Big news for me!

Message

walkerinin · Mon Feb 25, 2008 10:35 am

I work in Education. The Eli Lilly Foundation has something they call a "teacher renewal grant". I wrote a grant proposal that describes how I intend to ride cross country (Indiana to Maine to Virginia to Tenn. to Indiana) using only secondary roads and non-chain establishments. I got the letter in the mail today. I was awarded $8,000 to ride across the US this summer. How cool is that?

#2 Unread post by **Wrider** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 10:38 am

You lucky little ^&**&

If you hit Phoenix, AZ, make sure to stop and see me!
Wrider

SBK15 · #3 Unread post by **SBK15** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 12:27 pm

are ya gonna hit deals gap?

pinger05 · #4 Unread post by **pinger05** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 2:04 pm

How awesome is that! Congragulations on your good luck! Let me know if you make it out to Colorado.

Pinger

SBK15 · #5 Unread post by **SBK15** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 2:52 pm

What kinda bike are you gonna use?

If ya come by Oak Ridge let me know

walkerinin · Tue Feb 26, 2008 1:20 am

I ride a 1996 Harley Davidson Heritage Softtail Classic. (low and slow)
Deals Gap was the reason I added a southern section to the trip. It was originally going to be Ind to Maine and back. Then I figured.. What the heck, if I get funded, I might as well make it worth the money.

#7 Unread post by **sv-wolf** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 5:43 am

You jammy bastrd!

How the hell did you swing that one? I find it hard to believe they just coughed up the money because someone in education wanted to ride across the country. What do you have to do in return? What publicity are they going to get out of it? How do they justify it to their shareholders?

OK, sod that. Have a great time, walkerinin. Keep us posted.

When do you go, BTW?

#8 Unread post by **Skier** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 6:22 am

Bloody hell, you can get paid to do that? Umm, I need to go speak with some of my old profs about getting research funding.

Congrats! How are you planning on writing up the trip? A book? A blog? Both?

walkerinin · Tue Feb 26, 2008 6:53 am

I can barely believe it myself. They give out about 100 of these each year. My proposal was one of over 750 submitted. I have to keep track of the money I use and submit a writen report when I get back. i will also be required to do a public presentation. (Rotary club or something like that)

I will be maintaining an on-line blog so my students or anyone else that is interested can follow my exploits. I'll keep you all posted.

I may need some help with route planning and hotel and food selection choices. Thanks to all for the kind words.

KingRobb · #10 Unread post by **KingRobb** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 8:14 am

where in Indy are ya?