Video: Cross Country Cyclist Makes Stop In Northeast Mississippi On His Mission

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – For Chris Figureida, packing smart is essential.

“I have all my camping equipment, plus spare parts and tools for the bike and that ends up being 27 pounds,” Figureida said.

He also carries a pump, patch kit, spare inner tubes, tools, solar panels to charge electronics, and navigation equipment.

For the tenth time now, the California resident is cycling across the nation, for the American Heart Association and Rotary International.

Figureida works as a welder in the entertainment industry, when he is not on a cross country trip. He started this journey sixty three days in San Francisco and will spend 100 days, traveling 5,000 miles.

“On those days I’m not cycling, about 25, I stop at elementary schools all across the country, speak to kids about living a healthy and active lifestyle, I also meet up with Rotary clubs all across the country and talk to them about eradicating polio, your local Rotary club here in Tupelo was kind enough to put me up for the night and that’s kind of how I avoid camping as I go across the country as well,” he saidl

Cycling an average of 73 miles a day is no easy task, especially with ever changing weather conditions.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s hailing, snowing, or a giant thunderstorm, I have to be on the bike and continue bicycling down the road, but no matter what it is, it’s not really about me, how much suffering I go through, it’s all about those children I want to reach out to,let them know they can make a difference in the world starting with themselves, have those healthy habits everyday,” Figureida said.

As he leaves Northeast Mississippi, heading for Alabama, Figureida is driven by a desire to make a difference.

“I’ve spoken to over 63 thousand kids now, recognized at multiple state houses across the country, members of congress and it seems to really resonate to people what I’m doing, I never thought it would be as big as it was, but people really enjoy the message I’m sending,” he said.

You can track Chris as he cycles across the nation. For information on how to do that, or support his cause, go to www.cycleforheart.org