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Amputee rides for freedom, funding

An Oldsmar man plans to honor America's "unbreakable spirit" and raise money for the Center for People with Disabilities by traveling the U.S. perimeter.

By BRYAN CASANAS
Published July 6, 2004

OLDSMAR - Joe Nolfo has just embarked on what he calls "the Great American Ride," a 15,500-mile motorcycle trip around the entire perimeter of the United States.

His publicity stunt is all the more remarkable because of his disability. Nolfo of Oldsmar lost his left leg after being struck by two cars on U.S. 41 near Tampa in 1982. He said he has a few reasons for taking on the effort.

"The first is to show the unbreakable spirit of the American people, who will always continue to exercise their freedom through traveling and will always refuse to be intimidated by the threats of terrorism," he said.

Nolfo also hopes to raise awareness and funds for the Center for People with Disabilities, a fledgling nonprofit organization that promotes education and research for people with disabilities. The organization, of which Nolfo is an honorary board member, is based in Houston.

Superwipes, a Largo-based company that produces environmentally safe beauty products, is sponsoring Nolfo's ride.

In order to gain exposure, Superwipes has given Nolfo cash and money to cover his expenses during the ride and will give him a mobile phone as well, said Mario Quenneville, chief executive and owner of the company.

"There are so many opportunities for product endorsement," Nolfo said.

Nolfo, who started his trip Saturday, will cruise on a motorcycle with an automatic transmission lent to him by Aprilia Motorcycle Co. The motorcycle will display the Superwipes logo on it as well as the logo for one of its new perfumes. Barney Motorcycles of St. Petersburg is also sponsoring Nolfo's effort.

Quenneville said that he plans to fly a model of the motorcycle to the various cities, including New York, Chicago and New Orleans when Nolfo arrives at each, to help endorse his products.

Also, Quenneville said he hopes Nolfo will appear on the Tonight Show when he arrives in Los Angeles. Quenneville said he has had a sign made that he hopes will appear on the Empire State Building upon Nolfo's arrival in New York City.

Nolfo began his ride in Daytona Beach Saturday and will ride along the Atlantic coast up to New England. Then, he will ride along the northern border, through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and Montana.

Afterwards, he will will ride south along the Pacific coast.

Finally, he will begin his return home, passing through the southern border of the United States, through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and then back home to Florida.

Nolfo expects to return to the Sunshine State in mid October.

[Last modified July 5, 2004, 20:22:06]