Cyclist heads to Edgeley to spread good news

Having not slept in more than a day, bicyclist Chris Greig was noticeably exhausted when he stopped in to Jamestown Tuesday on his way to Edgeley, N.D.

“It’s hot out there and those headwinds are pretty rough,” said Greig, as he gulped down some water and took a brief rest during a stop at McDonald’s in Jamestown.

As of Tuesday, Greig had already traveled about 2,500 miles as part of his Campaign for Good News — a solo bike ride from Alaska to Florida featuring “good news” stories from communities all along his route.

On his website, the 25-year-old Ontario, Canada, resident says his goal of the ride is “to remind the public of all the positive things happening in the world and inspire others to dream big and make a difference in whatever way they can.”

He is planning 30 prearranged, “good news” stories throughout his travel, including one in Edgeley about a family that persevered through a tragedy.

“About a year ago, a tornado came through and took out three farms here,” said Joy Powers, wife of Edgeley Mayor Steve Powers. “Victor and Bev Weigel lost their farm and their house was gone except for three walls in the basement.”

Joy Powers, who is hosting Greig during his stay in Edgeley, said the Weigels have since built a new home in town with the help of community members during the process.

“Both Victor and Bev work at Edgeley Public School and this story really depicts exactly what the community of Edgeley is all about,” Powers said.

Greig’s stop in Edgeley comes prior to his next scheduled “good news” city, which is Mitchell, S.D.

He said he has enjoyed the scenery thus far, but admitted that it’s been difficult to enjoy it lately with the very warm temperatures.

“Now it’s becoming a grind and the heat really drains you,” he said.

It has become so burdensome that Greig is planning to start riding his bike from city to city during the nighttime, which he said he’d be able to do safely with the help of reflectors, a light on the back of his bike and a bright light on his helmet.

Despite falling a little behind his scheduled pace, Greig said he has averaged about 125 miles per day and said the trip overall has gone well.

“It’s fun to challenge yourself, and based on the reception I’ve gotten from people along the way, I think they’ve enjoyed what it is I’m doing,” he said.

Greig said he’s relatively new to cycling, having made his first solo bicycle tour just three years ago across Canada in honor of a childhood friend.

“It was for a fundraiser for a friend of mine that died for cancer and I called it ‘Bike for Mike,’” he said.

Greig said that stories like the one he was anticipating hearing about Tuesday night in Edgeley are valuable to the public.

“I started this campaign because I see the need for it,” he said on his website. “At least to me, there seems to be a slow but noticeable move towards stories that are shocking and dramatic and away from those that are every day and hopeful.”

Greig is aiming to finish his ride in Miami, Fla., on July 21. He includes live updates of his position, along with photos, stories and a blog on his website.

For more information, visit http://campaignforgoodnews.org.

Sun reporter Brian Willhide can be reached at 701-952-8454 or by email at bwillhide@jamestownsun.com

Tags: news, cyclist, benefit