Bicyclist Jacob Landis traveled almost 11,000 miles during the span of 175 days to hit up every major league ballpark to raise awareness and funds for cochlear implants, but that isn’t even the most impressive part of his journey.
The 24-year-old was heading to the last stop on his tour, Marlins Park, when he was hit by a tractor-trailer just four miles from his hotel, according to the Miami Herald. He was knocked unconscious from the blow and he also suffered a broken nose, fractured facial bones and some injuries to his arm.
Fortunately, his cousin Jack Riddle was riding alongside him in a van, and was able to help. Landis later regained consciousness in a Florida hospital, and three days later he was able to complete his tour and ride into the Marlins stadium.
“I’m glad it happened at the end, instead of in the beginning, because I was able to ride 10,666 miles and raise $130,000,” Landis said on Tuesday.
Landis began his journey in his hometown of Annapolis, Md., on April 3. From there, he traveled from the East Coast to the West Coast and eventually to the Southeast. Throughout the journey, Landis threw out first pitches, received autographs from stars around and the league and to cap off his special trek, he was honored at Marlins Park in a pregame ceremony.
Photo via Twitter/@Christie_Ileto
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