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On October 8, 2010, more than 3,600 miles and 76 days after departing Hermosa Pier, CA, on a beach cruiser bicycle, Kenny Livingston pedaled his way into Washington, DC, completing the mission of his aptly named “Kenny Do It” foundation.

Having never ridden more than 30 miles in a day and training for only three weeks, the 43 year old rock drummer averaged over 60 miles a day on his journey. Livingston began his odyssey on July 24, 2010 with great resolve.

“My goal in this undertaking was to inspire my fellow Americans, through example, in making a commitment to change the way we approach our personal health and lifestyle choices. Moreover, I hope to inspire fellow parents to think harder about the choices they make for their children,” he said of his motivation and driving force behind this mission.

His ride was also designed to raise awareness and support for the healthy school lunch program and cancer research. Livingston’s original destination of Kitty Hawk, NC was extended to Washington due to the overwhelming interest from online followers and cyclists who joined portions of the ride at various points along the journey. “ I chose a beach cruiser bicycle specifically to show people that you don’t need a $9,000 road bike or $400 worth of clothing and accoutrements. All you need is a whole lot of will power, determination and commitment. The ride was a simple metaphor and hopefully people got that. I knew I had to lead by example if anyone was going to take me seriously about all the health issues I am so outspoken about. ”

According to The Cancer Project (cancerproject.org), obesity in children ages 6-19 has tripled over the past two decades. A recent study found that obese children as young as ten have the arteries of an average 45-year-old. Cancer Project dieticians found that most popular packaged meals are high in fat, saturated fat, calories and sodium and contain little or no fiber or healthful fruits and vegetables. Many also contain processed meats, which are linked to increased colorectal cancer risk. In addition, one in three children born in 2000 will develop diabetes at some point in his or her life, according to federal health experts.

“A major contributor to America’s childhood obesity epidemic is a lack of understanding of just what healthy food is and some serious politics. It has little to do with dollars and cents because it is entirely possible to serve our children healthier food for the same amount it currently costs and even less. And by the way, what is the price tag on cancer, diabetes and so many other diseases that stem from poor eating habits and obesity? As a country, we really need to focus on the lives of our children and future generations,” added Livingston on the subject of childhood obesity.

Livingston, husband and father of two young sons, had been following the growing statistics on the downward trend of the health of our country and particularly our children. Compelled to do something about it, Livingston conceived of the idea to ride across the country and, in a grassroots effort, started the journey just eight weeks later. Being the drummer of modern rock band Sugarcult, which has sold over a million albums worldwide, was helpful in gaining Livingston a wealth of online followers on his Facebook page, where he blogged daily about his journey.