Lodi cyclist O’Keefe reaches Kansas City

Lodi native Kelly O’Keefe has reached the eastern side of Kansas in his cross-country bicycle trek to raise funds for charity.

“Fields of corn, soybeans and sunflowers for miles,” he texted the News-Sentinel on Friday. “The roads are amazingly maintained. The biggest surprise is the hills in Kansas. Much more climbing over 80-100 miles than I ever expected. Big rollers!”

O’Keefe is riding to raise funds for his wife Shelley, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in February, as well as for Not One More Vet, World Vets, the ALS Foundation and the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

He planned to stay in Lawrence, Kan., over the Labor Day weekend and attend a small media event for the local ALS Mid-American Chapter there today.

With September being Suicide Awareness Month, O’Keefe said many of the veterinarian clinics he has visited in the Kansas City area have been appreciative of his effort.

September is also Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. O’Keefe shared that during the week, his wife’s latest tests have come back negative for cancer, which was good news.

“I will likely catch a Royals game this weekend,” he said Friday. “I grew up a Royals fan and I’ve never been to Kansas City or the stadium.”

After Tuesday’s meeting, O’Keefe said he’ll begin his ride through Missouri. He hopes to be in Savannah, Ga., by the end of the month.

Follow O’Keefe’s journey online at www.facebook.com/KellysRideFor5.

COURTESY PHOTOGRAPH Lodi cyclist Kelly O’Keefe reached eastern Kansas last week. He planned to stay in Lawrence, Kan. over the weekend, with plans to continue into Missouri today. O’Keefe is raising money for a number of charities during his cross-country ride. Follow his progress at www.face book.com/ KellysRide For5.