Beavercreek resident to cycle for trees

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BEAVERCREEK — At the end of a driveway leading away from a particular home in Beavercreek is a unique, small design that was once painted on the pavement.

Most probably drive over or walk past that white emblem, which has an arrow form and points out in each direction, without noticing. To those who do happen to see the figure, it probably appears to be a street marking or perhaps the product of a work crew during a past project.

But for Brent Devitt, the man who put it there, that design represents the lifestyle of adventure he’s adopted for himself. He sees it each day as he heads out into the world, typically as he cycles to work (even during the winter).

“That’s a regular reminder that every day is an adventure and a journey,” he said.

When Devitt talks about his plans, he doesn’t classify them as “activities” or “projects.” Instead, in a small rebellion against the popular lexicon, he calls them “adventures.”

“My idea of adventure … is that you don’t have to go to some far-flung place to get adventure,” he said. “You can start right at the end of your driveway.”

During the month of April, he’ll begin and end his next adventure right there at that white emblem. He’ll travel on his trecycle about 260 miles over the course of four days on a circuit from Beavercreek to Cincinnati to Corwin to Bellefontaine and then back to Beavercreek, all on a campaign for trees. It starts April 15.

Over the last few months, Devitt has been raising funds to purchase trees to plant along his route as a sequel to a similar trip he completed during spring 2015. He planted 56 trees during last year’s trip and hopes to raise funds to plant about 50 this year.

Devitt adopted the idea for the adventure in response to the millions of trees that have been killed by the emerald ash borer infestation. His goal is to answer with a trend of his own in new 4-6 foot trees at parks along his route. Some he’ll help to plant. Others will be planted for him. It’s all part of the adventure.

The trip will likely also be about the journey too, as it was on its last iteration.

“It was the beginning of spring and as you traveled north you could just see things opening up,” Devitt said. “The wild flowers were out, wildlife, things I didn’t expect. The focus was going to be on trees and getting there, but I was really, really struck by the nature and the beauty of the whole trip.”

As his tires hit the pavement at the base of his driveway in a few weeks, Devitt can look down at that white, stenciled design and smile, as he’s reminded of all his previous adventures. His newest one will just be beginning.

To donate to Brent Devitt’s tree campaign, visit generosity.com/sports-fundraising/trecycle-2016.

Next month Brent Devitt will embark on a four-day journey to plant trees along his cycling route in Ohio.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2016/03/web1_bike1.jpgNext month Brent Devitt will embark on a four-day journey to plant trees along his cycling route in Ohio. Nathan Pilling | Greene County News

For Brent Devitt, the white design at the end of his driveway is a “regular reminder that every day is an adventure and a journey,” he said.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2016/03/web1_bike2.jpg

For Brent Devitt, the white design at the end of his driveway is a “regular reminder that every day is an adventure and a journey,” he said. Submitted photo

Brent Devitt plants a tree along his 2015 trip route.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2016/03/web1_bike3.jpgBrent Devitt plants a tree along his 2015 trip route. Submitted photo

Brent Devitt on his 2015 trecycle journey.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2016/03/web1_bike4.jpgBrent Devitt on his 2015 trecycle journey. Submitted photo

By Nathan Pilling

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Reach Nathan Pilling at 937-502-4498 or on Twitter @XDGNatePilling.

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