NEWBURGH – Eric Egeland, of Montgomery-based Capacity Marketing, departed Newburgh Tuesday on a 7,500-mile motorcycle trek through Canada and the United States, so he could raise money to assist survivors of domestic violence.
Egeland chose Fearless! Hudson Valley, a non-profit organization that helps domestic violence victims in Orange and Sullivan counties, to raise funds for during his ride across North America.
“It’s a bucket list item, first of all, to ride cross-country and back by myself,” said Egeland. “Twenty-four days if nothing goes wrong.”
Egeland was given a send-off on Broadway, and Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier, executive director of Fearless ! Hudson Valley, and others wished Egeland well as he raises money to help them.
“We here at Fearless are here to support Eric and his team,” she said.
Egeland’s goal was to raise $10,000 during his trek. He has already raised $11,000 and expects more money to come in later. After he departed Newburgh, Egeland headed for the Thousand Islands in southern Canada. Once he reaches that point, he expects to ride across Canada’s southern border before entering the United States near Seattle.
“Come down the coast a little, hit Pike’s Peak in Colorado, and then shoot back home,” he said.
Egeland said he’s packed with all-weather gear, such as a tent in case he’s stranded in the mountains. He may be planning for some difficult times, but he expects to be comfortable nightly in motels or hotels.
