It IS pretty sweet when you see how getting closer and closer to home provided serious motivation for Doug. He logged in yet another “century day” (100+ miles) to get into Kent, OH and once again see the face of his wife, Jena. Enjoy that rest, Doug and we’ll see you in Youngstown on Friday!…

Not that SMARTS is trying to give Doug one of his daily earworms, but the 1961 tune sung by the Marvelettes seems apropos for this post. You see, all along the way of Going the Distance for SMARTS, he’s been photographing creative interpretations of mailboxes that he’s passed by. These 2, one from Ann Arbor, MI and…

Please join us as we celebrate Doug’s birthday this Friday at 10:00 am at SMARTS! He will be making a quick stop here before he heads east. Help us to encourage him and hear more about his journey. SMARTS, 25 E Boardman St, First Floor, Youngstown, OH 44503, 330-574-2787.

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Canfield, OH has generously sponsored the state of Minnesota in our “Going the Distance for SMARTS” fundraiser and we couldn’t be happier. This part of Doug Smith’s bike ride across the US has been greeted by many friendly faces and we hope he’ll see many more. SMARTS is very thankful to have a…

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…