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| Supporting cancer research: Man traveling country by bike for cause |
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1/30/2014
By Tom Marshall
Senior Advocate writer
Flynn Donoho, who is traveling the country on bicycle for a second time to support cancer research, made a stop in Mt. Sterling last week.
The Montgomery County Ministerial Association put Donoho up at a local motel Jan. 20 during a stopover in Mt. Sterling.
Donoho, 56, of Huntington Beach, Calif., plans to visit all 48 states in the continental U.S. to encourage people to donate to the American Cancer Society online. He’s already visited 19 states on this journey.
Along the way, the recovering drug addict also hopes to spread the Gospel.
“I’m doing this all on my own on the faith of the Lord,” Donoho said. “I don’t have sponsors, I don’t have supporters, I don’t have chase vehicles, anything like that.”
Donoho is making the trip with his dog, Diva, and her five puppies. They travel in a covered trailer pulled by Donoho’s bike, a 29-inch offroad Genesis purchased on discount.
He said he was inspired to make his first trip in 2011 after watching people close to him succumb to cancer.
More than anyone, Donoho said he is riding to honor of his sister-in-law, Melinda Donoho, of Tracy, Calif., who is engaged in an ongoing battle with breast cancer.
Between the two trips, Donoho said he’s traveled more than 30,000 miles. His first trip was temporarily delayed at one point by Hurricane Irene that struck the east coast.
During stopovers, Donoho discusses the importance of cancer research and urges the public to donate to the cause.
While enjoying a cup of coffee at a local restaurant on Maysville Road last week, a couple mentions seeing Donoho previously in the Ashland area. They encourage him to continue spreading the word about cancer research and the Lord.
The encouragement brings a smile to the weary traveler.
From Mt. Sterling he plans to head south to Tennessee, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida before heading back up the east coast.
Donoho admits the days on the road can be hard, but he and his dogs do the best they can through the cold temperatures and other obstacles they face.
“It gets tough sometimes,” Donoho said. “With the wind in your face you may only make 20 miles.”
He says the journey has left him in the best physical condition of his life.
The trip almost got sidelined a month before it started when Diva, a chow mix, gave birth to the puppies. Donoho didn’t despair.
Instead, he bought a dog carrier, which he wrapped with a tarp where Diva and her puppies can stay warm as Donoho peddles his way cross country. He also uses the carrier for storage.
Periodically, he stops by local post offices to mail back souvenirs and other items that are given to him on the road.
Donoho’s efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Over the course of his two trips he has appeared in more than 100 newspapers and on Good Morning America.
Donoho said the chance to spread the word gives him the encouragement to keep on going.
“I ride on the energy of the Lord,” he said. “It keeps me going.”
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