May 24, 2001 – Delbert crossed the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco on Thursday, May 24, marking a significant milestone in his 5,000 mile, six-month journey. His trek across the bridge was broadcast live on KGO-TV, (local ABC station)! Delbert was exhilarated by the experience and the kindness of people along the way.
Naturally, the Northern California Chapter of the NMSS, including Terence Keane, Director of Community Relations, were on hand to welcome Delbert to San Francisco! (Read their coverage of the event.) That evening Martha Patt and her husband Bill Patt took Delbert out for a celebratory dinner!
Delbert is about 1,000 miles into his journey and will be heading toward Arizona and Colorado during June and July. You can read Delbert's travel journal at his website.
June 3, 2001– Delbert received a hero's welcome in Fresno, CA. In recognition of his accomplishments and goals, the president of the City Council of Fresno, CA issued a proclamation declaring June 3, 2001 to be "Delbert Richardson Day." Way to go Delbert!
June 28, 2001 – Delbert spent the last two weeks of June in Arizona, most recently visiting the Grand Canyon where he camped out and took many photographs. In Kingman, AZ, he spoke at a National MS Society support group meeting. Delbert's friends in Kingman donated a "cooling suit" to help him better endure the Arizona heat. Kingman resident Nancy Angelo and her family came to Delbert's rescue a couple of times when he took a wrong turn in the desert and when he needed a tow truck along I-40 — Thank You, Nancy!!
Delbert is currently heading toward Colorado and will visit the towns of Cortez, Durango, Walsenberg and Rocky Ford before reaching his homestate of Kansas. He hopes to arrive in Wichita, KS —the mid-point of his trip— by July 14, which is his wife Monique's birthday. Go Delbert!
August 7, 2001 – "Delbert Arrives Home" On July 20 Delbert rode into his hometown of Wichita. On hand to greet him as he arrived home were family, friends and local television news crews. On July 23 family and friends held a “Welcome Home” rally. Following a few days of bicycle maintenance Delbert hit the rode again on August 5, heading east to his final destination, Washington, DC, where he plans to arrive in September. His next scheduled stops are Springfield, MO; Carbondale, IL and Evansville, IN. There will be a big celebration in Washington, DC on September 20 after Delbert completes the final leg of his cross-country journey with a victory lap around the National Mall."
September 10, 2001 – Delbert arrives in Lexington where he meets fellow Champion Michael Muir, as well as a lot of new fans...
October 8, 2001— Delbert stops in Charlottesburg where he meets fellow Champion of Courage Vance High.
Later, Delbert meets up with Liz Pendergast, Executive Director of the Champions of Courage Program, and Mike Hannon, a Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals representative. (Photos here.)
October 31, 2001 – Delbert will arrive in Washington DC on November 7!
November 1, 2001 – Champions Michael Muir and Delbert Richardson Complete their Cross-Country Journeys in Washington, DC. The Betaseron Champions of Courage program celebrated with Michael Muir and Delbert Richardson as they ended their parallel cross country journeys in Washington, DC on Thursday, November 1. Delbert pedaled into town in the early morning. Michael and his Horsedrawn Journey trotted in later that morning and staged a parade in front of the Capitol. There was plenty of excitement among passers-by. Television cameras and photographers were on hand to capture the excitement. It was a great day for everyone! (See photos from this momentous day.)
- Updated 1/2/03
