The physical exertion that Asheville resident Kevin Johnson will endure during his 3,000 mile cross-country bicycle ride is nothing compared to what the animals in Brother Wolf’s “Help Me Heal” program have experienced. “My journey will contribute to hundreds of animals being saved and healed of various diseases or other things that would easily have given them a death sentence at any other shelter,” says Johnson, who is aiming to raise $50,000 for Brother Wolf by the time he reaches California. “Then they can be adopted and have a long, happy life. That gives me motivation to pedal on.”
Johnson began his ride on September 4 from Charleston, SC and is aiming to reach the West Coast by early November. Averaging about 50 miles a day,
Johnson says he has enjoyed seeing the back roads of our country and watching the landscape slowly change.
Thanks to Marty at Probikes in West Asheville, Johnson is outfitted with top-of-the-line gear. He is riding an all steel Fuji touring bike with two rear panniers.
Armed with camping gear, plenty of food and water, and the love of his own rescue dog, a Chocolate Lab named Baxter waiting at home, Johnson says the journey has been good for his stress and heart. “Hours and hours go by where I don’t talk or hear someone talk. I watched a small river flow for 2 hours one evening. I have never been so calm to do that.”
Although Johnson is working toward achieving an extraordinary goal, he says “The real heroes are the tireless staff and volunteers at Brother Wolf. They put in long hours day after day to save animals with little acknowledgment.”
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue exists solely on donations, and takes in old, sick, and vulnerable animals that most shelters would deny. Many of these animals require special attention, medicine, surgeries and rehabilitation before they can be adopted out into the community.
One hundred percent of donations to Kevin Johnson’s journey go straight to Brother Wolf’s Help Me Heal Fund, which goes directly to help animals in need. If you would like to make a donation, please visit facebook.com/wheelstohealanimals.
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