Cancer Survivor Cycles Around World For Awareness

Sonora, CA — The Mother Lode seems to be a popular place to stop for those traveling the world for a cause.

48-year-old Randolph Westphal arrived in Sonora on a bicycle with a trailer and three sled dogs Monday.

The German native has been cycling all over the world to raise awareness for cancer. In 1987 Westphal was told he had terminal cancer; however 26 operations and 89,000 miles later he says, “It is really easy to die, but hard to live.”

On September 11th 2005 Westphal started his latest journey from Anchorage, Alaska to prove that doctors can be wrong. “When people hear or read about me I hope they realize not to give up and to always move forward,” he said.

Westphal would like to go to Yosemite; however with all of the passes closed he is unable to head back to Alaska through the park.

Even though he can´t bike to Yosemite he would like to rent a car to see the park Wednesday if he can find a place to stay for the night.

Westphal must leave the Best Western on Mono Way this evening. He has some sponsorships that pay for his permanent housing, insurance and some air travel, yet donations are his primary source of income.

The Guinness Book of World Records lists him for having biked the most miles with a dog.

For more information about Westphal visit his Website or do a Google search.

Written by Sabrina Sabbagh