Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions:

How did AfA start?
Although no one at AfA had any direct connection to people living with autism when the journey began, we think autism is an incredibly important issue that the world is facing. The number of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is increasing at an alarming rate. This is one reason that we think autism is an important issue to address.

We believe that ASD will affect our generation in the same way that cancer affected my parents’ generation if nothing is done.

Raising awareness is the first step to finding a cure, treatment, or preventing the onset of autism in the first place. It is with this in mind that AfA was founded. It’s our desire to change the lives of as many people with ASD that we can.

I (Adam) am devoting 3 years of my life to this because I know that together we can make a difference. Together we can change the future of our generation and how it will be affected by ASD.

How do I host or ride with you?
Simply contact us through our “contact us” page

Why Autism?
Autism is growing at the same rate cancer was when my parents were my age. We don’t know why it’s growing. We don’t know what causes it. We don’t know how to prevent it. We don’t know, really, how to treat it. It is massive unknown on the verge of becoming one of the largest social costs of my generation. That’s why I chose autism.

Is it safe?
Honestly, there will be parts that are more dangerous than others. I have planned the trip to be as safe as possible while still going everywhere on my desired route. I will also be in contact with the rest of the AfA team, local authorities and many other people in order to ensure people know where I am at all times. I’ve also edited my route to avoid areas of extreme conflict during the adventure and will re-route again as necessary.

I also have SPOT (a GPS service) so I can check in and have emergency contact should the need arise.

I’ve also gotten very good at following my intuition, and I trust it without fail. I have no doubt that at the end of my journey I will be in better health than when I began!

Where do you sleep?
In a sleeping bag! Actually, I sleep anywhere I can – from picnic tables to campsites to church sanctuaries. I have a tent and a prayer that the goodwill of people around the hemisphere will get me safe places to sleep.

On that note, if you want to host me or put me up in a hotel along the way that’d be awesome!

How is AfA funded?
AfA is funded personally through my own income as well as some of the hard expenses (bike repairs, parts, etc.) are offset by donations. Also, many people I meet along the way are generous enough to give me money for food along the way!

What do friends and family think of your adventure?
At the inception, some friends were skeptical. However, no one has any doubt that I will finish –though they may think I am crazy for doing what I do.

A lot of people also don’t understand why I am doing this – why I would give up 3 years of my life for a cause I am not connected to. I believe in giving more than I receive and in creating social change. In my mind this fits perfectly!

I do know that now that I’m cycling solo some of my friends and family are trying to wrap their heads around how I can do this solo and how far 25,000 miles is. (It’s once around the equator)

Where does the money go?
The money goes towards the work that my parent organizations are doing, as well as helping to offset the cost of the journey.

Can I book you to speak?
Yes, all I ask is that you cover the expenses to get to and from the engagement. If it is for a corporate function I also ask that you make a donation to AfA.

Can I suggest something for you to do/see?
Definitely! Just go to our contact page and connect with us! Or, you can send me the suggestion via Facebook or Twitter!

How did you prepare for this journey?
Preparation? What’s that?! In actuality I cross-trained for 6 months prior to leaving Alaska. I swam, lifted and ran as my cross-training. Prior to leaving Alaska I’d never cycled more than 24 miles in a single day of my life. I decided to let the trip be training.

When you begin a 3 year journey, the biggest preparation you have to make is the mental one. The key is to spend time learning your limits, learning how to recharge yourself, and ensure that you maintain your desired level of physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual health.

Are you crazy?
Some people think so. I think it depends on your definition of crazy. If your definition of include people who are passionate about making a difference in the world, no matter the cost, then yes – I’m crazy.

I think I am simply a man who is daring, adventurous, and willing to break the mold of average. I will push the limits of the possible and accomplish the impossible. I am crazy enough to dare to change the world by changing myself.