Dr. Michael Heisler has been on his bike for miles.
"I'm not a great biker, I'm just a tenacious biker."
And that's why he refused to stop. His goal was 600 miles and the cold, windy weather wasn't going to stand in his way.
"I'm a hard head, I promised people I'd do at least 600 and they promised me they would raise money which they did so I gotta keep my end of the deal."
He rode from South Dakota to Notre Dame to raise money for Andean Health and Development, an organization that serves poor in Ecuador.
"If this bike ride helps us raise money for that, then that's good."
He's raised over $63,000 to help build a hospital facility, but the ride is also a birthday celebration.
"I turn 63 next week, but I don't feel a day older than when I turned 33."
He bikes a lot, but never like this.
"I'm ready to be done, but I'm good."
He said his legs felt great, but the view was even better.
"This country is so spectacular. You get on the back roads and you see America."
That helped pull him through, so did the people he met along the way.
"Everybody's wanting to know where you're going and why you're doing it. Everyone thinking you're out of you're head. (laughs) And of course they're right."
They may think he's crazy, but he proved he could make it as he arrived on the Notre Dame campus Thursday.
"I've been thinking about coming down Notre Dame Avenue for about four days! I have no aches and pains. It's amazing, I am so lucky. I really feel great and I'm ready to go."
You may wonder why Notre Dame was his final destination. Many of the board members of the Andean and Development organization are alumni, including Dr. Heisler. They have a board meeting tomorrow on campus.
If you're interested in finding out more about this organization, or donating to the cause, click here.
