This site is reserved for my bike trek from Washington, DC to Key West, Florida. It’s about 1,800 miles along the right coast, all powered by my thunderous bird legs. You can find passages and updates of my journey at the “On the Road” tab at the top…
After another stellar September full of perfect weather and almost perfect waves, I’ve come to the conclusion that Fall is the best time of the year. So, I figured I’d take a page out of Bruce Brown’s book and try to keep this thing going! The idea for a trip like this has been growing in my subconscious ever since my Dad first introduced me to Bruce’s, The Endless Summer. Hence the title of my latest project, “The Endless Autumn.” I’m pedaling out of town before the November rains hit DC, and I hope to outride the dawn of winter–at least until the road runs out.
____________________________________________________________________________________
“Do something!” Those voices in my head have been chattering since graduation, and the loudest and most consistent of all was this one. So, naturally, this trip was the something I chose to do. Kidding.
It actually came to me one morning when I was driving in to work for yet another groundhog day. I was thinking about how my mom had mentioned that she had bumped into one of my childhood best friends the day before at church.
His name is Kevin Dyer, and for anyone who doesn’t know him, he is the MAN. He was in a terrible car accident a few years back, and he is currently paralyzed from the waist down. Kevin is incredibly driven to walk again, and it is truly amazing to see his spirit and his progress.
And so I sat there in the driver’s seat, on my way to go sit in my office chair, so later I could go home and probably sit on the couch, and I realized, I’ve got to do something! All Kevin wants to do is walk again, and I actually have the ability to go out there and do something about it.
I decided on something that might at least remotely compare to his journey. I know it’s going to be long, with plenty of drawn out days when I seem to make no progress. I know there will be bumps in the road (figuratively and literally), and I know it’s going to be physically intense.
But I also know that I won’t be doing it alone. With the help of friends, family, and even the good people I don’t really know yet, my support will come in the form of warm showers, real meals, friendly faces, and maybe even a bed as I make my way south.
The support for Kevin has also come in so many different forms. The one that might be the most tangible is the money we’ve raised to allow Kevin to pay his medical bills and to continue his physical therapy and training. On top of that, we can see the results. Please check out www.kevindyerfund.com for more on his journey and his amazing progress.
Recently, Kevin’s fund has teamed up with the Washington Jesuit Academy to form a program that allows our money to support another amazing cause as well. The WJA is doing some unbelievable things, too (you can find more info at www.kevindyerfund.com or on their own site, www.wjacademy.org). These kids have been thrown into their own impossible situations, but with a lot of drive and hard work, and with the support of a good community, they can truly accomplish anything.
Kevin’s journey is close to my heart, and the mission at WJA is extremely important to me. These causes have become a true inspiration for me, and I hope that I can do some good with my trip.
So, please help me do something! I know that not everyone has the opportunity or desire to do a trip like this, but please find it in you to support someone on a very tough journey. I know I’ve taken my body’s ability for granted, and I know that I was afforded an education that some people never had the option of getting–so now I am trying to give something back in gratitude and thanksgiving. I hope you’ll consider supporting our cause. With your help, as a community, it’s amazing what we can accomplish.
How much to give? In accordance with my journey, what about a penny or nickel for every mile I ride? Some other ideas: just a dollar for every year you have been walking, a dollar for every year of education that someone helped pay for, a dollar for each summer camp full of all kinds of athletic activities…honestly, anything will help.
The Endless Autumn 
Youre the man Matt
Go Moooooo
We are with you in spirit. Godspeed Matthew!
Matt! You are the best!! Safe travels!
Matt, Uncle Jon and I want to follow you the whole trip. You are on the adventure of your life time and feel every moment of it, Remember, you are a PRESTON and there is stuff inside of you that has yet to wake up. We love you and send you prayers and best wishes, xoxoxoxo aunt judy
Good Luck to you Matthew!
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you throughout this journey..
Be safe.
With love and best wishes,
The Maddens
Mr. and Mrs. Madden, Devin, Kerry, and Colin)
Hi honey , i have to say how blessed I was to be your waitress today!!!!!! Your spirit shined bright way before we knew about your beautiful journey.,,, You will remain in our prayers , AND WE WILL SPRED THE WORD OF YOUR KIND HEART AND HOPEFULLY HELP WITH $$$$$$$$$$$$, THANK YOU FOR BEING SUCH A GOOD PERSON,,,The world is a better place with you in it,,,,Thats for sure, YOUR NEW FRIEND ,,,, THERESA FROM RIVER CITY DINER
Hi Kiddo, You have been in my heart every minute of your way. I am ridiculously proud of you. When I said your were a Preston, you are also a McLaughlin. I know your Mom and you have so much strength in that name too. Every person has to face challenges that they make for themselves or just happen to them. Character and inner strength are the answer for all of us. You have your faith in God and support of your family and friends to help guide you. We are all cheering and we hope it doesn’t get too cold tonight. XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO aunt judy
What a wonderful way to honor such a remarkable kid–Kevin Dyer. I will follow you along your road. I don’t think you’ll have one lonely minute, as God will be with you all the way, and the rest of the world that knows you’re doing this. I agree, autumn is the most inspirational time of year…and you are lucky to have been inspired in such a momentous way. When I figure out how to contribute based on your mileage, I will do just that. Take care, and I know the Holy Spirit is riding on your shoulder!
