Going the Distance

After Doug’s surprise Minnesota visit from wife, Jena, his Going the Distance for SMARTS journey trekked onward over the weekend. He’s now made it to Wisconsin through a series of tunnels, mysterious bike squeaks, and rain. Despite some of the scary or annoying travails, Doug continues to receive the kindness and interest from folks all along the way. Strangers who will…

Going the Distance for SMARTS is now EAST of the Mississippi River! Now comfortably biking along designated trails, Doug Smith continues to meet other cyclists, bike shop owners, Warm Shower Hosts (and their dogs), plus a couple familiar faces along the way between St. Cloud and St. Paul. But one of the best encounters he’s had…

Doug and Going the Distance for SMARTS have made it across North Dakota and are now getting the Minnesota experience. All across this journey, Doug has met a number of people—passing cyclists, convenient store clerks, waitresses, motel and campground employees, and Warm Shower hosts. Just like Terri, Drew, and their dog, Poppy. They recently provided…

As Doug Smith rides past the half-way mark in Going the Distance for SMARTS, we keep charting his progress on our front window. Along his trek, he’s become fond of chocolate milk breaks at Cenex convenient stores. It wasn’t hard to find a little irony in his photo post yesterday….on Wednesday, 7/11! We hope you’ll…

Doug Smith always carries a drum key with him. Even on his trans-America bike ride. A reminder of his life in music. And a reminder of why this fundraiser is so important. Doug has pretty much reached the halfway point across the country. (See monument marking the geographic center of the continental US.) Doug continues…

Montana is REALLY, REALLY BIG. Doug Smith has gotten to see and meet many great people and sights along US Rt. 2. Like the little town of Chinook, whose only erected statue was that of an artist. Or the beautifully restored Rundle Inn in Glasgow. And lest we not forget the obligatory shots of cows…

Is there anything on your bucket list? Are you looking for ways to better your community? Do you value arts education? Those are questions Doug Smith may have asked himself at some point in his life. Well, he’s doing something about it today. One of the first things he’s doing in his retirement is our…

Doug Smith has resumed the Going The Distance for SMARTS trek across America on his bike, “Cassie”. Over the weekend, Doug made some steep climbs through the thin air of Going To The Sun Road in Glacier National Park and beyond through the tailwinds of flatter Montana lands. He’s about halfway through the state now…

Inspiration can come from anywhere. Doug Smith’s Going the Distance for SMARTS cycling fundraiser has found beauty in the mountains!  Now is a good time to be inspired at https://smarts.tunahelper.net/smarts/going-the-distance-for-smarts/ and consider becoming a Corporate Sponsor for “Going the Distance for SMARTS”. Download our Corporate Sponsorship Information PDF and get all the details!

Sometimes, things don’t always go as planned. Doug and Jena set out along the beautiful Coeur d’Alene Trail but, unfortunately, had a minor crash. They are both doing fine after some help from fellow bike riders and a few days rest over the weekend. With a little gondola ride to take in some views and…