Claremore Teen Bikes Across Oklahoma To Raise Funds For Cancer Patients

A Claremore high school student is braving the elements on a bike ride across the Sooner State. He's spending his Thanksgiving break cycling 500 miles from Oklahoma's southern to northern borders -- raising money for cancer along the way.

Alongside all the road warriors, Oklahoma's highways are making room for one more, and his bicycle.

"The cold's a little bit more extreme than I thought it would be. The rain was a little more extreme. The wind," Alex Ramsey said.

Alex is wearing a few extra layers, including this pink shirt.

"It is a shirt that we have made with names of people who either have or have had cancer," Alex said.

It gives the 17-year-old the inspiration to keep moving.

"I can't even imagine what a cancer victim goes through on a day-to-day basis," Alex said.

A terrifying thought made all the more real when he recently visited a friend's house.

"Her little brother walked down. He was bald from chemo and just seeing that just really didn't sit right with me," Alex said.

So Alex is stopping in towns across Oklahoma, raising thousands of dollars to help cancer patients.

His parents, Mark and Cindy Ramsey, are along for the ride.

"The cows will just watch him as he goes by. It's hysterical." Mark Ramsey said.

From their chase vehicle, they've admired Oklahoma's scenery, fixed the bike's flat tires, and witnessed some close calls.

"On Thanksgiving day he was actually hit by someone's mirror on his arm. That was very sobering," Mark said.

But Alex brushed it off. His determination is never wavering. The faces of cancer victims are never fading.

"It's impossible for me to see something like that and not want to do something to help out," Alex said.

Instead, he proves what is possible when you have two wheels... and a mission.

Alex is still raising money and needs your help. He's accepting credit card donations to the American Cancer Society through his website.

In the meantime, his journey ends Sunday night in Picher so if you see him on the road, be sure to give him plenty of room.

This remarkable feat is nothing new to Alex. He recently ran 29 miles from Claremore to the Center of the Universe landmark in downtown Tulsa to raise money for a group that fights world hunger through gifts of livestock.

Alex is also accepting check donations. All checks must be made out to the American Cancer Society and mailed to:

Alex Ramsey

P.O. Box 2041

Claremore, OK 74018