as the website cyclingonpurpose.org.
Contact Jay Roe at [email protected].
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