BICYCLIST RIDES ACROSS COUNTRY FOR MS DONATIONS

Thomas Beasley has been pedaling his bicycle back and forth across the country for the past 4 1/2 years.

He has traveled about 73,400 miles and is on his 30th trip across the states. Beasley, 27, will be in Cape Girardeau until Monday raising money for multiple sclerosis and to further his trek.

From here, he and his three-member crew are headed to Nashville, Tenn.

Five years ago, a close friend of Beasley's died from Multiple Sclerosis. "We were training together for the Tour de France," Beasley said.

Instead of continuing his training schedule, Beasley decided to start cycling and raising money for MS research. He began riding Jan. 2, 1991, in Anaheim, Calif. His goal is $25,000. To date, he has donated $14,000 to MS.

Fund-raising is slow. Beasley has no sponsors or backers. In addition to raising money for the charity, he must raise money to support himself and his three companions.

The companions, who have been with Beasley about six months, also help. "They really make the trip a lot more fun," he said.

Often businesses donate services or supplies to help further the trip.

For example, the four are staying at the Hampton Inn in Cape Girardeau this weekend.

But people are often suspicious of his fund-raising activities.

"I get turned down a lot," he said.

"I'm not trying to rip anyone off. I tell them if they donate cash, I will use it on the trip. If they want, they can write a check to the national Multiple Sclerosis Society," he said.

Beasley also does yard work in the cities he visits to raise money.

He prefers to solicit contributions in small towns. "People are a lot more down to earth, and they care a lot more."

In cities like Chicago or New York, Beasley has had almost no luck raising money.

He has been to every state except Alaska, Vermont and Michigan. Vermont and Michigan are in the plans for the coming year.

Beasley says he might keep pedaling for another three years. "Then I will be 30 years old. I'll need to figure out what I want to do with my life."

He is considering opening a bicycle shop or planning cycling tours. He has seen a lot of countryside on his journey and thinks he could pick out some fantastic routes for cyclists.

But for now, he will be continue riding his Cannondale mountain bike across the country.