ALLENDALE — The way Katrina Miller looks at it, it is a miracle to even be on a bike.

Miller, a sophomore at Grand Valley State University, was in a serious automobile accident last April that left her in wheelchair for one and a half months.

However, Miller’s speedy recovery and determination have led her to quite a unique summer.

Starting this June, Miller will ride her bike from Seattle, Wash. to Jersey City, N.J. with the Christian Reformed Church’s Sea to Sea bike tour for charity.

“It’s actually a miracle that I’m even able to do this,” Miller said. “I’ve always wanted to do something like this and I’m really fortunate to be able.”

Miller, who is the daughter of Dennis and Delphine Miller of Gaylord and graduated from GHS in 2006, will be one of more than 200 bikers who will embark upon the journey of a lifetime.

They’ll all be doing it with a bigger goal in mind — helping to relieve poverty across the United States and world. Each rider is being asked to try to raise $10,000 prior to the tour, which will be the largest cross-continental bike tour in North America history.

“It really is for a good cause,” Miller said. “I’m really excited and it should be a lot of fun.”

Miller admits it will also be a challenge, as an average of 68 miles will be biked on every riding day. Riders will get a Pacific to Atlantic tour, reaching Boise the end of the first week, Salt Lake City the end of the  second, Denver the end of the third, Nebraska the end of the fourth, Madison, Wisc. the end of the fifth, Grand Rapids the end of the sixth, Niagara Falls the end of the seventh and Jersey City the end of the eighth. Riders will camp or stay in churches throughout the trip, which begins June 28 and finishes Aug. 30.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the Rockies,” she said. “I’ve never really been out there before.

Miller’s main source of training has come naturally, as she is a member of GVSU’s rowing team. She also has increased her cycling regiment in advance of the summer of a lifetime.

And having lived in Michigan, Miller should be ready for any kind of weather that comes her way.

“Rain, sleet, snow or hail, we’re still going to ride,” she said.

If anybody is interested in donating money on behalf of Miller, please visit www.seatosea.org and click on the Make a Donation in Name of Cyclist bar.

• Visitor Comments

No comments posted.