Ron Paul Rider Bikes Across America
Ron Paul has inspired a walk across New Hampshire, a blimp launch, a decked out motor home following him to campaign events, and now, a bicycle trip across the country. Michael Maresco, a 45-year-old artist from Hawaii with no previous endurance biking experience, started out from the Santa Monica pier in California on October 22nd, and will be rolling into Washington, DC tomorrow, December 27th, after pedaling nearly 3,000 miles.
Along the way, he faced down the California wildfires, steep mountain crossings, countless flat tires, dust storms, desert heat, wind, rain, cold, highway traffic, and his toughest foe of all, the political apathy of the average American. Undaunted, Maresco spread the message of freedom and the hope of Ron Paul's campaign, posting signs, inspiring local Meetup groups along the way and converting skeptical voters into avid supporters.
He even coined a new phrase for handing out Ron Paul slim jims and other campaign literature that should help motivate any introverted supporter to get out there and help spread the word. He calls it "giving away gold." Not everyone will see it that way at first, but many come around quickly, Maresco explains:
The trip has garnered local media coverage along the route, including recent newspaper and television coverage in North Carolina. Michael has also been keeping a daily blog of his journey, complete with photographs of small towns and supporters across America, and his impressions of the various states he has traveled through.
The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly his late November stop in Lake Jackson, Texas, which coincided with a visit home by Ron Paul himself. Maresco was hesitant to knock on the Congressman's door, but local Meetup organizers arranged a surprise co-rider the next morning:
Ron Paul has inspired a devoted following like no other candidate in the race, with impressive grassroots efforts in cities large and small, but it's hard to top a bicycle ride across America for dedication. The great patriot Samuel Adams said "It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen to set brush fires in people's minds." Thanks to Michael Maresco, a trail of brush fires for freedom from California to Washington, DC is fanning the flames of liberty that much higher.
Michael's marathon trip is just about complete, but it's not too late to show him your appreciation by helping out with some of his expenses.
Read more at Paul 4 Prez
Along the way, he faced down the California wildfires, steep mountain crossings, countless flat tires, dust storms, desert heat, wind, rain, cold, highway traffic, and his toughest foe of all, the political apathy of the average American. Undaunted, Maresco spread the message of freedom and the hope of Ron Paul's campaign, posting signs, inspiring local Meetup groups along the way and converting skeptical voters into avid supporters.
He even coined a new phrase for handing out Ron Paul slim jims and other campaign literature that should help motivate any introverted supporter to get out there and help spread the word. He calls it "giving away gold." Not everyone will see it that way at first, but many come around quickly, Maresco explains:
After the initial reactions, I get all types of comments... but one of the most common is something like, “Good, cause I didn’t want to vote for ANYONE from EITHER party, I’ll look at that, Thanks!”
The trip has garnered local media coverage along the route, including recent newspaper and television coverage in North Carolina. Michael has also been keeping a daily blog of his journey, complete with photographs of small towns and supporters across America, and his impressions of the various states he has traveled through.
The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly his late November stop in Lake Jackson, Texas, which coincided with a visit home by Ron Paul himself. Maresco was hesitant to knock on the Congressman's door, but local Meetup organizers arranged a surprise co-rider the next morning:
Ron Paul has inspired a devoted following like no other candidate in the race, with impressive grassroots efforts in cities large and small, but it's hard to top a bicycle ride across America for dedication. The great patriot Samuel Adams said "It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen to set brush fires in people's minds." Thanks to Michael Maresco, a trail of brush fires for freedom from California to Washington, DC is fanning the flames of liberty that much higher.
Michael's marathon trip is just about complete, but it's not too late to show him your appreciation by helping out with some of his expenses.
