GREENFIELD — A Napa teenager has embarked on a nearly 1,000-mile bicycle ride to raise money and awareness for the California Peace Officers’ Memorial Foundation, stopping in Greenfield over the weekend before continuing his 18-day journey from Oregon to Mexico.
Travis Risley, 16, began his ride July 7 in Brookings, Ore., and is expected to reach the Mexico border in San Ysidro, Calif., on July 24. He arrived in Greenfield on July 15, spending the night before leaving the next morning for Paso Robles, his next destination.
While in Greenfield, Risley met with local police officers and members of the Police Explorers Program.
“Today started off a little chilly but warmed up towards the end as we got into Greenfield. I fought a headwind and crosswind for the better part of today,” Risley wrote on his Facebook page, “The California Ride,” which chronicles his journey. “A little miserable but it made me push even harder than I would on a normal day. Today went very smooth thanks to everyone involved, including Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, Greenfield Police Department, Marina Police Department and two motor units from California Highway Patrol.”
Risley, whose father is a police officer in Napa, has received support from law enforcement and the coastal communities along the way, including police escorts, raised flags and big crowds. His expenses are being covered by the Napa Police Officers’ Association, so all donations go directly to the foundation.
California Peace Officers’ Memorial Foundation is a nonprofit charity whose mission is to honor the state’s fallen peace officers and provide support to their families. To donate, go to https://camemorial.org/donate-now.
To follow Risley’s journey online, visit facebook.com/TheCaliforniaRide.
