When Matt Will graduated from college earlier this year, he decided to take on an ambitious project with a purpose: to pedal more than 4,000 miles and raise money for autism research.

He rode from his parent’s home in Fountain Hills, California to the Jersey Shore, New Jersey. About 4,176.9 miles if you want to be exact about it. Will raised more than $10,000 for Autism Research & Resource Center, a Pheonix, Arizona charity. The majority of his pledges were per mile.

Motivation and enthusiasm carried Will for his journey. He truly lacked experience at long-distance bike riding. He admits that the majority of his bike riding experience previously consisted of taking his bike on short rides and “feasting on Burger King”.

Will set out for the Jersey Shore on April 29th. There were some challenges along the way, a blown tire and learning that energy drinks really do refuel you.

“I know I can take from this the confidence that I can do anything,” Will said. “As long as I’m willing to work hard, everything’s going to work out.”

Source: East Valley Tribune.com