Why did Sea Isle City Mayor Leonard Desiderio and Tourism Commission Chairman David Farina present the Seweryns with a Key to the City Award as they arrived?

The trio had just completed the route taken by Lewis and Clark 200 years ago, only by bike and in reverse.  The pioneer explorers ventured west.  The Seweryns started in Lincoln City Beach, Oregon and headed east to the finish line in Sea Isle City.  Steve’s route deviated from the original only at the end so they could arrive where his Kathy’s mother, Mary May, has a beachfront property.

The Seweryns took only the supplies they could carry on their bikes.  Kathy kept track of them by cell phone and e-mails sent by Justin.  The cyclists averaged 13 miles per hour, braving 16 states, howling winds, torrential rain, steaming heat, chilling cold, mountain passes, and rough terrain.  The biked through deserted areas often occupied by grizzly bears, coyotes, and other animals.  Despite the erratic weather and rather unorthodox eating and sleeping accommodations, however, the Seweryns said the trip was more than worth it.  Father and sons bonded.  They saw amazing sites and the natural beauty of the country, including unbelievable sunsets.  They met very supportive people, including the inhabitants of an establishment in Minneola, Iowa where they were treated as celebrities. Lewis and Clark would have been amazed at the changes, and perhaps a little envious.

The trip raised more than $30,000 for Rebuilding Together Philadelphia (RTP), which makes essential repairs to low-income homeowners. 

Steve Seweryn is the executive director of RTP.

Click on pictures below for a larger view of the return celebration in Sea Isle City, N.J.