Community Team Member Highlight: Eben Wilson

Hometown: “I Currently live in Elizabeth City, NC”   

Occupation:  Coast Guard, Active Duty

How Did You Hear About Hope For The Warriors®?

“I began my search 2 years ago for a well performing, veteran-oriented charity. Found Hope For The Warriors® after seeing that there was an office at Camp Lejeune (a previous duty station).”

What Made You Want To Join The Team?

“I wanted to help in what way I could. I’m not much of a runner, but I love to ride a bike.”

What Is Your Favorite Thing About Being A Part Of The Team?

 “I’m not into competitive sports, and never have been. However, I don’t believe that the spirit of competition holds the corner on a person’s ability to boost a charity. By riding cross-country, I’m not setting any records. I’m not breaking new grounds. I am doing something a little bit different, though. I’ve chosen to struggle in my own uncommon way, by breaking away from my normal life and taking on the curious hardships that come with travelling without all the special comforts of home. Not unlike a far-off deployment involving the hauling of gear and setting up a bivouac.”

What Races Did You Cycle Last Year?

“Last year, I completed a solo, unsupported ride along the North Line Trace, one of North Carolina’s longest marked cycling routes across the state. It took 8 days and took me across mountain foothills, piedmont, and coastal plains.”

 

 

Can You Tell Us A Little More About Your Ride Across North Carolina? Who or What Inspired You?

“I began riding several years ago when I was faced with foot pain brought about by running. As I was new to biking, I tried road cycling with the local club and felt pressed to exertion without the enjoyment of my surroundings. I then tried longer distances at a slower pace. I became hooked on the feeling of accomplishment at making a bike ride out of something normal people would only attempt with a car.”

“So, as a goose flies in ever-greater circles, so did I when biking. Touring was the natural result.

"This ride across the state will be my longest yet, and it’ll involve a combination of overnight stays at parks, yards, hotels and hopefully not ditches.I am pedaling across North Carolina. This time the ride is on the longest route eastward across North Carolina known as “Mountains-to-Sea”, which begian in Murphy, NC, and ends in Manteo, NC. I’m blogging about it as I go on www.crazyguyonabike.com/Ebbonified”

What Keeps You Motivated During Long Runs/Rides?

“I feel energized when I stop and see something I haven’t before. There is something cool about being in an unfamiliar area and realizing just what it takes to get home from it. I haven’t yet been so bummed as to feel like quitting a ride for something in my mind. Part of what keeps me going is this: when I do consider what it takes to quit, I think of the trouble that others would have to go through to get me back home. Just that alone is enough to change my mind.”

Do You Have Any Pre-Race Superstitions?

“Not really. I don’t really have any ‘lucky’ habits or things I do to make things go better for me. I do make a point to make sure my wife and kids know that I love them before I head out.”

Eben sets up camp along his ride across North Carolina.

What Do You Treat Yourself To After A Race?

“Something rich in salt and fat. Lots of carbs, too.”

If You Could Run/Cycle With Any Celebrity, Who Would It Be?

“Jeremy Clarkson from “Top Gear”. That man just needs a bicycle ride really really bad”

What Is On Your Cycling  Playlist Right Now?

“Some talky podcasts, video game music with a driving beat, dubstep tunes, Johnny Cash, Chicago, Jimmy Buffett, and some My Little Pony fan music (yes, that too is entertaining).”  

Have You Always Been A Cyclist?

“I rode a lot when I was a teenager, but just started riding again about 4 years ago.”

What Has Been Your Favorite Race? Why?

“I did a 200 kilometer brevet with the Louisiana chapter of Randonneurs USA several years back and had a blast. There was lots of rain and flooded roads.  It was the longest single stretch I had ever done and I have yet to out-do it. 200k = 124 miles.”

What Race Is On Your Bucket List?

“I’d like to cycle across the USA before I become too old or too unhealthy to do it. It’d be nice to see all the sights I can see across the country from the slow pace and vantage point of a bicycle (or tricycle, in my case)”