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SALT LAKE CITY -- As a tribute to those affected in the 9/11 attacks, a local athlete will attempt to connect the United States by riding his bicycle through the country.
Max McMannis, 47, from Reno, Nevada, is attempting to ride his bicycle through all 50 states in a period of 50 days to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The countrywide ride called Freedom 50/50 started on July 24 and is expected to end on Sept. 11 at Ground Zero in New York City.
I know that we're all kind of connected on that day, but hopefully in these 50 days I can raise the awareness of the opportunities we have in this country.
–Max McMannis
"I know that we're all kind of connected on that day, but hopefully in these 50 days I can raise the awareness of the opportunities we have in this country," McMannis said.
McMannis is expected to bike approximately 150 miles a day for a total of 7,500 miles. The ride would also set a new Guinness World Record if completed. The tribute ride is dedicated to all of the fallen and wounded soldiers of the war.
"Riding 8-10 hours a day, 50 straight days is extremely difficult but it will be my patriotic contribution to the freedom and sovereignty of our country to connect and hopefully ‘unite,' in some way, all the States of America," McMannis said on his website.
McMannis is asking for charitable contributions to be donated to the HelpAmerica 9-11 Foundation. All proceeds will be donated to the foundation.
"Ultimately my success will be defined by how well I can make a difference by uniting as many people as possible in my qwest," McMannis writes. "There were thousands of innocent lives lost and countless families affected by this attack. Reflecting on those lost, not taking our freedom for granted and appreciating how fortunate we are to live in this country is what I hope we never forget."
McMannis rode through Utah on Saturday.
