Who Are We?

Here's the two minute drill...

Two friends; one crazy adventure: to raise money for the Search Dog Foundation, SDF (a non-profit that raises and trains search and rescue dogs). How to get attention for this cause? By biking from Maine to Key West in less than two months. Chance of success? Maybe. Crazy? Definitely. Awesome adventure? Undoubtedly.

Or if you're feeling courageous, the full lecture...

Team e2 is the brainchild of a graduating high school senior (Evan Smith) and a graduating master's student (Evan Patronik). Evan Smith and I met about 4 years ago through his older brother and have become close friends, mostly through our similar personalities and tastes of outdoor activities (such as swimming in the Atlantic during early February of last year). On a whim one night, we decided to undertake a "crazy adventure" during the summer of 2008: a bike trip logging nearly 3,000 miles from the tip of Maine to the bottom of the Florida Keys. On its own, this journey would be fulfilling enough for the both of us but we had hoped to gain something more. This led us to idea of using our trip to raise money for a more than worthy cause. We have involved ourselves in a fundraising effort with the "Search Dog Foundation" (SDF), a not-for-profit non-governmental organization based out of California. Their mission is to produce the most highly trained FEMA Advanced Certified Canine Disaster Search Teams in the country. These teams are trained to search for live victims of natural disasters or terrorist attacks. The teams are provided at no cost to fire departments and other emergency service agencies throughout the country and are essential in the post-disaster rescue effort. We are spreading the word of our charity ride to individuals we meet on the ride (which is why you may be at this website) and with companies around the country. Feel free to donate to the cause using the link provided on this page, as well as check out our pictures and blog in order to follow us on this amazing and crazy adventure!!!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Day 11: 7/18 - The state parks of NY want us to die

Today consisted of more hills, two flats on Esmith's bike, and getting to our campsite VERY late...we got there in Staatsburg just as a huge thunderhead was rolling in. We were at the campsite rushing to get our tent up as the rain was pouring down on us, and a ranger pulled up in his truck and proceeded to tell us there was no space for us, ANYWHERE, in the park. We did 360's, looking at the large expanse of space around us where no one was camping, except for a group of about 12 teenage mountain bikers. I proceeded to argue vehemently with the ranger until I told him to call the cops and have them drag us out because the lightning and rain sure as hell didn't care if we were there or not. I think my point was made, cause he got us registered.

We sat out the storm in the tent, then proceeded to make one of our emergency meals since we hadn't had time to stop at a grocery store. Yada yada yada, normal campsite dealings ensued (showers, washing clothes, chatting with neighbors). They guys next to us were a group of teenagers who were mountain biking from New York to Montreal (Teen Treks was the organization's name), so we hit it off with some bike talk. One of the leaders, Michael, actually went to UMD while I was there and knew one of my good friends from when he was on the crew team. Small world, huh? DC and Baltimore talk continued as the other leader Christine was from the area as well, and they ultimately gave Esmith and I the leftover mac and cheese and canned corn from their dinner. We also met George from Vermont (I think); he and his wife were driving up and down the east coast in their RV and riding Harley's to see the sights in each area. We chatted about past adventures and how our adventure was currently going and like most people we've met on this trip, George was just a really nice guy. Check out the gallery for pictures of both our neighbors!

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