Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, September 25, 1993 TAG: 9309250097
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KAREN BARNES STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BEDFORD LENGTH: Medium
The two Delaware men are riding a horse across the country raising money for Midwest flood victims.
They left Bethany Beach, Del., Aug. 28, dipping their horse's hooves in the Atlantic, and hope to feel the cool Pacific waters in Monterey, Calif., in about a year.
Several days ago, they ran into Caroline Allen in Appomattox. She invited them to her Bedford home.
"We've never had to ask for a place to stay," Patrick Tyre said. "We tell people what we're doing and they open their doors."
Allen described the cowboy-hat-and-boot-wearing brothers as "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid."
Rockin' Rodeo, a brown-and-white 11-year-old Appaloosa gelding, munched on pasture grass as his riders discussed their trip.
Before embarking on their 7,000-mile sojourn through 19 states, Patrick Tyre lined up several corporate sponsors who donated equipment and money. A bank account has been established for others who wish to contribute.
He formed Riders Across America for Flood Relief, Inc., a group he says will be involved in other benefit efforts after this first journey.
So far, the team has raised about $1,500. Half of all donations will be equally distributed to 10 small Midwest towns hit hard by this summer's flood. The rest is being used to support their trip.
"We're not salesmen," Patrick Tyre, a contractor, said. "We don't know how to ask for money. But people should stop and think about what a sacrifice the flood victims made. . . . . These people set an example for the whole country. They're not out there crying or blaming anyone. They're just picking themselves up."
Tyre picked himself up from his family and business to make the trek, and that's been the most difficult part, he said.
"When you get this far from home, despite all the hospitality, it's hard to be away from home, " he said.
He will reunite with his family in Nashville, Tenn.
In the meantime, he rides Rockin' Rodeo 20 to 30 miles a day, four days a week, while his brother drives a blue pickup truck hauling a horse trailer.
"We were just sitting here last night, just thinking about how far we've come and how far we have to go and the closest word I can use to describe it is `sublime,' " Patrick said. "It's almost like a spiritual thing. You find out a lot about yourself when you leave home and go on the road."
They are also learning about human nature. "This is where I'm getting my inspiration - these people are taking us in and treating us like we're family."
The Tyres will leave Bedford next week, after marching in a Lynchburg parade and Bedford's Centerfest.
They both say they are committed to making the round trip despite mishaps like losing a camera in a deep stream. Another rider initially accompanied them, but was forced to turn around in Williamsburg because his horse lost weight. He took his horse trailer with him, leaving the Tyres momentarily stranded.
But a dealer gave them a good deal on a new trailer and donated money.
Their journals and photos could produce a book, proceeds of which would also benefit flood victims. The road promises adventure, too - Patrick has never seen a mountain before.
What's it like to ride a horse across the country?
"When you get off that horse, you have to wonder why you're legs are like that," Patrick said. "I guess I'll be bowlegged the rest of my life."
To contribute to Riders Across America for Flood Relief, call (800) 356-1144.
by CNB