Mark Metz and Noreen Edwards, pictured above the Grand Prismatic Spring at Yellowstone National Park, have already logged more than 1,400 of their 4,100-mile cross-country bike ride in support of the McGaw YMCA Men’s Residence housing program and upcoming renovation project. (Photo credit: Miles that Matter blog)
McGaw YMCA Board Chair Mark Metz and his wife Noreen Edwards are on the road, logging miles in a cross-country bike ride to raise awareness and support for the McGaw YMCA Men’s Residence housing program and upcoming renovation project. Their journey, dubbed Miles That Matter, serves as both a powerful awareness campaign and a fundraising effort to spotlight the urgent need for affordable housing in Evanston.
The couple began their ride on August 24, departing from Florence, Oregon. As of this article’s publishing, they have already logged 1,434 miles of their 4,100-mile self-supported ride along the TransAmerica Trail, cycling from the Pacific to the Atlantic on their recumbent bicycles. Along the way, they’ve navigated rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and unexpected challenges while also experiencing moments of joy, breathtaking scenery, and the generosity of strangers. Follow their journey and read more about their adventures on Instagram (@ymcamilesthatmatter) or subscribe to their blog at crazyguyonabike.com/doc/milesthatmatter.
Metz in rural Oregon on the route from Sisters to Pineville. (Photo credit: Miles that Matter blog)
Metz and Edwards pictured outside the Adventure Cycling Associations home office in Missoula, Montana. (Photo credit: Miles that Matter blog)
Show Your Support at Home: Miles That Matter Cycling Challenge
The McGaw Y invites everyone to join the journey through a community-wide Miles That Matter Cycling Challenge. From October 13–November 13, participants will work together to collectively cycle 4,100 miles to raise awareness and support for McGaw YMCA’s Men’s Residence program.
How to Participate:
- Pledge your miles or minutes of cycling between October 13–November 13.
- Choose your ride: recumbent, indoor cycling, road, or mountain bike.
- Track your progress and help the group reach 4,100 miles together.
- Cheer on your neighbors, boost your own health, and move with a purpose!
This challenge is free and open to the public. Sign up here: bit.ly/mcgawmmcc
Additional Ways to Get Involved:
- Learn more about the ride: www.mcgawymca.org/miles-that-matter/
- Follow Mark and Noreen’s cross-country journey on Instagram @ymcamilesthatmatter
- Subscribe to the Miles that Matter blog for updates, photos, and stories from the road: crazyguyonabike.com/doc/milesthatmatter
- Make a direct impact by donating to support the Men’s Residence Renovation: https://bit.ly/residencecampaign
- Share their story to inspire others to get involved.