Plank and Bagin To Begin Cross Country Bike Ride This Weekend

PRINCETON, N.J. – Maddie Plank and Charlie Bagin are about to begin a unique journey this weekend.

They're going to ride their bikes across the country.

Not only that, but they're also doing it in support of mental health awareness, something that's very close to both of them.

"Maddie and I are very excited for this trip; we've been thinking about it and talking about it and planning it for about 8 months now," said Bagin. "It's taken on extra meaning now that we've decided to ride for mental health awareness, an issue that we have both been keenly aware of, especially over the last year.

"Upon selecting this amazing cause, I felt so willing and empowered to speak about my mental health struggles and give support to others," stated Plank. "I continue to battle an eating disorder and understand that it's a huge problem in athletics and women everywhere. I hope Charlie and my journey gives hope and provides help to those who need it!"

The two Princeton Basketball players' journey will begin at the Jersey Shore tomorrow. Some other major stopping points on the trip include Pittsburgh, Pa., Wheeling, WV., Iowa City, Iowa, Yellowstone, Wy., and Seattle, Wash. The trip is scheduled to end June 17th in La Push, Wash.

Preparing for a cross country bike ride is not easy.

"In preparation for the trip, I've been trying to stay in the saddle for as long as possible and began adding weight to my bike," specified Plan. "Other than biking, I have been strengthening and stretching parts of my body that will be comprised from thousands of miles on the bike."

"For my training I've been alternating between 30-35 mile rides and longer rides between 55-65 miles," mentioned Bagin. "Over the last couple weeks, I've started to add on some weight to the bike to account for the 40 pounds I'll be carrying for the trip. It has also included a lot of stretching and rolling out at the beginning and ends of rides as well. Recovery will be very important for sustaining consecutive days of long rides."

For more information on Maddie and Charlie's trip, check out their website - https://namicoast2coast.wixsite.com/website/route-details

They also have an Instagram account for their trip - @namicoast2coast

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