Ann & Bob Dickman
p.s. I know Kevin Dickman will do his own “sounding off”!
Matty P, you’re awesome! I’ve always looked up to you in so many ways and this trip makes me respect and love you even more. Good luck with everything!
Hello!!!!! Thinking about you. I hope you get into shelter (maybe a nice warm dry motel room would be my thought) before the storm if it is going to hit you at all. How was today? Kelly is coming over tomorrow to work in the archives room. We will be thinking about you. I love you dearly aunt judy
Matty-Moo, you’re awesome. We are pulling for you. All the best for a safe journey. Proud of you. – Your Loving Godfadda
Hello, Hope the weather is as beautiful for you as it is for us. I had Kelly over the other night to check out the Archives and had lunch with Michael at Charlie Palmer. We had a great steak lunch. We all think you are incredible. I don’t think my last reply was recorded so I say it again… I was reading a poem the other day and this jumped out to me “Courage is fear that has said its prayers.” I like that. Respect is also something that comes to mind about you. We all have it for you. What a great trip you are having into real America. Tidewater is just beautiful. Also flatter. Stay warm and safe and know I love you. aunt judy
Matty P! so happy thinking about you on this incredible journey. you will be in our prayers and hope you are feeling all the love that is with you. enjoy the ride! cannot wait to hear about it when you get home. love from all the McKennas
GET EM!
Matt, how’s it going? Where are you, now? Thinking of you, often and admire you tremendously, as does Dennis, Tommy and Katey. Hugs, Mary
Matt the O ‘Reilly clan is behind you . Of course not in front but cheering you on from our gluteus Maxes . We can not wait.to here about your trip . God speed and love and prayers .
Matt- it was so great to meet you last weekend! You made a huge impression on my son William who now says he wants to do “a super long bike ride with a trailer”! 🙂 Best of luck to you…we’ll be cheering you on from Myrtle Beach!!
My wife and I met Matt in Savannah, Ga. on Tanksgiving day. I struck up a conversation with him as I normally do with anyone who will listen. What happend next was that I was doing the listning while this amazing young man told us of his “unselfish” journey to help a friend that was in need. I was truley impressed. This type of person is what makes the world a better place.
Matt, we pray that the good Lord will guide your journey and keep you safe…..
Frank and Patti, Matt is my nephew, and all I have to say, you know how to pick out the good ones. Thanks for adding your prayers to ours, and for posting your comments.
Matt, it was our pleasure to meet and spend some quality time with you (Go Gators!). I hope your time in NE Florida brings you many fond memories, and your trip down the coast has the wind on your back and your tires at full pressure :)… What an inspirational journey–you’re in our thoughts and prayers!
Take care!
Stephen and Karen
Stephen and Karen— thanks for noticing Matt. As my nephew– I have always been proud of him. This inspriational journey even goes farther then that, and its people like you that will make him feel really good after he is back and thinks about and read all the entries. Thanks again, Matthew’s Aunt Patty
Preston,
I just found out you were doing this. Your mission is inspiring. You’re living life the way we all should, and I admire what you’re doing for your friend. Good luck with the rest of your trip.
Phil
PS. Your posts are great. Knew you were a good writer from your days of sending out Dirty South house emails.
Matt , You are awesome. I knew that when I coached you Bball in 5th Grade ! So proud of your being a “Man for Others” … and for being a Great friend to Kevin Dyer . Safe Travels !
Dennis Sullivan
Matt, I heard about your expedition today on The Sports Junkies. It really is an inspiring tale. I would like to feature you on my website and hope that it results in some donations for your cause! Let me know if you would be interested! Keep up the great work!
Matt, you need to publish this blog. Its amazing! Our lives crossed and I am forever changed. I’m reminded of this fragile balance as I sit in a Chicago Hospital knowing how precious every moment of our lives can be.
Matt, you’re an amazing young man–we very much enjoyed meeting you and have so enjoyed traveling vicariously with you. We live in St. Augustine–so anytime you’re up for a return visit, you’ve got a place to stay–and lifelong-resident tour guides. 🙂 Also, if you or Aunt Patty will send us an email address–I’ll forward you our two pictures from St. Mary’s / North Jacksonville camping…
sthomas at putnamschools dot org