Grand Junction resident and veteran cyclist Mike Perry, 80, completed a 100-mile ride across the Grand Valley on October 8, raising more than $14,000 for youth scholarships at the EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum. This latest effort brings his total cumulative fundraising for EUREKA! youth scholarships to $102,675.
The funds raised directly benefit local families by providing need-based scholarships for children to attend EUREKA!’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) camps, programs, and field trips. The museum, located at 2307 S. H Road, offers hands-on science education and discovery that might otherwise be unaffordable for many local children.
For his 80th birthday, Perry initially set out to ride 80 miles in a single day, but he continued pedaling to complete 100 miles. He acknowledged his wife, Sandy, played a critical role in the endeavor, providing support in driving and encouragement. Perry stated he could not have completed the ride without her.
Perry's extensive cross-country cycling journey began in the late 1990s while he lived in The Dalles, Oregon. Inspired by an article about a couple who rode across the United States, Perry started his multi-decade quest on a modified first-generation Trek mountain bike. He ceremoniously dipped his rear wheel into the Pacific Ocean at Fort Stevens, Oregon, to mark the start of his journey.
Throughout his career, including a long tenure as executive director of the Museums of Western Colorado, Perry continued to return to the open road. He documented his adventures in a daily blog. In 2020, Perry decided to turn his personal cross-country journey into a mission for the community. He rode across Nebraska along the historic Lincoln Highway to raise money for EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum’s summer camp scholarships, with that initial campaign bringing in more than $88,000 for local children.
Determined to maintain momentum for his 80th birthday year, Perry focused his latest fundraising ride on the Grand Valley. He explained his motivation was to support the organization's work and ensure every child has the chance to attend EUREKA!’s many hands-on science camps.
Jenn Moore, executive director of EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum, commended Perry's efforts. Moore stated that "Mike’s dedication, grit and generosity are nothing short of inspiring." She highlighted the extraordinary nature of his achievement — riding 100 miles at age 80 — and its significant impact on opening doors for hundreds of local children to access science education.
