The Start of a Journey

They didn't know each other until December and aren't hard-core cyclists, but two men, separated in age by 45 years, will start a journey next week that few can fathom doing.

Danny Leonard and Drew Wessels, united in the cause to fight leukemia and other blood cancers, are biking nearly 2,800 miles from San Diego to Folly Beach in six weeks.

For the 69-year-old Leonard, it's a commemoration of a ride he did in 2000, 10 months after finishing his last chemotherapy treatment. This spring's ride comes nearly a year after a heart attack and bypass surgery and on the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

For the 24-year-old Wessels, whose grandfather died of myeloma in 2005, it's an opportunity to help raise money for the society and to do something that most people with a job and family responsibilities can't do. Wessels graduated from The Citadel business school in December and, like many Americans these days, is looking for a job.

"In any other time in my life, I would not be able to take this trip," says Wessels. "I was struggling to find a job and realized this might be the only opportunity in my life to take a trip that I would never forget. On top of this, my personality is one of an experiencer. I am a very active person and love going places and doing things I've never done before."

The two met in the most modern of ways, on the Web.

Leonard, the owner of Leonard School of Music, posted information on the ride on craigslist.com. Wessels, who was job hunting, clicked on the "community" section, read about Leonard's need for volunteers and met him at Earth Fare fully intending not to make the ride.

"The more Danny told me about his story, the more I wanted to be part of it. Danny is one of those special people that you don't meet often and something just draws you to them. I remember standing outside of Earth Fare, excited and nervous about the opportunity of biking across the country with Danny to tell his story."

Leonard embarked on his first journey with Charles Fox, who is on his own ride for a different cause this spring, the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy. Leonard asked Fox to join him, but Fox wanted to focus on his charity.

Leonard says he wanted to take on another cross-country bike ride because it helped spread the word on leukemia and the importance of early detection and treatment. They also will be passing out a booklet by Charles Capps titled "God's Creative Power for Healing."

But there was another reason as well.

"The first time I crossed the United States was 10 months after my last chemotherapy," says Leonard. "I wasn't prepared mentally or physically for the bike trek. Overall, I didn't get to enjoy the ride like I know I will this time. As soon as I got back from the ride in 2000, I knew I would do it again."

The route will be different: It will feature fewer mountains and more cities.

"We will be going through very high-traffic areas to get the most coverage on radio, TV and newspapers," says Leonard, adding that they will be staying close to the Interstate 20 corridor for most of the ride.

They will be joined on the journey by Charlie "Butch" Beck and Kenneth Skipper, both longtime friends of Leonard's and musicians. Beck will drive a 38-foot motor home. Skipper will be in charge of communications.

As for training, Leonard and Wessels spent most of the winter riding stationary bikes indoors. They received bikes donated by sponsor Schwinn in early March and have been putting in long rides ever since.

Leonard doesn't worry about his fitness level as much as he does another issue.

"The toughest part of the ride will be time. Every day we will be talking with (the media), eating five to six times, dealing with flat tires, bike problems and rain. Riding an average of 75 miles per day will be very time-consuming."

If you want to support Danny's Ride, a send-off party, Blues, Brew and BBQ, will be held 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. The cost is $50 per person and includes blues music, an open bar and unlimited barbecue. The event also will feature an informal auction. All proceeds go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. For more information, e-mail Drew@DannysRide.org.

The team leaves Sunday for California. The riders' journey starts April 24 and they expect to arrive back in Charleston on June 6.

Reach David Quick at 937-5516 or dquick@postand courier.com.