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They call themselves “the Wolf Pack.” A trio of young Connecticut men in their 20’s bicycling across the country from St. Augustine, Florida to San Diego, California trying to raise awareness of autism and collecting donations for Autism Speaks. The journey has led them through the state of Louisiana and the city of Sulphur, where they took some time out to rest at the home of Mary and Larry Hebert.
“I think what they are doing is great. They are good, respectable boys,” said Mary, “I love them.”
It was Mary’s family who connected the boys to the Heberts. Mitch Gudeahn dates Mary’s grandniece and it was her mother who asked the Heberts if they would be willing to offer Mitch, his brother, Matt Gudeahn, and their friend, Brandon ‘Tito’ Deschenes, some Southern hospitality while in this area. Mary is originally from the same area of Connecticut as the young men but has lived in Sulphur for over 22 years with her husband Larry, who was born and raised here.
“I think these boys should be noticed. What they are doing is amazing,” said Mary.
And it was family connection which brought the young men to the decision to ride for autism. Deschenes’ nephew, now 8 years old, was diagnosed with autism when he was 4. The cyclists will take donations on the road but generally direct people to their website, www.autismrides.com, to link up to a donation page for Autism Speaks. One hundred percent of proceeds from the ride will go to the organization. They are paying for their trip through money saved and are sponsored by Don Dauphinas, the owner of Danielson Adventure Sports in Danielson, Connecticut. Their goal is to raise $10,000. So far, they have raised $750.
They began their trip from Florida earlier this month and were surprised by the sudden slap of northern-style wintery weather in the Deep South. And while bad weather, Deschenes’ knee issues, and a few bicycle problems slowed their forward progress, they soon found their routine, riding for about four to five days and resting for a day or so between.
“Once we hit Alabama, we got into the groove,” said Matt.
All three enthusiastically agree that their stay in Louisiana has been the best yet, first enjoying New Orleans, a place they had not visited previously, before arriving for a break in Sulphur. And despite Matt’s broken derailer, their stay in Sulphur has been the highlight of the trip so far.
“Sulphur blows New Orleans out of the water. This is the best stay so far,” said Matt.
Their stay has been filled with good food and grand hospitality. In fact, all three agree that in Louisiana they have met the best people, but some of the roads and manners of drivers on those roads haven’t been the best.
“People often don’t realize how hard it is for cyclists to be safe on the road,” said Mitch.
But their enthusiasm for being on the road and for their cause has not dampened one bit. Matt summed up his feelings about the experience.
“This is like winning the lottery.”
And the admiration the Heberts have for them is evident.
“This is such an unselfish thing that they are doing,” said Mary.
The trio will be leaving the area this week after Matt’s bicycle is repaired. Their plan is to cycle through Texas before breaking in Austin on their way toward San Diego, where they will take a train back home.
They call themselves “the Wolf Pack.” A trio of young Connecticut men in their 20’s bicycling across the country from St. Augustine, Florida to San Diego, California trying to raise awareness of autism and collecting donations for Autism Speaks. The journey has led them through the state of Louisiana and the city of Sulphur, where they took some time out to rest at the home of Mary and Larry Hebert.
“I think what they are doing is great. They are good, respectable boys,” said Mary, “I love them.”
It was Mary’s family who connected the boys to the Heberts. Mitch Gudeahn dates Mary’s grandniece and it was her mother who asked the Heberts if they would be willing to offer Mitch, his brother, Matt Gudeahn, and their friend, Brandon ‘Tito’ Deschenes, some Southern hospitality while in this area. Mary is originally from the same area of Connecticut as the young men but has lived in Sulphur for over 22 years with her husband Larry, who was born and raised here.
“I think these boys should be noticed. What they are doing is amazing,” said Mary.
And it was family connection which brought the young men to the decision to ride for autism. Deschenes’ nephew, now 8 years old, was diagnosed with autism when he was 4. The cyclists will take donations on the road but generally direct people to their website, www.autismrides.com, to link up to a donation page for Autism Speaks. One hundred percent of proceeds from the ride will go to the organization. They are paying for their trip through money saved and are sponsored by Don Dauphinas, the owner of Danielson Adventure Sports in Danielson, Connecticut. Their goal is to raise $10,000. So far, they have raised $750.
They began their trip from Florida earlier this month and were surprised by the sudden slap of northern-style wintery weather in the Deep South. And while bad weather, Deschenes’ knee issues, and a few bicycle problems slowed their forward progress, they soon found their routine, riding for about four to five days and resting for a day or so between.
“Once we hit Alabama, we got into the groove,” said Matt.
All three enthusiastically agree that their stay in Louisiana has been the best yet, first enjoying New Orleans, a place they had not visited previously, before arriving for a break in Sulphur. And despite Matt’s broken derailer, their stay in Sulphur has been the highlight of the trip so far.
“Sulphur blows New Orleans out of the water. This is the best stay so far,” said Matt.
Their stay has been filled with good food and grand hospitality. In fact, all three agree that in Louisiana they have met the best people, but some of the roads and manners of drivers on those roads haven’t been the best.
“People often don’t realize how hard it is for cyclists to be safe on the road,” said Mitch.
But their enthusiasm for being on the road and for their cause has not dampened one bit. Matt summed up his feelings about the experience.
“This is like winning the lottery.”
And the admiration the Heberts have for them is evident.
“This is such an unselfish thing that they are doing,” said Mary.
The trio will be leaving the area this week after Matt’s bicycle is repaired. Their plan is to cycle through Texas before breaking in Austin on their way toward San Diego, where they will take a train back home.
