Brent Devitt, Beavercreek resident, is doing it again. For the second year in a row, Devitt is taking his love of trecycling to help nature. He is about to set out for a 250 mile adventure on April 14 for a four day ride from Beavercreek to Cincinnati then up to Bellefontaine back to Beavercreek, where his journey ends on April 18. He will be stopping at Shawnee Park in Xenia on April 17 at 10 a.m. to help replenish missing trees.
During his recumbent trike adventure through Southwest Ohio, from the lowest point in Ohio on the Ohio River to the highest point in Bellefontaine, he sets out to raise awareness for the fallen ash trees and the need for restoration. Devitt intends to replace the ash trees that were lost by the Emerald Ash Borer with other Ohio native trees in the local parks to keep the beautiful luster that park lovers crave.
“I’ve been riding a bike and a trecycle for the last six years and I’m really enjoying it. I also joined the Trail Sentinels at Xenia Station, which really helps,” Devitt said. “Since joining their group, I’ve been looking for different adventures, new places to ride, and new trails to explore.”
Devitt’s inspiration for this trip was derived from meeting UK’s world traveler and adventurer, David Cornthwaite, who was a presenter three years ago during the Adventure Summit at Wright State University. The event featured outdoor activities and adventures, such as hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, tight ropes, camping, etc. Cornthwaite was in the lobby selling copies of his latest book when Devitt approached him. Cornthwaite explained that his inspiration came from a skateboarding trip he took while in Australia years ago. Since then, he’s kayaked, rode a tandem bike, swam the Missouri River, stand-up paddle boarding and rode a whik (a bike with a sail), as well as others. Cornthwaite told Devitt of his travels and desire to consult and help 200 other adventurers with raising funds through their own adventures to help replenish a million trees throughout the United States. With the advice of Cornthwaite, Devitt began his our exhibition and continues.
“This year, I plan to raise at least $4 per mile, a total of $1,000 or roughly $250 per day to support the planting of 50 trees (10 x six foot, 3 gallon trees per day) in cities and locations along the trail,” said Devitt. “I plan to partner with cities looking to fulfill their “tree city” commitment of planting trees each spring. I’ll be asking local communities to match the funds I’ll provide for purchasing and planting native trees from native plant nurseries in Ohio.”
Last year, Devitt followed the 333 mile Ohio to Erie Trail and supported the planting of 56 native trees and shrubs in city, metro, county, state and national parks along the route. This year, he plans to visit parks and plant trees in Yellow Springs, Bellefontaine, Urbana, Loveland and Cincinnati. Currently, he has nearly exceeded his monetary goal of $1,000. But, the more he can raise, the more trees that can be circulated back into nature.
“The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) threatens to kill most of the 8.7 billion ash trees throughout North America. It’s estimated that the borer will have caused $10 billion in economic damage by 2019,” Devitt said.
Devitt hopes his adventure and dedication to replant trees, inspires others to take their own adventure. Devitt feels there is no person too old to enjoy the wonders of the world in the manner they please- from hiking, boating, biking, canoeing or whatever adventures moves the soul.
For more information or to track Brent Devitt’s journey, visit Trecycle 2016 at https://www.generosity.com/sports-fundraising/trecycle-2016 or visit his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/brent.devitt.9?fref=nf.
