DEWEYVILLE, Texas — A Southeast Texas man said he is biking with a purpose.
Vietnam Veteran Ricker Ledeaux started his journey Saturday morning in honor of his fellow vets.
It will be about a 1,402-mile trek from Deweyville and finishing in Delaware.
"I have family in Delaware that I'm going to see, so I decided since I'm going there, let's make it beneficial," Ledeaux said. "Let's do it for a reason."
He is doing it to raise awareness for vets and to raise money for the Beaumont Chapter of Veterans of America.
Ricker said he is looking at 21 days for his trip, but said that could change if unforeseen circumstances pop up.
READ MORE | Ricker's Send-Off event on Facebook
Either way, he says it's worth it.
"I meet so many people along the way that say, man, what an inspiration or say I'm going to get a bike or I'm going to get off the couch and take a walk, or I'm going to start eating healthy," he said.
His wife, Patty Ledeaux, said it's a wave of emotions for her when he does this ride every year. She said she prays for safety.
"Seeing him pull out, I'm just waiting for a phone call," Patty said. "That's what I wait for in the afternoons is when he calls me and says hey, I'm at the hotel."
She said this ride has a special meaning.
"To everybody who serves or now serving, I don't want to take credit from anybody," she said. "Just remember our vets."
Ricker said he knows this is for vets just like him.
"If you see a vet on the road somewhere, shake their hand, tell them thanks," Ricker said.
