Road Warrior

When we watch the nightly news, we often hear the bleaker side of goings-on in the world.

Because of this, we may think of people as ruthless pragmatists too caught up in their own lives to show compassion for their fellow man.

We may think of society as a bustling hive of cutthroat worker bees intent on getting the best of each other.

We may get the impression that the heart of our country is filled with emptiness.

But one man is on a mission to prove that there are still good people out there, and that they can be found just about everywhere.

Enter Allie Stevens, a man who, with his girlfriend Ulli and dog Roxy, has embarked upon a 3,942-mile trek across America with his rickshaw for a simple reason: to prove to Americans that the heart of our country still has heart.

At 58, Allie has already set two world records for the longest journey by a rickshaw, and is currently working on breaking both of them.

From being hit by a car to being attacked by javelinas, Allie has endured much on his journey. Undaunted, he continues his venture across the states. From a country roadside, Allie tells of his adventure and what he has encountered thus far.

"I started in Oceanside, Calif. (his hometown) on Sept. 13, 2009, with 10 cents in my pocket," he says. "I'm doing this to show the world that America is still the best country in the world, and that God is very strong in this country."

Allie maintains that while many people tend to perceive America as a dog-eat-dog society filled with automatons devoid of compassion, the opposite holds true.

"One of the reasons I'm doing this walk is because of the kids in our country," he says. "With all the negative publicity in the news that's going on, it seems like there's nothing positive any more. This is a positive trip, a journey by complete faith, that there is still hope in this country.

"When I'm out on the road, it's amazing to see people from so many walks of life stop to offer their help," he says. "They offer food, water, donations or whatever they can. There are many good people out there, and folks need to be aware of it."

It would be an understatement to say that Allie loves his country, as he trained hard and went overseas to defend it during its most controversial conflict.

"I was in the Marine Corps from 1972-79," he says, "and I served in Vietnam from '72-‘74."

It should come as no surprise that Allie's tenure with the Marines psychologically, if not physically, prepared him for the rigors of toting 400 lbs. of survival gear from coast to coast.

"I love the rickshaw," he says. "It's got it all, man. Ramen noodles, tent, sleeping bags, you name it. I have my ice chest and computer in there as well, and I recently acquired some fishing poles."

"I get burned out on hearing people complain about this country and how bad we've got it," he says. "Gas prices? I'm not using gas. Health care? I'm walking every day, and the exercise keeps me healthy. Environmental issues? When I camp out at night, the air I'm breathing feels just fine. I'm thankful to have it."

Allie explains how he gets his sustenance - a crucial element on such a grueling endeavor - and why he chooses those particular items.

"The canned goods are just too heavy," he says. "I mostly carry the Ramen soups and water canteens, 'cause they're just easier to pack. I also bring sodas along, and, of course, there is the occasional beer."

Allie relates that extreme weather conditions became significant adversaries of the "road trip," and how they, consequently, wreaked havoc on his gear.

"The heat in New Mexico and El Paso took its toll on the rickshaw," he says. "It ruined my tires and handlebars, believe it or not. Luckily, I was able to get everything replaced. A guy did a great welding job on the handlebars, and soon I was good to go."

The heat isn't the only hindrance Allie has encountered on the long and winding road.

"I've been in and out of the hospital three times since I started this walk," he says. "Javelinas attacked me one day and tore up my leg. Bacteria from the bite got into my system, shutting my kidneys down. I had to get kidney surgery. That was in Sanderson, Texas."

Allie recalls another bad experience near Tombstone, Ariz., where he was hit by a truck.

"He was actually a police officer," he says. "He was off-duty when the accident happened. What's crazy was that I wasn't even injured, and the hospital released me very quickly.

"I didn't sue the man," Allie continues. "And several people in the community rallied around me and helped me move on. It just goes to show you how good people can be.

"When I got out of the hospital, I went to get my Rickshaw," he says. "Unfortunately, someone had stolen everything off of it. But by the time I got to Del Rio, I had everything replaced. In fact, the lady who interviewed me in Del Rio is the one who gave me the fishing poles."

Allie's girlfriend made quite a journey of her own to accompany Allie on his.

"Ulli's from Germany," he says. "She came to walk with me for 90 days. She's my web designer, and we've talked to each other on the phone every day for the last three years. She will head back to Germany on February 28."

Allie also recalls a little girl in La Vernia who inspired him to inspire others.

"She had to have major surgery," he says. "When she got out of the hospital, before she would go home, she demanded to come see me. She couldn't walk yet. Anyway, she knew about the walk I was doing, and was so inspired by it that she wrote me a letter that was absolutely beautiful. It came with a cross."

Allie is a strong advocate of exercise and the great outdoors, and believes young people today are so ensconced in electronic gizmos that they lose sight of what the real world has to offer.

"A lot of kids nowadays see video games instead of a positive future," he says. "When they hitch a ride with me on the rickshaw, they seem to see things in a different light. It gives them hope."

Suddenly, a car zooms by. As if on cue, Allie says, "So many people just zoom on by these small towns without stopping to check 'em out. Take Gonzales, for instance. There's so much historical impact this town has had on the state of Texas, and a lot of people don't know it. I didn't until I got here. So Ulli and I plan on sticking around here for maybe a week or more so we can visit with the folks and check out the historical sites."

So what will Allie do after he reaches his destination?

"A friend of mine is going to drive my motor home to Miami," he says. "I'll meet him there, and fly him back. From there, I'll take the motor home up the northern route via Route 66. No walking this time, I promise."

All in all, Allie believes in the power of positive thinking. The central force of his life philosophy is a good attitude, and he wants others to share that attribute.

"If you're unhappy with something, then don't just sit there and complain," he says. "Do something to change it. Get out there and make a difference."