A Hudson Valley motorcyclist is embarking on a more than 7,000-mile, solo motorcycle tour from Newburgh to raise money for survivors of domestic violence, and raise awareness to the community epidemic.

Eric Egeland took off Tuesday from Fearless Hudson Valley, Inc. headquarters on Broadway for his first-ever round trip North American motorcycle tour.

“It is going to take every single one of us in the community to raise awareness about the true epidemic of domestic violence, sexual violence and human trafficking in our country, our community and our neighborhood. We are here but cannot do it all without people like Eric,” said Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier, executive director of Fearless! HV.  

Egeland approached the antiviolence nonprofit earlier this year with the concept of a “Fearless Adventure,” which has already exceeded its goal and is expected to now raise upwards of $15,000 to support the cause.

A ceremonial send off, including Fearless’ directors, staff, volunteers and community members, was held before his monthlong ride began.

Egeland will travel north, crossing five Canadian provinces, before arriving back on U.S. soil in Seattle, Washington. His return trip includes stops in Oregon, Idaho, Colorado,  Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The entire round trip is estimated to be 7,488 miles, representing one mile for each person Fearless! served in 2022.

According to the National Coalition of Domestic Violence, 31.7% of New York women and 29% of New York men experience intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner sexual violence and/or intimate partner stalking in their lifetimes.  

Locally, Fearless! answered 11,821 crisis hotline calls in 2022 providing confidential safety planning, access to support services, resources, information, referrals, and more. Calls to Fearless! HV hotlines have increased on average 33% over the past five years.

To follow Egeland’s journey, visit: Capacity Marketing.

If someone you know is experiencing abuse in Orange and Sullivan counties 24/7 support is available by calling 845-562-5340 or by chat at fearlesshv.org/webchat.