Tour d’USA

or more than 50 days last summer, Richard Senior ’79 gave students a different view of life, people and our country—from behind the handlebars of a bike.

Senior, a third grade teacher in Audubon, wanted to offer an unforgettable adventure. “I wanted the students to establish faith in people and realize how important they are in life,” he said. For him, two previous cross-country biking trips were humbling and cleansing, and he hoped his former students would have a similar experience.

Senior, with three other adults and six students, ages 14 to 18, flew to California each with about 65 pounds of equipment and their touring bikes. “The students were really excited,” recalled Senior. “They understood this wasn’t just a ride through town, but a trip across the country offering much more.” On June 19, they peddled from Los Angeles on the Santa Anna Bike Trail steering toward the Jersey shore.

With no scheduled stops or reservations at hotels, they set up camp in parks and campgrounds along the way. In some towns, they were offered the comfort of a church basement and even a pizza parlor. “People were very generous,” Senior said.

On August 9, the cyclists applied their brakes for the last time in Sea Isle City. Senior felt they reached their goals. “Accomplishing such a large task brought these students one step closer to greatness,” said Senior. “They realized this trip consisted of a lot more than just peddling.”

Senior is still cycling today, teaching a spinning class at Rowan’s recreation center. Habitat for Humanity also takes him to Camden every Saturday to do masonry work on homes for needy families. “I ¤nd it humbling to help others,” said Senior. “It develops a strong sense of self-worth and faith in those around you.”

from fall ’01