Rick Patrick
reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
It almost defies explanation when Paul Webb says he feels better than he has in years. The 72-year old self-proclaimed “full-time voluntary charity cyclist” is four years into a 12-year commitment to circumvent the “four corners” of the United States, from California to Florida to Maine to Washington State, then back down to California. Webb accomplishes this feat in approximately one year. Each “lap” around the country is approximately 8,800 miles. Webb plans to finish 12 “laps” in time for his 80th birthday in 2033.
Webb, a former corporate trainer, does this as a way to raise money for, and awareness of, the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Through sponsors and various donations, Webb has raised over $158,000 for the charity which provides specialized sports equipment for athletes and military Veterans who may be facing physical challenges, such as paralysis and injury. Webb has an overall goal of raising $600,000 by the time his quest is finished.
Webb generally stops in many of the same places each time around, including the pavilion at Lee Town Hall, in Lee, Fla. This allows Webb to see familiar faces each time he passes through a community. On the evening of Monday, Feb. 3, he was in Lee, after coming from Monticello, Fla., earlier in the day. When he left Lee Town Hall, he was heading to Lake City, where the local American Legion post had arranged a motel room for him for the evening. Webb did state that the recent snow storms in the southeast had slowed him down a bit. He was planning to push through the inclement weather, however, unsafe conditions forced him to delay for a couple of days. Despite that temporary setback, Webb felt he was still on schedule.
Webb attributes much of his stamina to a healthy diet. Webb is a vegetarian and does not eat any grains. He eats a lot of fruits, such as raisins and avocados and even grows some of his own plant-based foods on his bicycle. The fact he spends so much time each day on his bicycle also ensures he gets a good bit of exercise on a daily basis. “I want to inspire others to get out and exercise,” said Webb. “That doesn’t mean everyone should take up long distance cycling, but everyone can get up and do something.”
To follow Webb as he makes his way around the country, or to support his efforts, please visit his website at www.TheWebbWay.com. More information about the Challenged Athletes Foundation can be found at www.challengedathletes.org.
So, if you see an older man with a big smile pedaling his bicycle along U.S. Highway 90 around Monticello, Lee or Lake City late next January or early in February of 2026, it may be Webb. Be sure to give him a wave as you pass by. If you have a chance to listen to him tell his story, please do so. You will certainly leave the conversation inspired.