Almost halfway through her journey, Nan McEntire is going strong on her “Ride for Fulbright“. After completing over 1320 miles, Nan is currently in Kansas and making her way through the Midwest.

Nan’s route across America

Officially departing on May 12th, the first mission of Nan’s journey was making it through California. She enjoyed seeing a traditional dipping wheel in the Pacific Ocean on Manhattan Beach, and struggled through a gale of strong winds in Palm Springs. “The wind was constant at about 30 miles per hour,” she reports. “I don’t weigh that much, and I about got blown off the bike!” Nan stayed resolute and made it through.

Nan is riding to raise awareness and donations for the Fulbright Association, and what better way to keep true to her mission than by meeting Fulbrighters along the way? In Los Angeles, Nan was able to meet with Greater LA Chapter Vice President Jalal Awan, who treated her to dinner and presented her with a bouquet of flowers for good luck. (Nan hopes to meet Jalal’s sister as well when she gets to Kansas!) In Arizona, she met Fulbrighters Rick Szal and Nancy Currey, board leaders from the local Chapter. Nan has been grateful from the warm hospitality she has received from the Fulbright community. The opportunity to talk about Fulbright, travel, international issues, as well as share stories, breaks up the long journey and keeps her goal front and center. A Chapter president herself, the bike ride is an exciting, if unusual, chance to network with other local associations!

The Fulbright Association is so grateful for Nan’s “Ride for Fulbright” and all the support we have received so far. Fulbrighters from all corners of the network have shared words of encouragement.

“Great cause,” says John Sherwood. “Keep pedaling your velo, fahrrad, bicicletta, велосипед, 自行车, or whatever language is spoken in the countries Fulbrighters come from or travel to.”

Renee Cooper commented, “Thank you Nan for continuing the FULBRIGHT mission! As a 2013 Fulbright Lecturer Scholar I share your sentiments and passion! #StandForFulbright #Fulbright #FulbrightGNY. Ride on!!!”

“Representatives of the Greater Pittsburgh Area Chapter of the Fulbright Association are hoping to catch up with Nan in Niles, OH in mid-June,” wrote Chapter president Timothy Austin. “Looking forward to cheering you on!”

On behalf of the Fulbright Association office in DC, we would like to join the chorus and give a heartfelt “Go Nan!” If you would like to make a pledge for Nan or leave your own words of encouragement, click here.

–Alison Aadland

[cv_gallery ids=”20715,20716,20717,20718,20719,20721″ style=”grid” slider_config=”horizontal|false|4000|both” carousel_config=”4|single|false|4000|under|normal” columns=”3″ spacing=”1″ responsive=”true” links=”lightbox” ratio=”1×1″ img_size=”cv_full” entrance=”none”]