John Keating, Sponsor from Montgomery

When I was in Montgomery, Alabama, staying with gracious hosts Joe and Tricia Crowley, they introduced me to their long-time friend and cyclist John Keating. Now, John is not just any old cyclist. John has traversed the United States at least six times on a recumbent bike, but not only that, but John has just one arm and one real leg! John lost the limbs on one side of his body in a freak accident involving a 16,000 volt electric overhead cable for a train. See his book "The Hand of God: The Story of John Keating and the Power of Love" for his full story. John signed a copy of his book and gave it to me.

John has biked with amputees across the country raising awareness of amputees and support for medical advances and services. When I was in Montgomery, John was going into schools dressed as the Grim Reeper, and he would "reep" a student every twenty minutes, representing the frequency someone gets killed as the result of a drunk driver on the road; that student cannot talk for the rest of the school day.

John met me at his favorite cycle shop, Cycle Escape in Montgomery. John helped me select some gear and equipment for my tour, including a spare inner tube, a yellow long-sleeve jersey (visible, and prevents sunburn), and a rear-view mirrow. The shop threw in an extra chain link, and some spare helmet foam cushions. Thank you, John, and Cycle Escape for your invaluable support. Cycle Escape, Montgomery, AL