ECHO LAKE — Riding a motorcycle is fun, and doing so for a cause is inspiring.
That’s what Ken and Shannon Wilson learned on their motorcycle trip across America, raising money for UNICEF, a branch of the United Nations devoted to helping children worldwide. The 8,000-mile trip, called Riding for Smiles, started on July 25 in Dellwood, Minn., and took the couple all the way to Washington state.
On Tuesday, Ken Wilson, 53, arrived at his destination in Snohomish County. His Yamaha Stratoliner has gained 3,982 miles. The trip has raised about $12,000.
“A ride is so much more fulfilling to have a cause rather than just riding for joy,” he said Wednesday.
The Wilsons, married for 33 years, met countless people as they traveled on the lesser-used highways of Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
“It’s one of the most exciting adventures we’ve had,” Ken Wilson said.
Shannon Wilson couldn’t make it to Snohomish County with her husband. She learned in Winthrop in Eastern Washington that her 82-year-old father was hospitalized due to heart problems. She flew to Minnesota, leaving her Honda Gold Wing trike behind.
“There are priorities in life,” Ken Wilson said. “We are raising money for UNICEF, but family is the biggest.”
In Snohomish County, Wilson has stayed with his friends Lyn and Jack Muegge, who live near Echo Lake south of Monroe.
The Muegges have followed their friends’ trip online. The Wilsons have set up a Web site to promote the trip and keep people updated on their whereabouts. The site also allows people to make donations, all of which will be used for UNICEF.
The Muegges said they have pitched in money.
“It just makes you want to give because you are helping children,” Lyn Muegge said.
The trip, sponsored by some businesses, aims to raise $30,000 for UNICEF. The Wilsons, who are retired, are paying all the expenses for the trip.
“If we didn’t do anything, we wouldn’t be able to raise any money,” Ken Wilson said.
Meanwhile, Shannon Wilson’s father successfully underwent surgery and seems to be recovering, Ken Wilson said. Shannon Wilson is expected to fly back to Seattle and rest at the Muegges’ place for a while.
This weekend, the Wilsons plan to start heading back to Minnesota to finish their trip. Their Christian faith has driven them to take action for others, Ken Wilson said.
“God made this happen,” he said.
Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@heraldnet.com.
On the Web
Ken and Shannon Wilson are in the middle of their 8,000-mile motorcycle trip to raise money for UNICEF. To make donations or learn about their trip, go to www.ridingforsmiles.com.
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