69-year-old Vietnam vet cycling across country for Wounder Warriors

PLANO, Texas - A North Texas Vietnam veteran has one big item on his bucket list — a cross-country trip for charity.

But the catch is the 69-year-old U.S. Marine veteran from doesn’t plan on using a plane, a train or anything of four wheels. Instead, he will rekindle his love for biking.

Ron Davis calls himself one of the lucky ones when he talks about his time in Vietnam. It’s the reason why he wants to bike across the country to raise money for those who weren't as lucky.

After battling bone cancer, Davis decided to give an old hobby a spin. Davis first fell in love with riding a bicycle as a child. But the Vietnam war would soon put the brakes on that passion when he joined the U.S. Marines and went overseas.

“I learned to be tough and to be disciplined,” he said. “And I learned how to overcome adversity.”

Davis managed to leave the war unscathed. He knows he's one of the lucky ones.

“I thought I could use my ride to raise funds for the wounded warriors,” he said.

Last year, when Davis decided to check an item off his bucket list of a solo cycling trip cross country, he decided to do it for a good cause.

“Because of those lessons that I learned, I want to give back to all branches of the military, to these heroes who need help,” he said. “And that was my motivation.”

On March 31, Davis will ride his bike from San Diego, California, to Ocean City, New Jersey. All of the money he raises for the trip will go directly to the Wounded Warrior Project. In case you're wondering, it's about a 3,000-mile trek.

“All of my peers thought I was insane,” Davis said. “Probably correct. But of course, they thought that before the ride.”

The veteran has been training since last October, averaging 80 to 100 miles a day.

“There's no runner's high,” he jokingly admitted. “No, there's sore butt and sore legs.”

Davis’ plan is to stop at state parks and RV sites along the way to pitch a tent he will carry on the back of his bike. And with an exciting journey on the horizon, he plans to savor every moment knowing what good it could do.

“10 to 12 weeks. There's no hurry,” he said. “I'm retired. Slow down.”

For more information on Davis’ fundraiser or info on how to donate, click here.