TOP STORY OF THE DAY: Rider returns to Clay County during 14th trip across America

IVY JACOBS PHOTO - William Galloway, 61, New Jersey, stopped in Clay City to spend the night on Thursday. Galloway is crisscrossing the US to bring about awareness for traumatic brain injuries.

William Galloway is making his 14th tour across America on a recumbent bike to raise brain injury awareness.

He traveled through Brazil during the Christmas in the Park Parade of 2021, stopping long enough to be interviewed by The Brazil Times.

"Over time, it turned into like a 'Forrest Gump' type of thing," said Galloway, who says riding helps him focus and improve his health. "I'm riding to talk about the issues people with traumatic brain injuries face. I have asked for help from the system like many others have, and nobody seems to want to help."

FILE PHOTO - 2021 - This photo was taken in November 2021, when William "Bill Galloway rode through Brazil. Galloway said COVID-19 didn't slow him down, but he wore a mask whenever he had to stop.

Galloway never expected his life to take this turn, but he is passionate about raising awareness for those struggling with traumatic brain injuries.

"There is a true sense of freedom when you are out on the road," said Galloway. "I have learned I don't need much to survive."

Galloway shares his story and learns about others who have experienced something similar.

FILE PHOTO - 2021

"Meeting people, from veterans, firefighter, to parents of a child suffering from a brain injury, and their families say you inspired them," Galloway said. "It chokes you up because you never thought about meeting people like that or being considered an inspiration."

Galloway explained he had to lose everything to find out what was important in life: His health and finding the positive things in life.

Galloway admits that people can be very judgemental.

"I have had the cops called on me," he said during difficult days. "Some people just assume I must be crazy or on drugs."

However, Galloway said the police were generally nice and very helpful when they arrived.

"I stop at many places, and people come up to me, talking about their hometowns, pointing out all the bad points," said Galloway, who admits he always asks them why they still live there if it is so bad. "Why aren't you doing something good to help others if you know there is a problem? Why aren't you making it better?"

Negativity is everywhere, but Galloway wants to hear the positive.

"I am not out here for that reason, to hear about what is bad," said Galloway. "Many people have told me, 'You have got to stop,' and others have said, 'Keep going, don't stop.' I am 62 years old, and that cold air sometimes hits me hard. But, until someone listens, I don't plan on stopping,"

Galloway admits he's looking for a place to settle down. "I will keep on talking. Still, I just haven't found the end of the road yet."

Galloway has a PayPal account and a Facebook page for those who want to learn more about his journey or those wishing to donate to help him continue his adventure; "I just want to keep going."