English biker hitting road to visit 49 state capitals

Nick Gilroy, of England, has always wanted to visit the United States and see what 49 state capitals have to offer.

His dream recently became a reality when Gilroy e-mailed Gulf Coast Motorcycles of Fort Myers while in England and purchased a BMW motorcycle that he is currently riding on this way to Tennessee.

"He is a pretty adventurous guy and he picked us out of other dealers in Florida and ordered a specific bike for the trip," said Jeff Gallo, the sales manager at Gulf Coast Motorcycles who sold Gilroy the motorcycle. " It's a pretty strenuous trip to do all 49 states on the bike ... ."

Gilroy purchased the motorcycle over the phone and had the shop customize it to include heated hand grips, a GPS navigation system, anti-lock breaks and extra lighting. He also installed a sturdy, lockable luggage system that would keep his gear safe.

"We tailored it for him because he knew exactly what he needed ... Nick did a similar trip in Europe using a similar bike," Gallo said about the bike that was picked up in early February. "It cost him about $24,000 with everything he needed but he said it was worth it."

Gilroy himself was unavailable for comment as he rides through the country but is keeping a blog online at www.globalgilroy.com to give readers the exclusive on his adventure.

"So that's the first service done and now hot to trot for 6,000 miles ... maybe new (tires) at the same time. Should get me on the route east of California or there abouts-somewhere in that parish," said Gilroy in a Feb. 8 entry when leaving Fort Myers for Tallahassee. "... The journey just has to be done on a bike! The time is now right to do this trip and after a year of planning, 2008 is the year!"

Gilroy's trip is mapped on his website and according to his chart he's approximately on his way to Tennessee and Arkansa.

"He is zigzagging all over the place and it's cool to be involved in something special like this," Gallo said about the trip Gilroy decided to do after a conversation with a friend years ago.

In the process of his trip, Gilroy plans to raise money to support the United States Wounded Warrior Project and the United Kingdom's Help for Heroes.

"The wounded returning from Afghanistan and Iraq need our help for the remainder of their journey," Gilroy explained on his blog that includes links for contributions. "Remember that life is a journey, travel it well! "