Supt. Mansell to ride across country

Mark Mansell, former school superintendent and football coach at St. John/Endicott, plans a solo bike tour across the United States this summer to raise funds for Leader Dogs for the Blind. Mansell, now superintendent at LaCenter, is a member of the Lions Club at LaCenter.

The tour is being done in partnership with Leader Dogs for the Blind and the nation’s Lions clubs.

Supt. Mansell noted Cycling for Leader Dogs began as a simple idea of one Lion member riding a bicycle to help those in need. The effort has grown into a significant team effort.

Mansell plans to depart Portland Saturday to begin his ride to Portland, Maine. He hopes to raise at least $35,000 which could be realized with 1,000 sponsors pledging a cent per mile or $35.

“I think we’re going to blow right past that before we even finish,” he told the Gazette Wednesday.

After going to LaCenter, where he has been superintendent for the last seven years, Mansell developed an interest in distance running and that evolved into bike touring. He noted the idea for a cross-country bike tour started with former Tekoa Supt. Sergio Hernandez, who is now semi-retired and living in Walla Walla.

After getting the idea for a cross-country bike ride, Mansell said the concept changed as he became more familiar with the Lions work with the leader dog program. Now, the primary purpose of the ride is to raise funds.

Along the way, Mansell will be hosted by local Lions Clubs and members. His first Lions meeting will be Clarkston.

Mansell will have a GPS with him on the trip and plans to keep a journal. His friends in the Palouse country can follow him online:

bigguyonabike.com.

Mansell will ride through this area via Highway 12 with stops at Dayton, Clarkston, and Kamiah. He plans to arrive at Portland, Maine, Aug. 5.

His progress can also be tracked on http://www.leaderdog.org.