Sun staff
Adam Sandoval, who is riding to every Harley Davidson in the country with his Chihuahua, Scooter, stopped at Harley Davidson of Eastgate on May 7.
Sandoval, age 36 from Florida, hopes to break three world records on his ride: the most miles in one country in one run, the world’s longest charity ride and the world’s longest group ride.
At every Harley Davidson he visits he invites people to join them, Sandoval said.
He calls his ride Scootin’ America.
Sandoval is raising money for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, which provides money for children of fallen soldiers.
Sandoval decided to raise money for the Legacy Scholarship because he always wanted to be in the military but never was able.
“I really had the need, felt the need to give back to the men and women who did go and serve,” Sandoval said.
The two have raised about $65,000 in their six months of riding. Sandoval estimates it will take a year to finish the ride.
To fund the ride, Sandoval sold his house and most of his possessions. In addition, Lightning Strike, Scott Fisher Enterprises and Thunder Roads sponsor Sandoval and Scooter.
Sandoval chased materialistic things to find happiness for a long time, and while he was very successful, he didn’t find the happiness he sought.
“It’s pumped in our heads, you know, bigger, better, faster and that’s not what matters. Life experience matters, the relationships you make matter, you know, your experiences matter and I found that to be true,” Sandoval said.
Scooter and Sandoval began their ride on November 10, 2014, in Fort Myers, Florida. Harley Davidson of Eastgate was Sandoval’s 231st stop out of 696.
Sandoval never knows where he is going to stay at night. Sometimes he sleeps on the ground, sometimes he finds a place to pitch a tent and sometimes people invite him into their homes.
He and Scooter have really enjoyed riding around the country, Sandoval said. Scooter loves riding on the motorcycle so much that Sandoval sometimes has to give him treats to get him off.
Sandoval has liked seeing so much of the country and meeting a lot of great people, he said.
Sandoval chose to visit every Harley Davidson because no one has ever been to all the Harley Davidson dealerships in one run. Also, he rides a Harley, a 1996 Electra Glide Classic.
Lastly, Sandoval knows the Harley Davidson community is very supportive of charity and the military.
After Eastgate, Sandoval and Scooter went to Cincinnati and then began riding north. On May 14, Sandoval will be in Dayton and Richmond, Indiana.
To donate to the Legacy Scholarship or to Sandoval and Scooter’s ride, go to http://www.scootinamerica.com/donations.html. Sandoval also asks people to help him get the word out, especially to people in areas he has yet to visit.
Follow Sandoval and Scooter on Facebook or using #ScootinAmerica.