Esu Pair Set To Begin Bicycle Trek To Florida

Two East Stroudsburg University students who get to bicycle only occasionally on weekends because of their busy academic schedules will attempt a 1,500-mile trip to Florida.

Shannon Fulkner, 21, of Bethlehem, a graduate of Quakertown High School, and his roommate, Michael Falk, 20, of State College, will leave from Bethlehem this morning for Tampa Bay, where Fulkner will spend the summer working while staying with his mother, Cherie Fulkner, formerly of Quakertown.

Falk will fly back (with his bicycle) in time for the main summer session at the university June 24.

What started as a way to get to Florida for Fulkner turned into a mission of sorts after several friends convinced him that biking that distance alone may be risky. After Falk agreed to join the excursion, the men decided that if they're going to be biking all that distance, they might as well make it for a good cause - like seeking sponsors who would pledge so much a mile, with proceeds going to some charity or organization.

But with final projects and exams upon them, time became a factor and making necessary arrangements for any kind of sponsorship was beyond their reach. Instead of throwing out the idea, however, they contacted the American Diabetes Association in Bethlehem and agreed to distribute flyers listing the warning signs of diabetes and where to get help. Doing something for diabetes was their first choice because Falk's brother is a diabetic. Packed in their bike bags are about 1,000 flyers that they'll pass out to people during their lunch breaks and at campgrounds where they plan to spend their nights.

"That's one way to get to know people," said Fulkner. "It'll make the trip much more worthwhile." Even though they will not be soliciting funds, the students said they'll be satisfied if they can make even a few people aware of the warning signs of diabetes.

"Hopefully, we'll indirectly be able tohelp someone," said Falk, whose older brother learned he had diabetes in his teen years.

The men hope to reach their destination June 20 on what they describe as a leisurely trip, with stops planned at Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, Myrtle Beach, Tarpon Springs and historical sites along the way. They will follow roads close to the Atlantic coast.

"I wanted to do it since I was out of high school," Fulkner said of the trip. "I didn't have a car and all of a sudden I decided this is the summer to do it."

They plan to ride for a few hours upon arising in the morning, rest during the heat of the day, then ride a few more hours before setting up camp for the evening. They figure that at about 50-60 miles a day, barring any setbacks and taking time to lie around a few beaches and visit some sites, they'll be able to complete the trip in the third week of June.

Despite the fact they were not on any definite training program, Fulkner and Falk have confidence they'll get to Tampa Bay without any problems. "It was tough, with classes and projects, to go out daily," Fulkner said. Both men have been biking for about six years, so they said that with several trips of 25-50 miles during this time, they at least have some experience of being on the road.

They will be carrying just one extra tire tube because they feel that the odds of two tires going flat at the same time is unlikely. "We'll just stop at the next town and buy a replacement if we have to," Falk said.

Admitting to being a bit nervous about making Tampa Bay in time to fly back for the start of summer school, Falk said he'll be prepared to leave from wherever they'll be by June 20. If they arrive with days to spare, Falk said, he may consider returning to East Stroudsburg by bus. The best way to ship his bike will decide his mode of transportation.

Pedaling Nashiki bicycles, the students will carry Pannier bags on both bikes, a tent, two sleeping bags, a tarp to throw over the bikes or tent at night in case of rain and a minimum amount of clothing. Both bikes are equipped with small water tanks that they'll fill as they go through towns.

Neophytes when it comes to long-distance biking, Fulkner and Falk have been making short trips the past few weeks to get used to the sway of the bikes caused by the heavy packs over the rear wheels. They also spent time talking with Gary Braman, graphics professor at East Stroudsburg University, who lent them his Pannier bags and offered suggestions based on his own experience of biking from Iowa to New York a few years ago.

Fulkner is a sophomore in business at ESU. In the fall he will be transferring to Shippensburg State University. Falk is an associate degree student in educational communications and technology and plans to graduate next fall.