"Eat, ride, sleep, repeat!" Paul Rides Again to Get More Kids in Nature

“This is about keeping Ava’s spirit alive. Even though she is no longer here, her spirit will live on in giving to others.”

creation of the AJh foundation and donation page

Each year, Paul Sutera embarks on an extended bicycle ride of over 2000 miles to support the Ava Jane Howerton Memorial Fund, which provides scholarship to Ithaca Forest Preschool and Primitive Pursuits. This year, Paul’s “Journey of the Heart” will follow the entire length of the mighty Mississippi, over 31 days! All donations go 100% towards providing financial accessibility to nature education for young children like Ava. Read on to see the recent updates from Paul’s extraordinary trip! If you’re inspired, you too can donate! Paul just finished his Journey! Donate now before it’s too late!

RECENT UPDATE

“My 35 day “Journey of the Heart” bicycle ride to honor the memory of Ava Jane Howerton is underway! I flew to Minneaplois/St Paul, and then was shuttled 4 hours north to the official start of the great Mississippi River at Lake Itasca. Day 1 was a 64 mile ride under sunny but cool temperatures. I have shared with Serena & Chris that I continuously feel Ava’s presence on these journeys.” -Paul, 9/13/2026

“The bicycle rider while on a tour like this has the following mantra:

EAT-RIDE-SLEEP-REPEAT!!!

We have completed 5 days and 318 miles of the journey, cycling from the beginning of the mighty Mississippi River in northern Minnesota to our first rest day in St Paul. The temperatures have been on the cooler side (50s-60s) and the headwinds at times have been challenging, but aside from a 25 mile stretch of cold driving rain, the cycling has been spectacular. It’s amazing to witness the development of the Mississippi River as we travel south. One fun fact- it takes a drop of water 3 months to travel from its origin to the Gulf of Mexico. We will be doing it in 31 days!!!!” -Paul, 9/18/2026

“I want to update you on my “Journey from the Heart” bicycle ride to support the Ava Jane Howerton Scholarship. After a rainy rest day in St Paul, Minnesota, we had a rainy first ride back on the bicycle. No one said this would be challenge free, but I draw my strength from the resolve of Ava’s family.

We entered Wisconsin to find the Mighty Mississippi River to be so large that the locals refer to it as “The Lake”. We then entered Illinois for a day and are now in Iowa. My prior perception of the state of Iowa being flat corn fields was soon shattered as we encountered long steep climbs, rewarded by the following downhill. The routes are both challenging and exhilarating, and our mantra continues to be “Eat, Ride, Sleep”!!” -Paul, 9/24/2026

Hello from St. Louis-

I have reached the halfway point of my “Journey of the Heart” bicycle ride to support the Ava Jane Howerton Scholarship. Let’s start with some metrics- Over the first 17 days, I have cycled 1,073 miles and had a total ascent of 30,349 feet. To put the ascent into perspective, that elevation gain is equal to climbing the height of Mt. Everest, plus an extra 1,318 feet. In no way am I comparing what I am doing to those intrepid hikers, but I simply wanted to place the magnitude of this trip into perspective. I do this to show solidarity to a family that lost a child, as well as support the opportunity for outdoor experiences for all who otherwise would not be able to participate.

From Iowa, I pedaled into Illinois while continuing to enjoy the daily sights and frequent crossing of the Mississippi River. Next came Missouri, with a chance to spend a late afternoon touring the boyhood home and museum of Sam Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, in Hannibal. The rain, cold, and winds continue to push the group to our limits, but we were greeted in St Louis by sunny, warm temperatures. Giving the legs a break today before the second half of my journey continues tomorrow.

Thank you for following my ride, and for supporting my fundraising efforts. We can all “Make a Difference” in our own ways.” -Paul, 9/30/26

“Greetings from Memphis,Tennessee-

My “Journey Of the Heart” bicycle ride in support of The Ava Jane Howerton Scholarship continued over the past 5 days, adding 409 miles (1,482 total), and 15,550 (45,899 total) feet of ascent pedaled on my bicycle. The weather improved with only 1 day of rain and warming temperatures as we got deeper into the south. The daily headwinds continue to be challenging. When ascending, the allure of the thrilling downhill provides a glimpse of hope no matter how difficult that the grade may be. However, when facing headwinds all day, there is no such reward to look forward to, which is much more physically and mentally draining.

