While many of us were whining and complaining about temperatures soaring over 100 degrees the past few days, it was remarkable to interview two brothers from Elk Grove who didn’t let the heat dampen their spirits, as they took off for Brookings, Oregon on Monday.
Both from Elk Grove, Steve and Scott Westbrook are excited to be setting out on their 12 day excursion that has many unknowns. On Monday, day one, they had already endured a flat tire and lost sunglasses for Scott, skin starting to sunburn and very little sleep the night before, because of their anticipation of their 900 mile round trip. The brothers grew up in Elk Grove and repeatedly gave their parents credit for helping them make this trip a reality, as the parents are their pit crew, offering drinks and food along the way. “They brought us drinks, ice and sandwiches. We will see them again tomorrow,” Steve said. Their parents are extremely supportive, both athletic themselves, as they row in national championships.
What totally drives them with each mile, is the goal of money raised by sponsors for the “Feed the Hungry” Program. They are happy to accept donations along the way, but donations can also be sent to Feed the Hungry, USA, 530 East Ireland Road, South Bend, IN 46614- USA
Leaving Elk Grove Monday morning about 9 a.m., the brothers arrived in Gridley, via Highway 70 around 5:30 p.m., planning to make Chico the first night to stay with a friend, before heading out to Red Bluff Tuesday morning, hopefully making it farther. Being young, Steve is 20 and Scott is 23, they are optimistic and laugh about the food rations they have packed in their small backpacks. The first night was to be freeze-dried lasagna and beef stroganoff. “All we need is boiling water,” Scott said. “It beats trail mix and dried pineapple,” Steve said.
They will camp out in a tent most of the time, as they use vacation time to make this trip to raise money for the very important cause. Scott works at an Italian Restaurant at the Galleria Mall in Roseville and Steve cleans carpets for a friend’s business.
Steve did a trial run from Chico to Elk Grove recently and it took 11 hours to make the one-way trek.
Both men are single and will head right back to work the day after returning home, July 11. Scott rides a bike to work each day 10 miles and Steve rides five miles.
In one concession to the heat on Monday, referring to previous trial runs, Scott said “It’s never been this hot.”
Scott also said, “We are taking Highway 36, because we heard that it is like the advanced stage of the Tour de France.” Their uncle will meet them there to shuttle them and he will have an extra bicycle with him, just in case.
The brothers made their own 500 calorie energy bars to eat along the way, because they estimate they will burn up to 7,000 calories a day. Steve said he probably burned 3,000 calories just travelling from Citrus Heights.
The incentive along the way is the promise of free dinners from many friends when they finish.
“We wanted to go somewhere far, but not south. We didn’t want to go south where it is hot and smoggy. East is mountains and desert. The north is a beautiful ride,” Scott said.
They figured that 900 miles is worthy of bragging rights with their friends. The brothers did not have physicals before beginning the 12 day trek, “throwing caution to the winds,” as they put it.
Young, and positive, at least on the first day, Scott said, “This is so rewarding. I’m ready to do it again and we’re not even done with this trip.”
“So many others are struggling these days. We are so fortunate. You feel so much better doing something like this. It’s rewarding, “ Steve remarked. “We know what it is like to be homeless.”
In question of preplanning for such a big trip, Scott said they had to factor in what would be needed. So far, they had only forgotten baby wipes, and their parents were right there to deliver them during one of their pit stops.
Averaging 13 miles per hour, they figured it would take two hours to bike the 26 miles to Chico on Monday night before dark.
With a promise to check in when they reach Brookings, they also promised to stop in Gridley and spend some time, before the final leg of the trip home for an extended pit stop. As they jumped on their bikes to finish the first day of riding, it was impossible to miss the tattoo on Scott’s wrist - “Faith.”
