Jim Shorkey Sales Associate Is Raising Money to Support Cancer Research

“My world exists where most people aren’t.”

Sixteen years ago, Craig Stephan set out on the open road with nothing between him and the asphalt but his Harley. Craig would eventually end up at the Grand Canyon. And while this may sound like the trip of a lifetime, for him it was a way to cope with the loss of a person that supported, inspired, and most of all believed in him—his mother.

Upon return, Craig’s mission was clear: Help others cope with the loss of a loved one. Craig accomplished this by writing a book, Riding on Empty, a dream his mother had hoped for herself.

Craig’s trips across the country continued with a different route each time. Since his initial road trip, Craig has visited each state, with the exception of Hawaii, many times over. And while he travels through major cities, it’s the smaller towns in which he particularly enjoys.

“Think about the farmer. He’s out there at 9:30 at night, working hard to provide food so that we can have easy access to it and can buy it for very little.”

Touched by the compassion of others, five years ago, Craig started a Bike-a-Thon to raise money for cancer research in his mother’s honor. This year, Craig will be riding his Harley from Pittsburgh to Colorado, beginning August 14. All proceeds raised will go to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.

And while the destinations change from one year to the next, Craig continues to find the beauty in each trip.

“When you’re riding a bike, it’s so gorgeous, so relaxing. That’s all you want to do—keep riding.”

To purchase Riding on Empty or to donate to Craig’s Bike-a-Thon, please visit his website: ridingonempty.com.