<p>This is not just an account of my bicycle ride across the country. Many people have ridden bicycles across our great nation. My ride is different. It''s the story of a brother''s love for his sister. It''s a tale of firefighters everywhere bonded by brotherly love, faithfulness, a desire to serve and a willingness to work together. It''s a young man''s search for his roots ending at his grandfather''s firehouse on the other side of the continent. It''s a demonstration of everyday Americans willing to help and give - in any way they can.</p><p>My purpose in telling this story is to describe and share the unusual acts of kindness, love, strength, challenges and determination I experienced during my 36-day cross country jaunt. - John Byrne</p><p>After the author''s sister was paralyzed in a accident, John realized he needed a way to provide her with her own vehicle with the controls she could use to be able to attend college, and live as normally as possible. This was his answer --- ri