Specialty Design Team Member to Cycle 900 miles in 8 days

Filed Under: General Business Topics By
Tyler Knabb on his bicycle

Photo courtesy of Penn State

As I write this, Tyler Knabb — a Specialty Design team member and my brother — is cycling up the Appalachian Mountains of central Pennsylvania.

He’s on day 3 of an 8 day, 900 mile journey on a “Tour de Pennsylvania” that will take him on a heart-shaped loop around the state. Along the way he’s stopping at 11 Penn State campuses, and it’s all to raise awareness and funds towards conquering childhood cancer.

It’s a frigid 44 degrees F in the mountains today, and who knows how much colder it is when adding in the wind factor. And it’s not like Tyler is dressed in a wool coat. He’s wearing thin athletic gear and carrying a heavy backpack with enough supplies for 8 days.

Oh, and don’t forget the other inevitable complexities of the trip — bike mechanics, diet, hydration, and logistics to name a few. Tyler planned a 900+ mile route on his own, carefully mapping out back roads that are safe for cyclists. He also got his 1st flat tire on Day 2, fixed it on his own, and made time for requisite ice baths at night.

He’s also been managing the PR side of it along the way too, getting press coverage from news stations and newspapers in towns along the route.

We’re not sure how he does it. He truly is a sort of human powered machine.  But I do know what motivates Tyler, and that’s his sincere desire to help others and honor those who have been affected by cancer.

Our mother, Carol, passed away 10 years ago from a very rare form of childhood cancer (even though she was 52) called rhabdomyosarcoma. Tyler’s friend Michael also died from leukemia at age 26 this year.

Ever since our mother’s death, my dad, Tyler and I have resolved to do Carol proud, support causes like Penn State’s THON and Four Diamonds Fund (whom Tyler is fundraising for), and carry her mission and legacy forward.  With this epic ride, Tyler is doing all of that and more.

Please consider joining Tyler in supporting The Hope Express – a Penn State THON organization.  You can learn more and make donations by visiting his site: Cycling for the Kids.

Press Coverage on Cycling for the Kids

[Video] Scranton/Wilkes-Barre 16 WNEP News: Pushing Pedals to Raise Cash for Cancer

Penn State News: Penn State World Campus student raises funds to fight childhood cancer

Penn State’s Daily Collegian: Penn State World Campus student bikes 920-miles for cancer awareness

The Thon Blog: Cycling for the Kids

Onward State blog: Cyclist Embarking on Statewide Ride to Raise Money for THON

Reading Eagle: Exeter High grad taking cancer fundraiser on the road

Pottsville Republican Herald: PSU cyclist raises funds for THON

Hazelton Standard Speaker: Penn State student stops on 920-mile trek to fight cancer

Chambersburg Public Opinion: Mont Alto stop planned in cyclist’s tour to fight cancer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Justin Knabb

Justin Knabb is VP of Operations at Specialty Design and Manufacturing, a family-run, US manufacturer of custom home building products as well as custom industrial machinery. Justin is a fan of microbreweries, traveling, Apple products, and Philly cheesesteaks. He can be reached at 1-610-779-1357 or here.