By Angela Marshall
Kelly has been riding bikes with his wife, Robin, for about 15 years. The couple has taken many trips on their bikes, but never one this long. And Kelly will be on his own this time -- sort of.
With Robin's help, members of the Sandel Senior Center will monitor Kelly's progress using a map called, "Where's Warren?" It's in their best interest to do so, because every mile Kelly completes will mean more money for the center.
When he decided to do the cross-country ride, Kelly wanted to raise money for a cause. His wife is a longtime Sandel employee, teaching exercise classes and leading walks on the Long Beach boardwalk. They both believe that staying active means a better quality of life during the senior years, and decided that raising money for exercise equipment would be a fitting cause. Pledge sheets are available at the Senior Center, 50 South Park Ave. or by calling (516) 678-9350.
Kelly hopes to inspire seniors to keep active. "They'd be amazed at what they could accomplish," he said.
Because the winter weather hasn't allowed him much practice, Kelly said he will take it slow the first few days, getting his muscles up to speed. But he expects to be riding eight hours a day by the 10th day. "It won't take me long to get my bike legs back," he said.
He will be carrying 40 pounds of supplies, including a tent, mattress and sleeping bag.
"It was a dream I've had for quite a while," Kelly said of the trip. He flies to California on March 16 and expects to be back in New York in early June.