I want to comment on something that I admit is often taken for granted by most people, myself included. While The Mississippi River is in view regularly, the amount of products that are transported daily is stunning. Moved by large river barges, endless double stacked train cars, and 18 wheel trucks (some more bicycle friendly than others!!), we owe endless appreciation to the workers who facilitate this hauling of our everyday products.

Eat, Ride, and Sleep continues to be the theme as my Journey of the Heart bicycle ride continues…

Thank you for supporting me and making a difference.”

-Paul, 10/6/2026

“Hello from the road- Now in Mississippi-

During the past several days, I have added Arkansas and Mississippi as the 8th and 9th states bicycled in for my “Journey of the Heart” ride to support The Ava Jane Howerton Scholarship with Primitive Pursuits. The weather has progressively become hotter, necessitating more frequent water breaks. Our routes are a combination of quiet rural roads with endless cotton fields, some busier town roads, and the occasional riding on interstates when the area does not offer any alternatives. Fortunately since leaving Missouri the drivers have become more tolerant of our presence, often providing plenty of space and a friendly wave as they safely pass us. I do not understand why some drivers simply have no tolerance for bicycles. Is life so hectic that a driver can’t slow down for a few seconds or wait for a straight run to pass us??? I do admit that, in my opinion, many cyclists need to work better with the cars, but certainly on a trip like this, all of my fellow cyclists are very respectful and practice the best “share the road” practices, yet some drivers still like to make our riding perilous at times. Please keep this in mind when you encounter bicycle riders in your travels.

It is very hard to believe that I have entered the last week of my ride. After a couple more days in Mississippi, Louisiana will be entered with New Orleans and the mouth of The Mississippi River looming large. In the meantime, I continue to Eat, Ride, and Sleep, honoring the memory of Ava and the fortitude of her family.

Thank you to all who are contributing to my efforts for the benefit of others.” -Paul, 10/10/26

“I successfully completed my “Journey of the Heart” bicycle ride, to support the Ava Jane Howerton Scholarship with Primitive Pursuits. From Mississippi, I entered Louisiana, and just when I thought all weather conditions had been encountered, mother nature hit us with an early morning fog so thick that you couldn’t see past 30 yards. Luckily that portion of the ride was on a well maintained rail trail, so cars were not an issue. Otherwise, as expected, the last 3 days became progressively hotter with no rain present when a shower would have had a nice cooling effect. Quite a difference from that first week or riding, 5 weeks ago in northern Minnesota!

The ride ended blocks away from the famous “Bourbon Street”, New Orleans, so the final few miles were in the thick of the city traffic. As a cyclist, all road, weather, and travel conditions must be prepared for and anticipated, with proper riding techniques executed.

When a journey like this ends, time is needed to fully process the magnitude of the experience. Although the actual pedaling is completed, I will sum up the trip, along with my final stats, in the next and final posting. In the meantime, thank you for following my ride in memory of Ava, and thanks to all who allow her to keep giving to the many children who can participate in the amazing nature programs that Primitive Pursuits provides.” -Paul, 10/21/2026

“Greetings to all who have followed my “Journey of The Heart” bicycle ride in support of the Ava Jane Howerton Scholarship with Primitive Pursuits. Here are the final statistics regarding my travels over the past 5 weeks. I rode my bicycle on 30 of the 34 days, with 4 rest days scattered throughout the time. 2,110 miles were pedaled, and 55,965 feet of ascent was achieved. Translated into a more relatable value, that is 1.6 times the commercial jet cruise altitude, which is approximately 35,000 feet.

However, I really want to direct the attention to the true meaning of my efforts. Dear friends of ours suffered the unimaginable loss of their daughter and have shown courage, strength, resiliency, and determination in moving forward. Any challenge that I encountered pales in comparison to their journey, and that understanding propelled me through the difficult stretches. It is for that reason that all of you who are supporting Ava’s scholarship are really showing support for her parents as well as her extended family.

Additionally, my ride is about ensuring that all who want to participate in outdoor education and nature connections through Primitive Pursuits can and will have that opportunity. Ava’s spirit continues to live on, and I am just a very small part of that bigger picture.

Thank you to everyone who has followed my Journey of The Heart and supported Ava’s Scholarship.”

-Paul, 10/25/26

Paul, we thank you for your incredible dedication and kindness.

Thank you for donating to ensure nature access to kids!

creation of the AJh foundation and donation page

“Eat, ride, sleep, repeat!” Paul Rides Again to Get More Kids in Nature

“This is about keeping Ava’s spirit alive. Even though she is no longer here, her spirit will live on in giving to others.”

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