My name is Erik Gholson Williams.

I am in training to Bicycle from Ground Zero New York City cross country to Los Angeles California in 2012. The beautiful thing about this mission is that I am a C6-7 Quadriplegic and will use a hand propelled bicycle to complete my mission. I am also an aspiring Film Maker Graduated Cal-State University Northridge, 2009. I received my degree in Television Production. I believe that it’s a great opportunity to not only bicycle across America but to create a high quality documentary that can truly inspire the human race. My story is one that has tragedy, doubt, despair, courage, belief, humility, and triumph.

In the last 10 years, I have been rebuilding my life. A big part of the why I could rebuild my life was because of assistance from our government. Programs like Social Security Disability and In-Home Supportive Services and financial aid for my college education. So I decided that I wanted to say “thanks” to our government and give back to them.

Project Love is a bike ride across America to raise money for children that lost their parent’s or have been critically injured in the recent conflicts. The monies raised will go to a Military scholarship fund for those children when ready for college. I’m a father of two daughters Alexis and Jasmihn who have given me the strength to not only rebuild my life but to realize the blessings in my life.

Team Love is going on this journey to inspire the human race in the wonderful gifts that helped me heal my heart from tragedy to triumph. These are the basic elements which I incorporate into my daily life. The first one is LOVE. “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him” John 4:16. After almost dying and fighting to stay alive I have realized that life is about expressing LOVE in the moment. We are not promised tomorrow and I am learning to take the foot steps of life each day in LOVE. The second reason I am riding is the great healer “Forgiveness.” I am learning that forgiveness is such a powerful, amazing gift to give to others and most important ourselves. Third, I ride for “Mercy.” Having compassion in my life towards those around me and those far away from me has truly brought peace in my life. The fourth reason I am riding for is “Grace.” When I began to give in my life I realized that I am helping others through generosity.